Allocation Service Manager

Lead access to housing. Drive performance. Deliver outcomes.

Hillingdon Council is recruiting an exceptional Allocations Service Manager to lead a critical part of our Housing Needs & Homelessness service.

This is a pivotal operational leadership role at the front door to housing, overseeing access to social housing and driving performance across allocations, lettings, housing advice and quality assurance.

You will play a key role in managing demand, improving housing outcomes and delivering Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) priorities, ensuring fair, efficient and resident-focused services across the borough.

Working within a fast-paced environment, you will bring strong leadership and operational oversight to improve performance, strengthen prevention activity and maximise access to housing at scale. 

You will lead the Allocations service across the housing register, lettings, housing advice and quality assurance functions, ensuring strong operational performance and improved outcomes for residents.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing high-performing frontline housing teams
• Managing allocations, lettings and housing advice services
• Ensuring services are fair, transparent, legally compliant and resident-focused
• Strengthening prevention and early intervention through effective front door services
• Maintaining operational oversight across workflows, triage, caseloads and service performance
• Embedding strong governance, compliance and quality assurance standards
• Using data and performance insight to identify issues and drive improvement
• Supporting MTFS delivery through effective prevention activity and maximising access to housing supply
• Building strong partnerships internally and externally to improve housing outcomes

This is a fast-paced leadership role requiring strong operational grip, confident decision-making and a clear focus on delivery.

About You

We are looking for a confident, delivery-focused leader who can take ownership and drive service performance within a demanding frontline environment.

You will bring:

• Experience leading allocations, housing advice or frontline housing services
• Strong knowledge of housing legislation, allocations policy and governance
• A track record of improving operational performance and resident outcomes
• Experience managing demand, complexity and operational pressures
• Strong leadership, organisational and decision-making skills
• The ability to drive accountability and continuous improvement

We want leaders who:

• Deliver results and take ownership
• Thrive in fast-paced, high-demand environments
• Build strong working partnerships
• Are committed to improving outcomes for residents

What You Can Expect

• A key operational leadership role with visible impact
• The opportunity to shape and improve housing access and allocations services
• A central role in delivering MTFS and transformation priorities
• Strong leadership support and development opportunities
• Flexible and modern working arrangements

Why Hillingdon

Hillingdon is a stable, ambitious council investing in housing services and leadership to meet demand and deliver better outcomes for residents and communities. 

If you are ready to lead, deliver and make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact: [email protected]

• 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.  
  

• Basic DBS Check
• 2 years of Referencing