Are you ready to lead a critical housing service and make a real difference to people facing homelessness? Braintree District Council has an exciting Accommodation Manager opportunity!

Location: Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB

Salary: £48,945 – £53,082 per annum

Job Type: Full time, Fixed term contract for 2 years

Why choose Braintree District Council?

Braintree is an ambitious forward-thinking Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.

Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.

Accommodation Manager – The Role:

You will lead the Council's Accommodation Service, overseeing Temporary Accommodation, Private Rented Sector access and accommodation procurement. You will provide strong operational leadership, managing placements, provider performance and contracts to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and deliver sustainable housing outcomes. Working with partners, providers and internal teams, you will drive service improvements, ensure value for money, and support people to move into long-term, secure housing. You will lead a small dedicated team and act as the escalation point for complex cases and operational risks.

Accommodation Manager – Key Responsibilities:

– Lead operational delivery of the Accommodation Service, setting targets and performance measures, and monitor team performance using data to drive continuous improvement

– Oversee allocation and management of all temporary accommodation placements, including emergency activity, ensuring statutory compliance and minimising bed and breakfast use

– Monitor provider performance and contract compliance, taking action to address underperformance and maintain effective working relationships

– Lead case review activity on high-cost placements to reduce expenditure and support procurement of a cost-effective accommodation portfolio

– Work collaboratively across internal teams and external partners to develop move-on pathways and deliver coordinated accommodation solutions

– Ensure consistent, lawful decision-making in line with homelessness legislation and maintain health and safety standards across all accommodation

Accommodation Manager – You:

– Experience of working within a housing or accommodation service, including Temporary Accommodation

– Strong operational leadership skills, with the ability to manage performance and deliver results

– Experience of working with external providers, landlords or partners

– The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

– A sound understanding of homelessness legislation and accommodation duties

– Strong communication, negotiation and partnership working skills are essential

Benefits:

– Hybrid working with at least 3 days per week in the office

– Competitive pay and benefits package

– Flexible working arrangements

– Free parking

– Local Government Pension Scheme

– Learning and development opportunities

– Employee discounts at local businesses

– Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership

– Employee recognition schemes

Closing date for receipt of completed applications: Midnight on Monday 29 June 2026

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026

To submit your CV for this exciting Accommodation Manager opportunity, click Apply today!