Interim Director of Housing Standards, Assets & Investment

Interim Director of Housing Standards, Assets & Investment

Local Authority
Central London (Hybrid)
£900 per day

Westminster City Council is seeking an experienced local‑authority housing Director to undertake the role of Interim Director of Housing Standards, Assets & Investment, providing strategic leadership, assurance and judgement across one of the most complex and visible housing portfolios in the UK public sector.

This is a senior Director‑level local authority role and is explicitly strategic - not operational. The Council is looking for someone who has previously held Director‑level accountability within a local authority housing environment and can operate confidently at the Executive, Cabinet and political interface.

The Context

This interim appointment provides leadership continuity across the housing standards, assets and investment portfolio during a critical period. The role is not a project, programme, or consultancy assignment - it requires credible statutory leadership, sound decision‑making and the confidence to operate at the most senior levels of a politically sensitive organisation.

The Role of Interim Director of Housing Standards, Assets & Investment:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Housing & Commercial Partnerships, you will be a key member of the Housing Leadership Team with responsibility for strategic oversight of housing standards, compliance, asset management and investment.

You will lead a workforce of c.160 staff (up to 7 direct reports) and oversee services affecting approximately 22,000 council homes, alongside significant revenue and capital investment programmes.

Key Accountabilities

• Director‑level leadership of housing standards, assets and investment within a local authority
• Strategic accountability for building safety, fire safety, regulation and statutory compliance
• Ownership of the council's housing asset strategy, long‑term investment planning and major works programmes
• Strategic oversight of repairs, remedial works, mechanical & electrical services, damp and mould remediation
• Leadership of temporary accommodation property assets and supply strategy
• Development and delivery of the council's net zero carbon pathway across the housing estate
• Driving commercial value through procurement, contract management and performance assurance
• Embedding data‑led quality, audit, assurance and organisational learning
• Acting as a trusted adviser to Members, Cabinet and Corporate Leadership
• Ensuring a strong resident‑centred approach to decision‑making and service design

Scale & Complexity

• Repairs & Maintenance: c. £23m revenue / c. £20m capital
• Major Works: £315m (5‑year HRA Business Plan)
• Staffing budget: c. £7m
• Responsibility for TA property portfolio and associated investment activity

About You

This role will suit an individual who can clearly demonstrate:

• Director‑level experience within a local authority (essential)
• Senior leadership of housing standards, housing assets, compliance and investment
• Strong working knowledge of housing regulation, building safety and governance
• Experience operating at Executive and Member level in politically complex environments
• Leadership of large, multi‑disciplinary teams and substantial budgets
• Ability to provide assurance, stability and confidence during periods of transition
• A values‑led, resident‑focused leadership style

Contract Details for the role of Interim Director of Housing Standards, Assets & Investment:

• Interim assignment
• £900 per day
• Central London location with hybrid working (c.3 days per week on site)
• Initial duration expected late May to mid‑August

Why This Role Is Different

This is not a routine interim assignment. It is a rare opportunity to step into a true statutory Director role at one of London's most high‑profile councils, where judgement, credibility and political awareness matter as much as technical housing expertise.

If you have previously operated as a Director within a local authority housing environment and are interested in discussing this interim opportunity, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Please apply or contact Nikki Kinsey, Group Director, at Sellick Partnership, to discuss suitability before submission.