Disrepair Manager – AR

Job Details

Job Title

Disrepair Manager

Service Area

Housing / Repairs & Maintenance

Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage the Council’s Disrepair Service, ensuring the timely, effective, and cost-efficient resolution of housing disrepair cases across the borough’s housing stock. The role is responsible for minimising the Council’s legal and financial exposure through proactive case management, while ensuring residents live in safe, decent homes and the Council meets its statutory housing obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Service Leadership & Case Management

  • Lead the delivery of the Council’s Disrepair Service, ensuring disrepair claims are managed efficiently from identification through to resolution.
  • Proactively manage disrepair cases to minimise escalation, legal challenge, and associated costs.
  • Ensure cases are resolved promptly, cost-effectively, and to the satisfaction of residents.
  • Maintain oversight of the disrepair programme to reduce financial and legal risk to the Council.

Legal & Statutory Compliance

  • Ensure all Legal Disrepair procedures are followed in line with Council policy and statutory requirements.
  • Work closely with Legal Services to manage disrepair claims, litigation risk, and pre-action protocols.
  • Ensure the Council fulfils its statutory obligations in relation to housing conditions, with particular focus on damp, mould, and building safety.
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes and procedures to reduce claim volumes and resolution times.

Financial Management & Risk Control

  • Manage disrepair activity in a way that controls expenditure and minimises compensation and legal costs.
  • Ensure effective use of resources within the Disrepair Service.
  • Monitor trends and risks within disrepair cases and implement preventative measures.

Staff Management & Supervision

  • Line manage and supervise one Litigation Officer and two Disrepair Surveyors.
  • Ensure workloads are effectively managed and aligned to service priorities.
  • Support staff development and ensure professional standards are maintained.

Partnership & Stakeholder Management

  • Work closely with the Repairs Partnering Team to coordinate inspections, repair works, and contractor performance.
  • Liaise with external contractors to ensure repairs are completed to the required standard and within agreed timescales.
  • Maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including Legal Services and Housing teams.

Information & Records Management

  • Ensure accurate and up-to-date repair histories are maintained for all disrepair cases.
  • Oversee case records to ensure they are robust and defensible in the event of legal challenge.

Key Outcomes

  • Reduced legal exposure and disrepair-related claims
  • Faster resolution of disrepair cases
  • Improved housing conditions and tenant satisfaction
  • Strong compliance with housing legislation and legal procedures
  • Effective and well-managed Disrepair Service