Head of Allocation and Accommodation Services
London Borough of Hillingdon
About the role
Lead with impact. Shape housing access. Transform delivery.
Hillingdon Council is seeking an outstanding Head of Allocations & Accommodation to lead one of our most critical and high-profile housing services.
This is a pivotal leadership role at the centre of the housing system, owning access to housing, accommodation supply and placements across the borough. You will drive performance, deliver transformation and play a key role in achieving our Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and improving outcomes for residents.
We are modernising our services, strengthening governance and reshaping how we deliver housing. This is your opportunity to lead change at scale and build a high-performing, modern service.
As Head of Allocations & Accommodation, you will lead the end-to-end housing system, from front door and allocations through to accommodation supply and placements, ensuring fair, efficient and resident-focused services at scale.
You will:
- Lead and develop a high-performing allocations and accommodation service
- Increase housing supply and improve system flow across services
- Maximise move-on into settled accommodation
- Drive operational performance aligned with housing strategy and corporate priorities
- Lead transformation and continuous improvement activity
- Oversee MTFS delivery, financial performance and cost control
- Reduce reliance on temporary accommodation
- Embed strong governance, policy compliance and quality standards
- Strengthen partnerships and housing pathways across the wider system
This is a senior leadership role operating within a fast-paced and highly complex environment, balancing demand, supply, finance and performance while delivering large-scale service transformation.
About You
We are looking for a credible, driven and resilient leader who can deliver results at pace.
You will bring:
- Significant experience leading allocations, accommodation or wider housing services
- A strong track record of driving operational performance and service transformation
- Experience managing demand pressures, housing supply and financial challenges
- Deep knowledge of housing legislation, allocations frameworks and governance requirements
- Strong leadership skills with experience leading large teams and influencing across systems and partnerships
- Excellent communication, strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
We want leaders who:
- Take ownership and deliver outcomes
- Thrive in high-demand and complex environments
- Build strong partnerships and lead with confidence
- Are committed to improving services and outcomes for residents
What You Can Expect
- A senior leadership role with borough-wide impact
- The opportunity to shape and modernise housing services
- A key role in delivering MTFS and system-wide improvements
- Strong corporate support and collaborative leadership
- Flexible and modern working arrangements
- Ongoing development and progression opportunities
Why Hillingdon
Hillingdon is a stable, ambitious and well-led council with a clear vision for housing and resident services.
We are investing in our housing services and leadership because we understand the importance of getting this right for residents, communities and the future of the borough.
If you are ready to lead, transform and deliver meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion, please contact: [email protected]
About us
- We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
- Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
- Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
- Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
- Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
- Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.
The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:- Basic DBS Check
- 2 years of Referencing
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.