You will be responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of the council’s individual and communal heating servicing and repair contract to approximately 8,000 dwellings, covering the Stevenage area. In addition, you will also have responsibility for the management of the council’s water hygiene contract.

The right candidate for this role will be results focused, ensuring the service is delivered to meet contractual timescales and key performance indicators. You will also deliver great customer service to our residents and through effective communication and going the extra mile.

You will have experience of people management, both colleague and contractor, within a maintenance services environment is also essential – particularly the ability to inspire, motivate and engage your team to deliver results.

This role will suit an experienced manager with technical expertise and knowledge of current gas and water legislation, with a strong focus upon compliance and health and safety.

Organisational position

Key tasks, duties, responsibilities and accountabilities of the post

Operational

• Manage the delivery of the servicing and repairs programmes for gas and legionella safety.
• Manage contracts and ensure a robust audit is carried out of the service provided, implementing and managing any subsequent improvement actions required.
• Identify and monitor potential risks within programmes and take appropriate preventative steps to reduce risks to the council, including court action under the environmental protection act legislation.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety requirements for gas and legionella.
• Keep up to date on legislation and best practice and implement changes policies and procedures as required.

 

Contract Administration

• Carry out the full range of contract administration duties in relation to works procured under JCT, TPC and other forms of contract.
• Validate the programme and planning of the work elements to show actual progress against the planned programme.
• Liaise with the service provider and other partners to ensure that programmes are completed on time.
• Set benchmarks to monitor progress, to identify whether or not the project is on target to finish on time and within budget.
• Ensure KPI’s contained within the contract are being met and adhered to.
• Ensure that control measures are in place to address deficiencies in compliance with the KPI’s.
• Request and implement payment adjustments as required by the terms of the contract.

 

Budget Management

• Be responsible for a budget currently in excess of £1 million per annum by financial planning and monitoring of the project.
• Prevent over spend by regular forecasting, keeping the team and managers informed of forecasts and any changes.
• Establish actual costs for both provisional, contingency and works using prime cost sums, unplanned construction work or resources which may be needed, and keeping sufficient sums set-aside for this.
• Certify valuations and ensure payments are made to the service provider / contractor in accordance with the contract terms.

 

Communication

• Arrange and chair meetings and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the project’s progress.
• Keep accurate minutes, set SMART targets and review progress against these targets.
• Manage the flow of external communications with the council’s Communications and Marketing team.
• Manage and resolve complaints and address them through the council’s complaints process as required.
• Ensure that tasks are delegated effectively to direct reports, consultants, managed and support staff and ensure they remain motivated to complete the project/s to a high standard.
• Provide technical guidance to colleagues, service providers and customers when called upon.

 

Value for Money (VFM)

• Validate the quotes for commonly used products and individual areas of work to construct schedules of rates.
• Demonstrate VFM is being achieved by ensuring market testing and other processes are being used to improve costs without impacting on quality and delivery.
• Produce time and cost estimates for work not specifically described within the contract when required and will be used in negotiations with the service provider / contractor.
• Ensure the quality of the materials and workmanship being delivered is in accordance with the clients’ wishes and as set out in the contract documents.
• Keep a risk register and review / analyse this with the service provider / contractor ensuring the partnership has strategies in place to manage risks and other Issues.

 

Staff Management

• Ensure that team members provide an excellent customer focused service.
• Carry out recruitment, and supervise induction and ongoing training.
• Manage staff in line with all relevant corporate policies and procedures including but not limited to sickness monitoring and disciplinary procedure.
• Conduct REAL conversations (one to ones) and personal development reviews.
• Provide leadership by setting objectives, coaching and supporting development, measuring progress, motivating and addressing performance issues to ensure potential is maximised and an excellent service is provided.

 

The role’s key contacts and level of relationships with individuals, groups of people, agencies and external organisations

• Forge and maintain close working relationships with Service Providers.
• Work and liaise with property maintenance managers and surveyors to advise and assist in minimising or removing risks associated with water hygiene and gas safety.
• Liaise with tenants, council members and other council departments.
• Manage specialist consultants and contractors.

 

Governance, Corporate And Other Responsibilities

• Undertake any additional responsibilities as directed by the line manager commensurate with the level and grading for the role
• Adhere and ensure compliance to the Council’s policies, rules and procedures including, Health and Safety, Equality & Diversity, information management including Data Protection, HR, all other legislative responsibilities, governance, financial and procedural rules.
• Ensure compliance to the organisation’s Code of Conduct in the delivery and provision of services to staff and the community.
• Be prepared to undertake additional duties not included above that are appropriate to the job grade and qualifications, skill and experience as contained within the Person Specification, recognising that this Job Description will be kept under review and may be amended at the Council’s discretion to ensure organisational needs are met.

Behaviours and Competencies

• Understand how the role, the team’s role and the business unit’s role contribute to the overall corporate objectives and works to develop their understanding and awareness of other areas within the organisation.
• Keep informed with a range of matters relating to the business unit and takes a positive approach to their own and teams work.
• Provide and receive feedback on a range of matters relating to own, team and business unit performance and responds constructively.
• Recognise that you are responsible for the quality of the work they and the team produce and upholds high standards. Identifies challenges and barriers to delivering services and resolves or escalates appropriately.
• Be accountable for decision making and clearly articulates both verbally and in writing how and why a decision has been made including communicating clearly to customers the service which can be provided.
• Take personal responsibility for delivering expected outcomes and standards, delivering at pace and takes responsibility for quality of own work whilst seeking opportunities for improvement through learning from delivery.
• Support colleagues, customers and partners to understand the need for change and continuous improvement of the team and puts forward suggested improvements in a constructive way and professional manner, including utilising technology.
• Listen and ask open questions and respect contributions from others and establishes effective relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Challenge any inappropriate behaviour within the team and business unit or escalates appropriately.
• Take personal responsibility for identifying your own development needs and take steps to address areas for improvement.
• Recognise responsibility for ensuring appropriate use of resources and challenges appropriately and ensures financial activity is in accordance with the council’s policies, procedures and regulations.
• Be prepared to undertake additional duties not included above that are appropriate to the job grade and qualifications, skill and experience as contained within the person specification, recognising that this job description will be kept under review and may be amended at the Council’s discretion to ensure organisational needs are met.

 

 

 

 

Safeguarding

Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, volunteers and recruitment candidates to share this commitment. SBC shall take all reasonable steps to employ staff who are safe to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. For posts identified with regular contact with these groups applicants will be required to undertake a Value Based Interview. The council supports the legislative requirements for employing and maintaining safer staff and the guidance specified by Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We have a fantastic opportunity to lead our Gas & Water Safety Team at Stevenage Borough Council. You will manage the Council’s responsibilities for both Domestic Gas Safety and oversee the management of our Communal Heating Plants, most of which have been recently upgraded to a high standard.

You will also manage Water Safety in our residential property portfolio, you will continue to ensure that all Water Risk Assessments and related remedial works are actioned.

We are in an excellent current position with both areas currently at 100% Compliance.

The Council is supported by good performing specialist contractors and your experience will be bought to bear on maintaining the current excellent performance.

You will also ensure the Council’s asset management and compliance systems (Keystone and Propeller) are up to date.

Stevenage Borough Council, own and manage around 8,000 homes, including over 500 flat blocks, all within the Borough. There are easy transport links and a flexible hybrid approach to the working week.

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate will have experience in managing both Gas & Water Safety in social housing, with a strong track record in contract management and the management and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators, to ensure performance remains at the current level.

We are looking for a candidate has the leadership skills to continue to improve the service and develop the team