Project Manager Level 1 (Selective Licensing)

The City Council is looking for a temporary Selective Licensing Project Manager on a 12-month contract. The successful candidate will review Manchester’s current Selective Licensing programme and contribute to our future plan for improving the safety, quality, and management of privately rented homes.

About us:

Manchester is on a mission to ensure our residents have the homes that they want and need. The Council’s new Housing Strategy, launched last year, sets out our long-term vision to meet the housing demands of our growing city while contributing to its economic recovery and sustainability goals. Over the past two decades, Manchester has experienced unprecedented growth, attracting more residents and workers than ever before. To keep up with this demand, we’re building more new properties than we have in over a decade, creating diverse, vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods.

In addition to this a primary objective of the Housing Strategy is to enhance the safety, quality, and management of private rented sector homes in Manchester. To achieve this goal, we are committed to sustaining, expanding and evolving our Selective Licensing program. This program is instrumental in elevating the standards within the private rented sector; creating safer and healthier neighbourhoods where people want to live. As a Selective Licensing Project Manager, your role will be pivotal in driving these improvements and ensuring that Manchester’s private rented sector becomes a model of excellence.

About Selective Licensing:

Selective Licensing is a licence scheme, which requires all private landlords operating within a designated area to license any privately rented property within that area. The license designation period lasts for 5 years and will include statutory and general conditions aimed at ensuring licensed properties are safe, meet basic standards and they are managed in a satisfactory way.

We have introduced selective licensing in areas where there’s one or more of these issues:

– A low demand for houses – with few people wanting to live there

– Significant and persistent problems with antisocial behaviour

– Houses that are in a poor condition

– People only renting houses for a short period of time.

– High levels of crime.

Manchester introduced its first selective licensing scheme for a considerable number of years in 2017 and since then has pursued a rolling programme of Selective Licensing which has encompassed almost 4,000 privately rented homes so far, across three phases.

Your Role:

You will be part of a dynamic team that is committed to creating a safer, more desirable private rented sector in Manchester. You will be expected to undertake a 12-month review of Selective Licensing in Manchester which will include:

– Conducting a comprehensive review of our existing Selective Licensing schemes, identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement.

– Collecting and analysing data and intelligence to inform the selection of new licensing areas.

– Considering the full range of licensing options and undertaking an options appraisal in order to make recommendations.

– Developing those recommendations so that they contribute to the city’s future approach to enhancing the safety, quality, and management of private rented sector homes in Manchester.

– Providing support across other areas of the Selective Licensing programme as required.

Why Join Us?

Make a meaningful impact: Your work will directly contribute to improving housing conditions and communities in Manchester.

Professional development: We support our team members’ growth and offer opportunities for career advancement.

Collaborative environment: You’ll work with a passionate team dedicated to our mission.

Work-Life Balance: We value our employees’ well-being and offer flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications:

– A passion for housing management and community development.

– A strategic mindset which utilises strong analytical and research skills.

– Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

– Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently when necessary.

– Knowledge of housing legislation and licensing regulations is a plus, but not a necessity

Why Manchester?

Manchester is often ranked as one of the best cities in the world to live, highly rated for its ‘nightlife’, ‘creativity’, ‘community spirit’, ‘friendliness’ and ‘getting to know your neighbours’. We are home to the UK’s largest indoor arena, its second largest international airport, major sporting venues, great public transport options, and is right in the heart of the nation’s motorway network. On our doorstep are National Parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and stunning coastlines. Within the City, our 600,000 residents live in every kind of housing from modern residential skyscrapers, traditional Victorian terraced neighbourhoods, to leafy suburban districts. This role involves blended / hybrid working. You may be able to work from home or remotely some of the time, or for certain tasks or limited days or hours. For the remainder of the time, you will be required to work at council sites or offices. This will depend on your role’s responsibilities and your personal circumstances.

About the Candidate

Selective Licensing Project Manager – If you are passionate about making a difference in Manchester’s communities and improving our city’s housing, we want to hear from you.

About You:

As a Selective Licensing Project Manager, you are the driving force behind our mission to improve the safety, quality and management of privately rented homes in the city. We’re looking for someone who:

– Initiates Action: You’re a self-starter who thrives on taking the lead and getting things done.

– Collaborates well: Working as part of a team and with partners across Manchester, and beyond, is essential. You will bring your unique skills and ideas to the table, contributing to our collective success.

– Analytical Abilities: You are skilled in collecting and dissecting information, recognising opportunities and addressing challenges.

– Has Market Insight: You understand the complex, polarised nature of Manchester’s private rented sector and are ready to take on the challenge.

What You’ll Do:

– Project Management: You’ll assist in planning, executing, and managing a review of the Selective Licensing programme in Manchester – from initiation to completion.

– Team Player: Collaborate closely with residents, landlords, City Council colleagues and other partners to actively contribute to the project’s success.

– Strategic Thinking: You will actively contribute to the formulation, assessment and execution of strategic initiatives that will shape future organisational plans around Selective Licensing and the management of the private rented sector

– Effectively Communicate: You can understand & respect diverse viewpoints and effectively communicates with a pragmatic and professional approach – including via well structure written reports.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re excited about the prospect of improving the safety, quality, and management of privately rented homes in Manchester and possess the qualifications and enthusiasm we’re seeking, we invite you to take action. Send us your CV and a cover letter showcasing your relevant experience and your passion for housing.

If you require any further information, please contact Henry Tomsett at henry.tomsett@manchester.gov.uk

Apply here.