Principal Manager

Principal Manager, Housing Options

Help Shape the Future of Housing in Salford

Housing is at the heart of our ambitions for a fairer, greener and more inclusive Salford.

Following the establishment of our dedicated Housing Directorate within Place, and with a newly appointed Director of Housing and Head of Housing Options leading the service forward, we are investing in strong leadership to help drive the next phase of improvement, innovation and impact.

We are now looking for an exceptional Principal Manager, Housing Options to join our senior management team and play a pivotal role in preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable residents and delivering high-quality housing options services across the city.

This is an opportunity to influence strategic direction, lead service transformation and help create lasting positive outcomes for some of Salford's most vulnerable households.

Why This Role Matters

Every day, our Housing Options service supports residents facing some of life's most challenging circumstances.

As Principal Manager, you will play a leading role in:

• Preventing and relieving homelessness across the city.
• Ensuring residents have access to high-quality housing advice and support.
• Developing innovative housing solutions that improve outcomes and promote independence.
• Building effective partnerships that strengthen support for vulnerable residents.
• Driving continuous improvement and ensuring services remain responsive to changing needs and legislation.
• Developing a high-performing, motivated and customer-focused workforce.

Your leadership will directly contribute to stronger communities, better resident outcomes and delivery of the council's wider ambitions for Salford.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Head of Housing Options, you will support the strategic and operational leadership of the service whilst overseeing day-to-day delivery across a complex and high-profile area.

You will:

• Lead and manage Housing Options teams to deliver excellent customer-focused services.
• Ensure statutory homelessness duties are delivered effectively, consistently and in line with legislation and best practice.
• Drive service improvement, performance and innovation across all areas of Housing Options.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships across housing, health, social care, voluntary sector organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Identify new approaches, funding opportunities and housing solutions that improve outcomes for residents.
• Lead, coach and develop staff, creating a culture where colleagues feel valued, empowered and able to perform at their best.
• Support the Head of Housing Options in shaping future service delivery and responding to emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Represent the service on local, regional and national forums.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced housing professional who combines operational excellence with strategic thinking and inspirational leadership.

You will bring:

• Significant experience within housing options, homelessness or a related housing service.
• Strong knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation, policy and best practice.
• A proven ability to lead teams and deliver high-quality customer-focused services.
• Experience driving service improvement, transformation and performance management.
• Excellent communication, influencing and partnership-building skills.
• The ability to analyse complex information and translate it into effective service delivery.
• A commitment to developing people, building capability and creating positive team cultures.
• A passion for improving outcomes for residents and communities.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will help us achieve:

• Outstanding housing options services that residents can trust.
• Reduced homelessness and improved housing outcomes.
• Stronger partnership working across the city and beyond.
• Innovative service delivery that responds to changing challenges and opportunities.
• A high-performing workforce that feels supported, valued and motivated.
• Better outcomes for residents through a preventative, person-centred approach.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting time to join Housing in Salford.

With housing now established as a dedicated service within the Place Directorate, clear strategic leadership from our Director of Housing, and a newly appointed Head of Housing Options driving forward ambitious plans for the future, you'll have the opportunity to help shape and influence a service with a clear sense of purpose and direction.

You'll join a values-driven organisation committed to delivering excellent services, supporting professional development and making a meaningful difference to residents' lives.

Together, we'll create housing solutions that change lives and strengthen communities across Salford.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more, please contact and we will be happy to assist.

What we need from you if you are invited to interview:

• Passport/ID - You will be required to provide original documentation confirming your right to work in the UK. Successful candidates will also be required to provide proof of address.
• Qualifications/registrations – if applicable for the role

Want to know more about Salford?

As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.

Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. You'll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you on our Salford pages!

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