We are recruiting for a Transformation Portfolio Manager, to lead the Housing Options and Homelessness Division (HOH) transformation programme.
Fixed Term Contract for 22 months
About Tower Hamlets and the Housing Options and Homelessness Division
Tower Hamlets is diverse and vibrant borough in the heart of London. Tower Hamlets Council has big ambitions to improve the lives of the 332,000 residents that call our borough home.
The Housing Options and Homelessness Division (HOH) aims to prevention homelessness and rough sleeping and secure suitable homes for residents with housing needs. We are responsible for homelessness prevention, rough sleeping, temporary accommodation (TA), housing options and advice, the housing register for social homes and a range of related support services.
Last year, we supported nearly 2,500 residents who applied as homeless and currently house over 3,000 homeless households in temporary accommodation. But demand for our homelessness service and social housing register is rising, driving increasing pressure on the council’s finances. Without urgent change, these pressures will lead to significant risk to the council’s financial sustainability.
About the HOH Transformation Programme
Tower Hamlets has embarked on an ambitious transformation programme for the Housing Option and Homelessness (HOH) division and we’re looking for people to help make this change happen.
This transformation programme is moving the service from managing crisis to preventing homelessness, which will include redesigning how we work so residents get the right help when they need it. We are building a prevention focused, data driven and trauma informed service to improve outcomes for residents and build a more joined-up and rewarding working environment.
We have just finished Phase 1 of the programme and looking to expand the team for Phase 2 of the programme. Alongside a restructure we are redesigning services, improving the resident experience, strengthening the leadership and culture, using insights and data intelligence to support better monitoring and decision making and embed new ways of working across the service.
If you want to work on complex and high impact challenges in the public sector that have real life benefits to residents and staff, we’d love you to apply.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-profile transformation programme that can have a real impact on the lives of Tower Hamlets residents. As Transformation Portfolio Manager you will have responsibility for the full transformation programme and all workstreams and projects. This is a large, complex programme and you will and you will be leading it, providing strategic oversight and ensure the programme remains focused on delivery the mission and vision of the transformation.
You with take ownership for ensuring programme activities are delivered, the programme is kept on track and senior leaders across the council are kept up to date on progress and changes. This includes working with colleagues in transformation, finance and other stakeholders to ensure the programme benefits are delivered.
About you
- We are looking for someone with a track record of delivering complex transformation programmes, preferably in a local government context
- You will have outstanding programme management capabilities and will be excellent at building relationships at all levels of the organisation.
- You’ll be confident to support the different workstream leads and provide supportive challenge as required – from service design to data and insights – you bring a broad range of experience and knowledge
- Experience of Housing Options and Homelessness would be a real plus
- This role is hybrid, with an expectation that you will be in our Whitechapel office three days a week
Our Benefits
- Competitive salary £73,266 - £78,090
- Local Government Pension Scheme membership
- Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas
- Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance
- Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.
Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.
As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.
