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- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and inspire a team to transform lives through housing and support.
- Company: Join Ashley Community & Housing Ltd, a multi-award-winning social enterprise making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, travel expenses, training allowance, enhanced pension, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a values-led organisation while making a difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in asset management and leadership in fast-paced, values-driven environments required.
- Other info: This is a newly created role with exciting growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Principal People are proud to be partnering with Ashley Community & Housing Ltd, a multi-award-winning, purpose driven social enterprise, in the search for a new Operations Director. This is a rare opportunity to shape the strategic and operational future of a values-led organisation that transforms the lives of over 2,500 every year. ACH is one of the UK’s most impactful housing and integration providers, supporting refugees and migrants to rebuild their lives through quality housing, employment support and community development. With over 130 staff across four regional offices and a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Social Mobility, ACH is entering an exciting phase of growth, transformation and investment.
The Role: This newly created leadership position offers full strategic and hands-on responsibility across asset management, housing performance, compliance and transformation. You’ll lead and inspire a team of Housing Services Managers, working closely with the CEO and wider leadership to embed systems, scale impact and elevate ACH’s operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on strategic property, asset and housing operations across all regions
- Deliver transformation projects including systems, compliance and performance
- Drive high-quality, people-centred service delivery in a multicultural environment
- Ensure compliance with legislation and embed stock condition and internal control systems
- Collaborate with the CEO, senior team and Board to shape ACH’s future
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong experience in asset/property management, housing or facilities services
- Proven leadership in fast-paced, values-driven organisations
- Comfortable balancing strategic oversight with hands-on delivery
- Experience in social housing, supported housing or regulated services
- A people-focused leader, passionate about operational excellence and transformation
The Package:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Travel expenses paid + EV salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual training allowance
- Enhanced pension (5% contribution), parental leave, sick pay, wellbeing support
- Access to Jive Health EAP & frequent staff retreats.
If this role is of interest, please apply today.
Contact Detail:
Principal People Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in the social housing sector. Understanding the current landscape will help you articulate how your experience aligns with ACH's mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social enterprise and housing sectors. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with ACH's values. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments, particularly in values-driven organisations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research ACH’s recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to ask informed questions during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Organisation: Before applying, take the time to understand Ashley Community & Housing Ltd's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in supporting refugees and migrants, as this will help you tailor your application to reflect their ethos.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in asset/property management and leadership within values-driven organisations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a people-focused leader, it's crucial to convey your passion for operational excellence and transformation. Include anecdotes or achievements that illustrate your ability to lead diverse teams and drive high-quality service delivery.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored specifically for the Operations Director role. Address the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description and explain how your skills and experiences align with them.
How to prepare for a job interview at Principal People Recruitment
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Ashley Community & Housing Ltd and their mission. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they impact their operations. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Operations Director, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed teams, driven transformation projects, or improved operational performance. Highlight your people-focused approach and how it has led to positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss how you would approach asset management, compliance, and service delivery in a multicultural environment. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in the past and their results.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the organisation's future plans, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
