Situated halfway between London and Brighton, Crawley is an energetic and thriving new town, with a diverse population of c120,000, and a £6bn economy set in the beautiful countryside of West Sussex on the edge of the High Weald. This is a place, and a council, that delivers on a scale that belies its size. From delivering multi-million-pound regeneration schemes and an enviable affordable housing programme through to regionally important leisure facilities, we live up to our motto ‘I grow and I rejoice’.

Over recent years the council has undergone significant transformation to prepare it for the challenges ahead. Our new Town Hall is symbolic of wider change to become a more agile and adaptive organisation. The focus now is to take the council and the town to the next level, remaining as ambitious as ever for our residents, our communities and our town, whilst meeting the strategic challenges facing Crawley and local government.

In February 2024, this council was the first in England to declare a housing emergency. This reflected the existing scale of temporary accommodation demand and costs, recognition of future pressures, and the impact of water neutrality on our development programme. This council has been at the heart of recent national and regional efforts to highlight these issues and lobby for change and support.

As our new Head of Strategic Housing, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and have the full support of the wider organisation, in our collective efforts to navigate these challenges. You will be an experienced strategic housing professional with a track record of continuous improvement. You will be able to demonstrate strong and effective working relationships corporately and with partners. You will ensure strong working relationships with and sound strategic advice to Cabinet and elected members.

If you are excited to find out more, please visit our microsite for further information and to apply online.

To arrange an informal discussion please contact Ian Duke, Chief Executive at ian.duke@crawley.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 8 December (11.59pm)

First stage interviews: Friday 20 December

Second stage interview (Member panel): Wednesday 8 January

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.