Interim Head of Rents and Service Charges

Are you an experienced Social Housing leader with strong technical knowledge of rent setting? Have you successfully managed and developed operational teams, building trust and improving performance? Are you available at short notice for an interim assignment?

Robertson Bell is recruiting an Interim Head of Rents and Service Charges for a large Housing Association seeking experienced leadership during a period of transition. This is a hands-on management assignment where the immediate priority is to provide stability, support and direction to an established team. The successful candidate will combine a thorough understanding of Social Housing rent-setting requirements with the interpersonal skills to build credibility quickly, understand existing operations and lead from the front.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing visible, supportive leadership to an established team of rents and service charge professionals, including experienced managers.
• Building strong working relationships, developing team capability and maintaining morale and performance during a period of change.
• Overseeing rent-setting activities, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, policies and tenancy arrangements.
• Providing technical guidance on complex rent-related matters and supporting the delivery of annual rent reviews.
• Maintaining effective oversight of service charge operations, drawing on the specialist expertise already available within the team.
• Reviewing existing processes and working practices, identifying practical improvements while maintaining operational continuity.
• Working closely with senior leadership to manage priorities, resolve challenges and ensure an effective transition to permanent leadership.

This is an initial 3–6 month assignment, operating inside IR35, with hybrid working requiring two days per week in office.

To be considered, please meet these criteria:

• Significant experience in Social Housing rents, with strong technical knowledge of rent setting, including the Rent Standard and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Proven people management experience, with a track record of supporting, coaching and developing teams.
• Experience operating at Head of Service or senior management level within a Housing Association or comparable housing provider.
• A hands-on, approachable leadership style, with the ability to establish trust and credibility quickly.
• A sound understanding of service charge operations, although deep technical specialism in this area is not essential.
• The confidence to work with established teams, understand their challenges and provide effective leadership without unnecessary disruption.
• Availability to start at short notice.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so please apply ASAP if this opportunity is of interest.