Principal Environmental Health Officer

Principal Environmental Health Officer - Private Sector Housing

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Environmental Health Officer to lead the delivery of Private Sector Housing services within a busy local authority environment. This is a predominantly management-focused position, responsible for overseeing a team of Environmental Health and Housing Officers while ensuring effective enforcement of housing legislation, HMO regulation, and property licensing requirements.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with proven leadership skills, supporting the team in delivering high-quality regulatory and enforcement services across the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

\n
• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a team of approximately 5-6 officers.
\n
• Provide strategic and operational oversight of Private Sector Housing activities.
\n
• Ensure the effective delivery of housing enforcement, compliance, and licensing functions.
\n
• Oversee complex casework relating to housing standards, HMOs, and private rented sector enforcement.
\n
• Monitor team performance, workloads, service delivery targets, and statutory obligations.
\n
• Provide technical guidance and quality assurance on housing enforcement matters.
\n
• Support officers with complex investigations and undertake joint visits where required.
\n
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and best practice.
\n
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, landlords, managing agents, residents, and partner agencies.
\n
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the ongoing development of housing enforcement strategies.
\n

The successful candidate must demonstrate extensive experience and technical expertise in:

\n
• Housing Act 2004
\n
• Private Sector Housing legislation
\n
• HMO Management Regulations
\n
• Property Licensing schemes
\n
• Mandatory HMO Licensing
\n

Candidates must also possess a proven track record in:

\n
• Private Rented Sector (PRS) enforcement
\n
• HMO regulation and enforcement
\n
• Housing standards and compliance activities
\n
• Managing complex housing enforcement cases
\n
• Working within a local authority housing or environmental health service
\n

\n
• Previous management, supervisory, or team leadership experience.
\n
• Experience managing professional officers within a regulatory or enforcement environment.
\n
• Experience supporting service improvement and performance management initiatives.
\n

\n
• Hybrid working model.
\n
• Expected attendance in the office approximately 3 days per week.
\n
• Limited travel requirements due to the predominantly management-focused nature of the role.
\n
• Occasional site visits and joint inspections may be required to support team activities.
\n

\n
• Applications are welcomed from both drivers and non-drivers.
\n
• A driving licence is advantageous but not essential.
\n
• For candidates who drive, parking permits can be provided.
\n
• Any associated parking costs will be covered by the employer.
\n

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

\n
• Strong local authority Private Sector Housing experience.
\n
• Extensive knowledge of HMO licensing and enforcement.
\n
• A robust understanding of housing legislation and regulatory compliance.
\n
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or management responsibilities.
\n
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.
\n
• The ability to support, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
\n

This is an urgent appointment, and interviews will be arranged as soon as suitable candidates are identified. Applicants with immediate or short-notice availability are encouraged to apply.

Ideal Background: Environmental Health Officers or Housing Professionals with significant Private Sector Housing experience, strong enforcement expertise, and a background in HMO licensing, regulation, and team leadership within a local authority setting.