At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housing and customer experience initiatives to enhance community living.
- Company: Values-driven organisation focused on creating inclusive communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, hybrid options, and generous leave.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to service excellence and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on thousands of lives while shaping future services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in housing or customer experience with strong stakeholder skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
A senior housing leadership role, with a 4-day working week and the opportunity to shape customer experience across Ark. At Ark, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As a values-driven housing and social care organisation, we create inclusive communities where people can live with dignity, independence and belonging. We are seeking an Assistant Director of Housing & Customer Experience to lead our Housing, Neighbourhood and Customer Services functions across the Ark Group. This is a key role at an exciting time as we continue to strengthen our customer-first approach and deliver excellent outcomes.
About The Role
This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role with significant influence across the organisation. You will help shape how Ark delivers housing and customer services, ensuring our services remain responsive, customer-focused, compliant and fit for the future.
Our corporate services roles are based on a 4-day working week, with no loss of pay. We believe this supports focused time, healthier workloads and more sustainable performance, helping colleagues do their best work while maintaining balance.
As a member of Ark’s Senior Leadership Team, you will provide leadership and business management across housing management, tenancy sustainment, neighbourhood services, customer services and customer engagement. You will play a pivotal role in delivering Ark’s strategic priorities, strengthening customer outcomes and embedding a culture of service excellence across the organisation.
Day to day, you’ll be involved in things like:
- Leading Ark’s Housing and Customer Experience strategic priorities;
- Operational responsibility for Ark’s subsidiary companies; Ark Services Limited and Ark Commercial Investment Limited;
- Providing strategic advice to the Executive Team, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Management;
- Driving customer engagement, insight and service improvement;
- Leading performance, compliance and regulatory assurance activities;
- Using customer feedback and performance data to improve outcomes;
- Developing high-performing teams and a culture of customer service excellence;
- Building partnerships with local authorities, regulators and key stakeholders.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- A strong track record in a senior housing, portfolio management, customer experience or related leadership role;
- Experience operating as part of a senior leadership team;
- Experience leading customer-focused services and service improvement;
- Strong knowledge of housing regulation, governance and compliance;
- Experience using performance data and customer insight to support decision-making;
- Experience preparing Board papers and presenting at senior governance forums;
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Most importantly, you will be a visible, inclusive and values-driven leader who can build trust, influence effectively and support others to deliver excellent outcomes. You will bring professional credibility, sound judgement and the ability to balance strategic ambition with practical delivery.
Why Work With Us?
At Ark, you will join an organisation with a clear social purpose and a genuine commitment to improving lives. You will also join us at an exciting time as we continue to strengthen our customer experience offer, develop our services and deliver on our strategic ambitions. This role provides the opportunity to shape how housing and customer services are delivered across Ark for years to come. As Assistant Director of Housing & Customer Experience, you will lead services that directly affect thousands of customers and communities across Ark. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic direction, drive meaningful service improvement and make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
We offer:
- A 4-day working week with no loss of pay;
- Hybrid working;
- A generous annual leave allowance, with additional leave awarded as your service grows;
- 4% contributory pension (salary sacrifice scheme);
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support;
- Employee discounts, access to Blue Light Card and Cycle to Work scheme;
- Annual leave buy and sell options.
Ark is a values-driven housing and social care organisation. We aim to create inclusive communities where people can live with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging, and that starts with how we treat our colleagues.
Assistant Director of Housing & Customer Experience employer: Ark People Housing Care
Ark is an exceptional employer that champions a progressive work culture, offering a 4-day week and hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to shape our People functions while being part of a dynamic Senior Leadership Team dedicated to fostering an inclusive and engaging workplace. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values your contributions and aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Housing & Customer Experience
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Ark People Housing Care!
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If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Ark People Housing Care.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Housing & Customer Experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Ark People Housing Care. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Ark People Housing Care and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Ark People Housing Care. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Ark People Housing Care's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark People Housing Care
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Ark People Housing Care.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Ark People Housing Care will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Ark People Housing Care and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
