Head of Rent and Service Charges

Head of Rent and Service Charges Head of Rent and Service Charges Salary : £79,714 + £5,000 salary supplement + excellent benefits Location : Wooburn Green, High Wycombe or Letchworth Garden City Hybrid working : A minimum of two days per week in the office, three days per week working from home Contract : Permanent Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future. About the role We are looking for a Head of Rent and Service Charges to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all rent and service charge activity across the organisation. You will ensure our processes meet regulatory requirements, support financial sustainability and deliver value for money for residents. You will lead the Rent and Service Charges team, fostering a culture of high performance, engagement and continuous improvement. You will act as the organisation’s key representative for rent and service charge matters, building strong relationships with senior leaders, residents, leaseholders, management companies, freeholders, local authorities and auditors. You will ensure our systems, processes and communication are clear, accurate and timely, supporting both operational delivery and long‑term financial planning. Key responsibilities Rent and service charge management Lead the annual rent and service charge setting process across all tenures, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and agreements Oversee accurate preparation and timely distribution of year‑end service charge statements Drive transparency through accurate billing and clear communication to residents Ensure timely resolution of rent and service charge queries and complaints, embedding lessons learned Plan and resource effectively throughout the year, anticipating peaks in activity Monitor performance against budgets, identifying risks and opportunities Champion value for money by monitoring costs, ensuring effective cost recovery and driving efficiencies Develop and maintain performance indicators to monitor service effectiveness and improve satisfaction Act as the key representative for rent and service charges, managing internal and external stakeholder relationships Provide timely and accurate information to operational teams and senior leadership Collaborate with Finance and Asset Management teams to forecast service charge income and expenditure Leadership and general responsibilities Provide effective leadership, ensuring clarity of aims, objectives and values Monitor team performance and carry out regular one‑to‑ones and performance reviews Promote a culture of openness, innovation, involvement and teamwork Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, procedures and financial regulations Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements Champion SettleParadigm values and act as a role model Promote equality of opportunity in service provision and employment practices Lead on special projects as required About you Experience Proven experience managing rent and service charge activity at managerial level Commitment to delivering excellent customer service and improving transparency Experience leading process improvement initiatives Proven track record building and developing high performing teams Knowledge Strong knowledge of housing regulation, rent setting frameworks and service charge legislation Good understanding of accounting procedures and processes Degree in finance, housing or related discipline, or equivalent experience Skills Strong strategic thinking and ability to influence at senior levels Ability to build trust and manage relationships with stakeholders Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, able to interpret complex information Confident people leader with a coaching mindset Highly organised, decisive and outcome‑driven Effective networking, negotiation and influencing skills Advanced understanding of Microsoft Excel High integrity, independence and professional scepticism Desired Experience leading organisational change Experience managing change related to new technology adoption Benefits At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment. Annual salary: £ 79,714 per annum + £5000 salary supplement. 30 days holiday from day 1 (for Heads of Services) , plus Christmas closure and buy options Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice Family-friendly leave : Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover) Life cover and income protection Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide: Mental Health First Aiders available to support Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions) Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities Peer-recognition rewards platform Paid professional subscription (one per year) Working Hours 37 hours per week Monday - Friday Our Commitment We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups. Accessibility and Adjustments We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required. Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made. Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form. Closing Date: 10.09.2026 We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate. Department Finance Locations High Wycombe, Letchworth Garden City Remote status Hybrid Yearly salary £84,714 Employment type Full-time About SettleParadigm We are a growing, values-driven organisation with a clear social purpose. Our commitment is long-term: to our colleagues, residents, and communities. We want to be a place where people love to work, where everyone can belong, and where professionalism and passion shine through in everything we do. If you’d like to make a real difference to people’s lives while developing your career in a supportive and inclusive environment, we’d love to hear from you!