Banner Default Image

Karina Nazarenko

Karina Nazarenko
Back to Team

Karina Nazarenko

Recruitment Consultant

I joined CRA Group in 2023, where I am responsible for the company's recruitment efforts. As CRA Group continues to experience rapid growth, I am excited to play a key role in ensuring our recruitment strategy aligns with the evolving needs of the business. Alongside my team, I am committed to supporting the company's impressive growth journey and contributing to its continued success.​

Direct Labour Organisation Supervisor

3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The DLO Supervisor will manage the day-to-day operations of the Council’s Direct Labour Organisation (DLO), overseeing housing repair and maintenance works across the North Lambeth area. • The post holder will ensure resources are effectively allocated, operatives perform efficiently, and high-quality repairs are delivered within agreed timeframes, budgets, and standards. • Reporting to the DLO Manager, the role contributes to the delivery of the DLO business plan, achievement of KPIs, and continuous service improvement. • This position is within the Housing Directorate and is responsible for supervising operatives, maintaining health and safety standards, managing materials and van stocks, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Supervise and coordinate DLO operatives to deliver housing repairs, communal works, and FRA-related works to time, cost, and quality standards. • Monitor performance against KPIs and ensure service delivery targets are achieved. • Work with schedulers to allocate resources effectively based on workload demand. • Support the DLO Commercial Manager and Area Managers in ensuring budgets are maintained and value for money achieved. • Oversee compliance with all Health & Safety requirements, deliver toolbox talks, and coordinate any training needs. • Monitor operatives’ attendance, leave, and sickness, ensuring workforce availability meets service requirements. • Conduct quarterly van stock checks, oversee materials delivery, and minimise waste. • Handle customer enquiries and complaints, ensuring timely and satisfactory resolution. • Assist in contract administration and ensure documentation is completed accurately. • Promote a safe, inclusive, and customer-focused culture within the operational team. • Participate in workforce development, supporting apprentices and mentoring staff. • Ensure compliance with all Council policies, procedures, and statutory legislation, including safeguarding, equality, and data protection. Skills/Experience: • Proven experience supervising social housing operatives delivering responsive repairs and maintenance services. • Strong understanding of end-to-end Council repairs operations and communal repairs processes. • Ability to analyse repair trends, adapt services, and achieve effective outcomes for tenants. • Experience of budget control, scheduling, and resource management. • Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and compliance, including delivering toolbox talks. • Skilled in performance management, staff development, and mentoring apprentices. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with internal teams, suppliers, and residents. • Ability to manage complaints, resolve operational issues, and maintain high standards of customer satisfaction. • Strong organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills under pressure. • Proficiency with repairs management systems and reporting tools. Additional Information: • Location: London Borough of Lambeth. • Hours: 35 per week (09:00–17:30). • The closing date: 03/11/2025.

Contract

Benefits Manager Financial

2 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Benefits Manager will lead and manage the Council’s Benefits Service, ensuring efficient delivery of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and related financial support functions. • The role is responsible for performance management, compliance with legislation and policy, and the continuous improvement of service delivery. • The post holder will oversee staff, drive efficiencies, ensure value for money, and maintain high standards of customer service and data integrity. • This is a temporary position to cover short-term service demand within the Benefits Administration team. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Lead and motivate the Benefits, Overpayments, and Data Control teams to achieve performance and quality targets. • Manage and report on performance against corporate KPIs and statutory returns. • Oversee completion of mandatory statistical returns to the DWP and external auditors. • Manage the annual billing process for Housing Benefit and the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. • Ensure compliance with all relevant government regulations, policies, and best practice. • Handle complex benefit cases, customer complaints, and member queries professionally and efficiently. • Keep staff informed and trained on changes in benefits legislation and procedures. • Analyse performance data to identify training needs and service improvements. • Represent the Council at tribunal hearings and external meetings. • Promote a strong culture of fraud prevention and data security. • Coach and mentor staff, conducting appraisals and development reviews. • Produce detailed management reports and contribute to service planning and policy development. Skills/Experience: • Proven experience managing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction services within a local authority. • Strong leadership, people management, and performance monitoring skills. • In-depth knowledge of DWP, HB, and CTRS regulations and audit requirements. • Ability to interpret complex legislation and communicate it clearly to staff and stakeholders. • Excellent organisational and project management abilities. • Strong analytical and reporting skills with attention to accuracy and deadlines. • Experience using benefits administration and performance monitoring systems. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to deal sensitively with customers and staff. • Proven ability to drive service improvements and deliver efficiencies. • Commitment to equality, diversity, and high standards of customer service. Additional Information: • The closing date: 06/11/2025. • Hours: 37 per week. • Location: Southfield Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2TU. • Work Arrangement: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week office presence required.

Contract

Project Manager Mechanical Electrical

8 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Project Manager – Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) will lead the delivery of mechanical and electrical engineering projects across the Housing and Regeneration Directorate for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. • The role requires a degree-qualified mechanical engineer with extensive experience in building services and construction management. • The postholder will take ownership of the full project lifecycle – from design and specification through to tendering, delivery, and completion – while also providing technical expertise for day-to-day maintenance, statutory compliance, and contractor management. • The Project Manager will ensure that all works comply with relevant legislation, Health & Safety standards, and council financial regulations, delivering high-quality, cost-effective mechanical services for the council’s housing and property portfolio. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Lead on the design, specification, tendering and delivery of M&E capital and maintenance projects across council properties. • Manage and supervise mechanical engineers and contractors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to specification. • Develop, implement and monitor planned, cyclical and day-to-day maintenance programmes, including gas servicing, Legionella control (L8 ACOP), and F-Gas compliance. • Provide expert technical advice to clients, contractors and other departments on all aspects of mechanical engineering and building services. • Conduct site inspections, condition surveys, feasibility studies, and option appraisals to inform investment and maintenance decisions. • Prepare and evaluate tenders, manage budgets, issue variations and stage payments, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. • Liaise with planning, building control and other regulatory bodies to obtain required consents and approvals. • Chair project and site meetings, produce reports, and maintain accurate technical and financial records. • Ensure all work is delivered in line with Health & Safety, Building Regulations, and the Council’s policies and procedures. • Support the Senior Mechanical/Electrical Engineer in managing the wider Technical Services Team and deputise where required. • Provide training and guidance to staff, contractors and end users on mechanical systems and compliance requirements. • Contribute to continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives within Facilities Management and Housing Services. Skills/Experience: • Extensive experience managing mechanical and electrical projects from design through to completion. • Proven record of leading teams of engineers and contractors within a building services or local authority environment. • In-depth knowledge of mechanical systems, including heating, ventilation, cooling, lifts, controls, and Legionella management. • Strong understanding of Building Regulations, Health & Safety legislation, and statutory compliance requirements. • Experience with procurement, tendering, and contract administration (including use of Schedules of Rates). • Ability to prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, cost estimates, and specifications. • IT literate – proficient in MS Word, Excel, Hevacomp or similar, with basic understanding of AutoCAD. • Excellent stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills. • Experience in budget management and financial control within engineering or facilities projects. • Previous experience within a public sector client or housing environment (desirable). • Knowledge of mechanical fire systems, fire compartmentation, and sustainability best practice. Additional Information: • The closing date: 21/10/2025 @12:00. • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering (or equivalent). • Client: London Borough of Tower Hamlets. • Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00).

Contract

Interim & Executive Management

HR Recruitment Associates

4 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The HR Recruitment Associate (Grade F) will provide a professional, efficient, and customer-focused recruitment and HR administration service to the Royal Borough of Kingston and the London Borough of Sutton, as well as to schools and traded services. • The postholder will manage high-volume pre-employment checks, prepare contracts and offer letters, and ensure accurate data entry on HR and payroll systems. Operating in a hybrid working model, the role requires attendance at Kingston and Sutton offices at least once a week. • You will work collaboratively across HR & Organisational Development to deliver high-quality resourcing support, improve recruitment processes, and contribute to projects enhancing service delivery and candidate experience. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Manage the end-to-end recruitment process, including vacancy creation, advertising, shortlisting, interview scheduling, and onboarding. • Carry out and monitor pre-employment checks (e.g. DBS, right to work, references, professional registration). • Prepare and issue employment contracts, conditional offers and appointment letters. • Maintain accurate records and data on HR and payroll systems (e.g. Oleeo, iTrent, Engage, Beeline). • Provide professional advice and support to managers, schools, and traded services on recruitment policies and procedures. • Create and post engaging job advertisements, including campaign content for LinkedIn and other media. • Support temporary and agency recruitment processes through managed service providers. • Ensure compliance with Safer Recruitment guidance and employment legislation. • Produce and analyse recruitment data and reports to support decision-making. • Participate in recruitment events and contribute to HR and OD project work. • Promote excellent customer service and uphold Council values of transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration. Skills/Experience: • Proven experience in high-volume recruitment administration and pre-employment checks. • Working knowledge of HR, payroll, and e-recruitment systems (Oleeo, iTrent, Engage, Beeline or similar). • Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy in data entry and document preparation. • Experience producing job adverts and using social media platforms for recruitment. • Good understanding of employment and recruitment legislation and HR policies. • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused approach. • Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify improvements in processes and systems. • Competent in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications. Additional Information: • The closing date: 05/11/2025 @9:00 AM. • CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience (desirable). • Location: Hybrid – based across Kingston and Sutton Council offices (minimum one day per week onsite). • Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00).

Contract

Human Resources

Tenancy Investigations Officer

6 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Tenancy Investigations Officer will provide a comprehensive investigative service into cases of tenancy fraud within Hackney Council. • This role ensures that social housing is allocated fairly and misused properties are recovered, supporting the Council’s commitment to integrity and effective internal controls. • The officer will manage investigations from referral to conclusion, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, and preparing detailed case reports. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Conduct tenancy fraud investigations, including interviews, witness statements, and evidence collection. • Build robust cases for legal action, including repossession of unlawfully sublet properties. • Maintain accurate investigation records and provide progress reports to senior management. • Collaborate with Council staff, social housing providers, and external partners. • Deliver fraud awareness training to housing staff. • Ensure compliance with legislation and Council policies, including PACE, RIPA, DPA, HRA, and housing law. • Work flexibly outside standard office hours as required for investigations. Skills/Experience: • Recognised qualification in counter-fraud studies or significant practical experience in tenancy fraud investigations. • Proven experience in investigative or counter-fraud roles, preferably in the public sector. • Strong knowledge of investigative legislation (PACE, CPIA, RIPA, Fraud Act, POSHFA) and housing law. • Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills; ability to produce detailed reports and witness statements. • Strong organisational skills; ability to prioritise a large and varied caseload independently. • High level of professionalism when dealing with potentially confrontational situations. • Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends when required. Additional Information: • The closing date: 30/10/2025. • DBS check required. • Hybrid working may apply depending on operational requirements.

Contract

Interim & Executive Management

Delivery Manager - Resident Experience Programme

5 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The London Borough of Hackney is seeking an experienced Delivery Manager to lead its high-profile Resident Experience Programme within the Chief Executive’s Directorate. • This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver transformative change that directly improves services for residents. • The postholder will lead multi-disciplinary teams to design and implement innovative, outcome-focused service improvements, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and deliver measurable benefits. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Lead the end-to-end delivery of the Resident Experience Programme, managing timelines, budgets, and risks. • Develop and implement programme and project plans, ensuring alignment with Hackney’s strategic priorities. • Manage a multi-disciplinary team (up to 4 direct reports), fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture. • Work collaboratively with residents, staff, and partners to co-produce service design and change initiatives. • Produce business cases, financial forecasts, and performance reports to support decision-making. • Ensure robust governance, risk management, and benefits realisation frameworks are in place. • Present progress updates and recommendations to senior officers, elected members, and stakeholders. • Promote a culture of innovation, systems thinking, and continuous improvement across services. Skills/Experience: • Demonstrable experience as a Delivery Manager, Programme Manager, or Transformation Lead in local government or public sector settings. • Proven record of successfully delivering complex, multi-agency transformation programmes. • Strong budget management, financial planning, and business case development skills. • Experience in co-production with residents, community groups, and staff. • Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills at senior level. • Experience managing, developing, and motivating diverse teams. • Skilled in programme management methodologies such as PRINCE2, Agile, MSP, or Lean/Six Sigma. • Ability to apply systems thinking, service design, and digital transformation principles. • Politically astute, with experience operating in a complex local authority environment. Additional Information: • The closing date: 30/10/2025. • Location: Hackney, London (hybrid working). • Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week.

Contract

Interim & Executive Management