JOB TITLE: Head of Regions

J O B D E S C R I P T I O N

JOB TITLE: Head of Regions

JOB HOLDER:

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

DATE: March 2017

JOB PURPOSE

The post holder will have responsibility for the Regions Department. The purpose of the Regions Department is to provide local and regional services for members, to promote NLA at local level, and to contribute to net membership growth.

The post holder will contribute the formulation of regional strategy, the development of ideas and be involved in initiatives designed to improve the NLA presence and activities in the regions. They will also ensure local and regional activity is understood as a key member benefit.

Local Services provided by the Regions Department currently consist of local branch meetings and policy representation.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

1.  Work within NLA budgetary constraints to manage and maintain the branch network/local activity in accordance with NLA priorities and objectives.

2.  Provide overall direction and management of the work of all Regions personnel.

3.  Promote all NLA Benefits and Services, including NLA Accreditation, throughout the regions.

4.  Devise and promote initiatives for the Regions Department to deliver greater value to the NLA, in accordance with the NLA’s overall corporate strategy.

5.  Prepare and present an annual plan for the Regions Department, which will be included in the NLA’s Business Plan.

6.  Devise and control the annual budget for the Regions Department.

7.  Responsible for the recruitment and selection of Regions personnel.

8.  Meet local and regional government personnel, and other businesses in relation to the private rented sector and landlord issues.

9.  Improve the productivity and effectiveness of the Representatives Network and other Regions staff, including new ways of using the resources available.

10.  Identify training needs for local reps and other Regions staff and arrange provision of training within the context of the NLA’s overall training plan and budget

JOB CONTENT

1.  Co-ordinate the work of the Regions Department by holding regular meetings with personnel, in different locations around the UK as necessary and/ or affordable and make effective use of communications tools such as webinars for personal reviews and team meetings

2.  Maintain regular contact with all Regions personnel, by attending and presenting at branch meetings as necessary and or affordable and make effective use of communications tools such as webinars for personal reviews and team meetings

3.  Actively promote all NLA Services, maintaining NLA’s local presence throughout the UK, with a specific emphasis on NLA Accreditation, through NLA landlords’ meetings, joint and third party landlord events and conferences where they provide value for money within available budgets.

4.  Review the strategic contribution of the Regions Department to the corporate strategy and develop and support initiatives and activity to support the strategy, working with other departments to take a holistic approach to NLA contact with individual local authorities.

5.  Write and cost an annual business plan for the Regions, to be agreed with the CEO for submission to the Board as part of the annual Budget development process.

6.  Ensure all costs are kept within budgetary constraints for the regions. Match Regions reported expenses against management accounts and review at catch-up meetings with CEO.

7.  Oversee the interview, selection and training process for new representatives, attending all interviews.

8.  Through the Representatives network, proactively lobby local and regional government personnel, and other businesses in relation to the private rented sector and landlord issues.

9.  Work with local authorities and other landlords associations with a view to increasing NLA membership.

10.  Identify suitable productivity measures and use them to assess the network’s performance and find way to improve it.

11.  Review reps’ and other Regions staff performance, skills and knowledge in relation to the requirements of the corporate strategy and business plan and identify training needs and opportunities.

CONTEXT

Operating Environment

The post holder works and reports to the CEO.

In terms of personnel the Regions Department currently consists of:

•  A network of up to 35 part-time Local and Regional Representatives

•  Approximately 2/3 volunteer representatives, plus some branch committees

•  Two part-time staff; Regions Co-ordinator and Meetings Administrator, based in Union Street.

•  The Regions Department also draws on the support of two other full time London-based staff (Local Government Policy Officer and the Landlord Development and Accreditation Officer)

Framework and Boundaries

General company policies and procedures provided by the Company and through the job description for the particular post.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

A)  Superior(s) – Normal regular contact with the CEO to exchange information and confirm work progress and be advised of future requirements and priorities.

B)  Subordinate(s) – line management of all Regions personnel.

C)  Contacts:

i)  Internal – all staff.

ii)  External – members and non-members, trade associations/professional bodies, Recognised Suppliers, other landlords and letting agents, providers, Local Government, colleagues at other partner organisations (inc. Shelter, CML, RICS, CIH, BPF etc.), local authorities, housing charities and other Landlord Associations.

KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE

Business / Management Degree level or equivalent education or recognised qualification.

Excellent written communication skills.

Strong organisational, negotiation, administrative and research skills.

Excellent oral communication, and presentation skills: the ability to represent the NLA and my|deposits, including addressing stakeholders.

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise with and influence internal and external contacts at all levels, including landlords and others associated with the core work of the NLA, in order to achieve strategic policy objectives.

Ability to assimilate complex ideas and issues quickly, and to identify and develop appropriate solutions and responses.

Numerate. IT literate: Microsoft Office, internet, email.

Flexible and able to work on own initiative and part of a team as well as managing multiple priorities against tight deadlines.

JOB CHALLENGE(S)

To progress the objectives of the NLA and develop the NLA as a national organisation which works and acts locally for the benefit of its members and the wider landlord community.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The post holder must be proactive and self-prioritising within the scope of the post.

Work in a professional and confidential manner at all times and be able to work to deadlines.

Work independently and as part of a team.

Able to travel throughout the UK – full driving licence holder & own transport for which mileage allowance can be claimed.

Signed by Post Holder: Date:

Line Manager: Date:

Final JD – Head of Regions – March 2017