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- Tasks: Lead community housing projects and support local groups in creating affordable homes.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to community-led housing solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities by solving housing challenges together.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in affordable housing development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Sussex Community Housing Hub team in providing technical advice and support to communities engaged in rural and community led housing projects. Community-led housing involves local people playing a leading and lasting role in solving housing problems, creating genuinely affordable homes and strong communities. You will be working in conjunction with other members of the Hub to help deliver quality affordable housing schemes that these communities are truly proud of.
This is a senior, externally facing post reporting to the Chief Executive. You'll manage a caseload of community-led housing projects, lead a small team of advisors, and work in partnership with communities, parish councils, housing associations, local authorities, landowners, and developers across East and West Sussex. You'll also play a part in shaping Druv Homes, AirS's emerging housing association.
What you'll be doing:
- Guiding community groups through all stages of the housing development process — from vision and site identification through to planning, funding, and scheme delivery
- Advising on site selection, RP partnerships, planning applications, S106 agreements, and funding strategies (both capital and revenue)
- Building and managing relationships with a wide range of partners — communities, RPs, local authorities, planners, developers, and agents
- Supporting communities to access funding and drafting bids where needed
- Overseeing professional advisers (architects, engineers, etc.) commissioned by community groups
- Leading project team meetings, maintaining project plans, and problem-solving
- Contributing to lobbying and sector advocacy alongside national partners
- Keeping pace with policy and legislative changes in affordable housing and community-led development
What we're looking for:
Essential:
- At least 5 years' experience in affordable housing development
- A relevant degree (surveying, building, business management or equivalent experience)
- Proven track record in project management and scheme delivery
- Experience working with local authorities, RPs, and community organisations
- Team management experience
- Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
Desirable:
- Experience of rural affordable housing and community-led models e.g. Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
- Knowledge of rural housing policy
- Background in the not-for-profit sector
- Experience reporting to boards or executive teams
Practical:
The role is based in Lewes with hybrid working. Regular but infrequent travel across East and West Sussex is required — a driving licence or equivalent transport access is essential.
For more information about the role and the organisation download the Job Description, Person Specification and AirS Prospectus.
Community Led Housing Development Manager in Lewes employer: Action in rural Sussex
Contact Detail:
Action in rural Sussex Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Led Housing Development Manager in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community housing sector. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for community-led housing! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and ideas about affordable housing. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in affordable housing and community-led projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Led Housing Development Manager in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Housing: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community-led housing shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating affordable homes and strong communities, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight this passion.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your experience in affordable housing development and project management, and don’t forget to mention any work with local authorities or community organisations. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action in rural Sussex
✨Know Your Community-Led Housing
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of community-led housing. Brush up on key concepts like Community Land Trusts and the specific challenges faced in rural areas. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your project management abilities. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and navigated complex stakeholder relationships. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you can effectively communicate and build rapport with various stakeholders, such as local authorities and community groups. Prepare to share strategies you've used in the past to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts.
✨Stay Updated on Housing Policies
Familiarise yourself with current policies and legislative changes in affordable housing. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and engaged in the sector.