Job Description

HRA Interim Senior Lead – Compliance (Grade 7)

Somerset Council

Location: Deane Depot, Taunton, Somerset (TA21 9AD)

Working Pattern: Hybrid (typically 2 days remote, 3 days office-based)

Contract: Initial 3-month contract with potential extension

Hours: 37 hours per week

Rate: £515 per day (Umbrella – Paystream, Sapphire or NASA)

The Role

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Interim Senior Lead – Compliance to manage and lead the property compliance service across its housing portfolio.

The role is responsible for ensuring that all statutory and regulatory compliance requirements are met across multiple sites, safeguarding residents and protecting the Council from operational, legal, and reputational risk.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead the delivery of property compliance services across housing, ensuring adherence to legislation, policy, and best practice. This includes oversight of safety areas such as fire, gas, electrical, water (Legionella), asbestos, lifts, and building safety.

The post holder will provide leadership within the Directorate, contribute to strategic planning and risk management, and ensure that compliance services are efficient, effective, and continuously improving.

You will manage compliance-related contracts, budgets, audits, and reporting processes, ensuring that robust systems are in place and that all required inspections and actions are completed within agreed timescales.

The role also involves advising senior leadership and elected Members, managing key stakeholder relationships, and overseeing contractor performance to ensure services are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

You will lead and develop specialist teams, supporting performance management, training, and service improvement, while maintaining a strong focus on customer outcomes and regulatory compliance.

About You

You will have significant experience managing property safety compliance within a social housing or local authority environment, with a strong understanding of relevant legislation, building regulations, and health and safety requirements.

You will bring proven leadership skills, including managing teams, budgets, and contracts, as well as the ability to drive service improvement and deliver results in a complex, regulated environment.

You will be a confident communicator, able to engage with senior stakeholders, provide clear advice, and present complex information in an accessible manner.

Relevant qualifications such as NEBOSH, asbestos (P405), or Legionella (P901) are essential, alongside evidence of continued professional development. Membership of IOSH, BOHS, or a relevant professional body is desirable.

Additional Information

The role involves regular travel across Somerset and site inspections, including working in varied environments. Participation in an emergency response rota may be required.

Apply

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a high-impact leadership role within Somerset Council, contributing to the safety and compliance of a large and diverse housing portfolio