Head of Repairs

Provide leadership and management of repairs teams including planning and administration, DLO, customer feedback team, surveyors and contract management.

Purpose of the role:

- To deliver a high-quality repairs service to the residents of Homes for Haringey and council public buildings, meeting organisational customer satisfaction and operational targets.

- To ensure that a positive Health and Safety culture exists and all relevant legislation especially the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related Approved Codes of Conduct are adhered to by staff and contractors.

- Working with the Director or Repairs and Maintenance and other directorate staff, to deliver and manage the company’s strategy for the Repairs service including maximising the in-house delivery model where it offers value for money and other service benefits.

- To be accountable for activities and spend related to delivery of an effective and reliable repairs service across the property portfolio, including residential and non-residential buildings.

- To ensure that directly employed staff delivering the repairs service meet strategic objectives and commercial targets, to deliver a reliable and VFM service.

- To ensure that on-going performance management of external contractors used to deliver the Homes for Haringey repairs service meets all regulatory, corporate and performance standards.

- To assist in promoting a culture within the repairs team which ensures that Homes for Haringey’s vision and values are achieved working across Property and Neighbourhood services to deliver a seamless service to our residents.

- To undertake robust financial and budget management and monitoring to ensure that services are delivered within budget and can demonstrate value for money.

- To use analytics to drive performance improvements.

- Working closely with all departments and residents to modernise and ensure that the repairs service is effective and efficient.

- A member of the Haringey Repairs Service Management team, ensuring the delivery of Homes for Haringey’s vision, values, and strategic objectives - providing clear direction; support, guidance, coaching; and effective leadership within the HRS management team. Provide occasional cover for the Repairs and Maintenance Director as needed from time to time.

Experience and knowledge:

1. Proven track record in managing repair services across a large and complex property portfolio.
2. Strong working knowledge of legislation, compliance and regulatory obligations in respect of repair services.
3. A track record in delivering a repairs services setting including substantial experience of managing direct labour teams and subcontractors.
4. Extensive experience of developing robust reporting and data frameworks and using trade software packages to ensure effective repair services.
5. Strong experience of contract management, holding external contractors to account for performance and VFM.
6. Strong experience of managing health and safety within a repairs environment
7. Experience of programming and managing complex repair works, ensuring efficiency, and being aware of customer preferences.
8. Strong financial and commercial acumen, used to managing budgets.
9. A track record of collaborative working as part of a management team.
10. Relevant professional qualification, and membership of a professional body, or equivalent work experience.

Skills and abilities:

1. An experienced manager, with the ability to engage, coach, and implement change.
2. Ability to engage and use a variety of communication methods with all levels including internal and external stakeholders.
3. Experience of providing professional and coherent reports to a variety of audiances.
4. Ability to translate strategic objectives into operational activities and deliver on the same.
5. Has political nous, and an awareness of operating in a political environment.
6. Ability to identify and manage risks and make sound judgements, while not being risk averse.
7. Influence and negotiating skills, effective in getting buy-in and support for change.