At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and policy development to shape the future of Accent.
- Company: Accent, a community-focused organisation with over 21,000 homes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, health perks, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while driving innovative policies and strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy and policy development, strong analytical skills, and stakeholder engagement.
Location: Hybrid, Bradford (occasional office presence)
Salary: £58,530 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, 12 months
With over 21,000 homes across the country, we support thousands of customers and their families. We're proud to build positive, long-lasting relationships that go beyond housing – creating vibrant communities where people of all backgrounds can thrive.
As our Strategy and Policy Lead, you'll have a unique opportunity to shape the future of Accent. Working closely with the Director of Strategy, Governance and Assurance, you'll be at the heart of developing and delivering strategic plans, coordinating impactful ESG initiatives, and championing continuous improvement. This is a role where your ideas, insight, and leadership will directly influence how we grow and evolve.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the development and review of forward-thinking, evidence-based policies aligned with legal and regulatory requirements
- Partner with senior leaders to ensure policies are understood, embedded, and making a tangible difference
- Bring data and insight to the forefront, ensuring decision-making is informed, robust, and future-focused
- Drive consistency, clarity, and excellence in how policies are applied across Accent
- Lead and develop a small team, providing clear direction, coaching, and support to deliver high-quality outcomes
- Lead horizon scanning and in-depth research to anticipate legislative and regulatory changes, keeping our strategies relevant and ready for the future
About You
- Proven experience developing and implementing strategy and policy, with the ability to turn ideas into practical outcomes
- A strong understanding of ESG principles and their application in an organisational context
- Knowledge of housing legislation and sector best practice, with the ability to apply this meaningfully
- Well-developed project management skills, with a track record of delivering priorities effectively
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including the confidence to advise senior leaders
- Strong critical thinking and analytical ability, using data and insight to drive informed decision-making
- Experience producing clear, impactful reports and briefings for senior leadership teams
The successful candidate will be required to undergo DBS and social media checks as part of pre-employment screening.
Salary
The spot salary is £58,530 per annum for applicants who fully meet the requirements. If you're still developing some skills or experience, you can start at 5% or 10% below the spot rate, with clear support and progression opportunities to reach the full amount.
Interviews
Stage 1 – A Teams interview with the hiring manager. You'll learn more about the role and team, and we'll get to know you – your experience, goals, and what you bring. Planned date: 16th July.
Stage 2 – A presentation and behavioural and scenario-based interview at our Bradford office. You'll complete a Congruity Questionnaire in advance. Planned date: 21st July.
A Place to Build a Future
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, an extra day for your birthday, and the option to buy more
- Cash health plan, Health MOTs, online GP access, gym discounts, and a volunteering day
- Car leasing, salary sacrifice schemes, and exclusive discounts through our benefits platform
- Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes plus life assurance at three times your salary
- Enhanced parental leave and flexible working options
- Career development through our Leadership Academy, apprenticeships, Stepping into Management training, and more
We're Committed to Inclusion
We believe diversity makes us stronger. Our process is designed to be accessible and inclusive – if you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, just let us know.
Candidates must have current eligibility to live and work in the UK. Accent does not currently hold a sponsorship licence.
Recruitment Agencies: We work exclusively with PSL partners and do not accept unsolicited CVs or speculative approaches for this role.
Strategy & Policy Lead in Bradford employer: Accent Housing
Accent is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees while fostering a vibrant community in Bradford. With a strong commitment to professional development through initiatives like the Leadership Academy and flexible working options, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The inclusive work culture, coupled with generous benefits such as enhanced parental leave and a cash health plan, makes Accent a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy & Policy Lead in Bradford
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Accent Housing!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Strategy & Policy Lead position at Accent Housing via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy & Policy Lead in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Accent Housing.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Accent Housing’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Accent Housing
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Accent Housing. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Accent Housing. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Accent Housing.
