In Thanet we are doing things differently. We are proactively tackling the shortage of affordable housing in our district and taking control. We’ve backed up our aspiration to build and acquire at least 400 homes before 2027 by seizing the initiative in a difficult market. So far we have acquired/planned to build over 340 homes in our Housing Revenue Account. We have acquired and planned for a further 30 for Temporary Accommodation (TA), and we have set about increasing the number of TA homes available to us so that no one has to be placed outside of our district. And there’s plenty more to come. We are building relationships with developers and working closely with colleagues who will maintain and manage these buildings. Who are you? We’re looking for someone who has: Ambition that matches ours Experience in spotting an opportunity Sound communications skills The ability to take ownership of the acquisition process Experience in inspecting homes for quality of construction/ease of living. With a background in property, local government or the social housing sector, and having related qualifications, you will understand why councils are intervening in the housing market and acquiring properties and land. You will be at the forefront of identifying opportunities, negotiating with developers and ensuring the smooth handover of those homes to our operations team. Main duties Support the Acquisitions Manager and finance colleagues in the production and review of business cases and feasibility studies for properties in the Council’s pipeline Act as an ambassador with agents and developers to encourage further opportunities for the Council to intervene in the market and unlock site delivery Assist on compliance-related matters to ensure the safe handover of all acquired off-plan, section 106 and ‘buy-back’ homes Regularly attend site meetings with developers and employers’ agents, working with internal and external partners and providing regular updates to the Acquisitions Manager, the Strategic Housing Manager and the Head of Housing & Planning Services Assist in aspects of contract management and budget monitoring to ensure value for money across all acquisitions Keep project management records up to date, monitoring risk analyses, project plans and computer records, ensuring a full audit trail for decisions and that information is properly filed and organised Tasks will include Acting opportunistically, but alongside colleagues from registered providers (RPs) to source many leads for the Council to acquire land and properties; in order to deliver affordable housing, easing the pressure on its temporary accommodation spend and housing register waiting list Considering energy efficiency in all new acquisitions Taking a holistic approach to how homes will be maintained or managed when they become Thanet District Council’s and liaising with relevant colleagues in the Council - across directorates - to ensure that the handover from developer to Housing to operational teams is seamless Taking responsibility for your own work, performance, development and behaviours, using your own initiative to ensure that expectations are met Putting the customer at the heart of all that the Council does. For more information about this post please contact Mark James - Strategic Housing Manager mark.jamesthanet.gov.uk