Director of Assets and Maintenance in Port Talbot

This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the shape, structure and strategic direction of a key central function, within our Clients Customer Operations business unit.

While the current service is high-performing—with strong resident satisfaction, talented teams, and an open, collegiate culture—there is the opportunity to develop a modern assets and maintenance service embraces transformation. Data quality, system integration, transparency, accountability and cross-functional collaboration are central to this success and this role will help identify these changes change—strategically and operationally—to meet the needs of the organisation, customers and homes.

Your remit will include a full review of:

• Practices, policies, processes and systems across the directorate
• Effectiveness of cross-directorate working
• Data management, reporting and performance monitoring
• Staff resourcing, skills and future structure requirements
• Risk management, compliance and building safety
• Operational delivery models, including responsive repairs, servicing and strategic use of internal teams vs contractors

This is an opportunity to shine a light in “dark corners”, unearth constraints, and help shape the future vision and operating model for the permanent asset management function.

You will work closely with the Director of Operations, all members of the Executive Leadership Team, and the Director Management Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive review of asset management, maintenance and compliance practices, identifying gaps, risks and improvement opportunities.
• Assess and strengthen data quality, system alignment, reporting standards and performance measures across all property-related functions.
• Evaluate and make recommendations on the companies operational model for responsive repairs and servicing, including the role of our large in-house trades team.
• Provide oversight and assurance for major programmes of work, including fire safety, remediation initiatives, grant-funded projects and cases involving litigation.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in Finance, IT/Business Insight, Development, Homes & Communities, People, Facilities and Corporate Services to ensure alignment and integration.
• Ensure policies, procedures and governance meet organisational and legislative requirements, including WHQS 2, decarbonisation and forthcoming legislative changes.
• Help create the conditions for Heads of Service to take ownership of day-to-day delivery, enabling the future Director to operate strategically.

We are seeking an experienced senior leader in social housing asset management, with a strong track record across strategic and operational delivery. You will bring:

• Significant experience at senior level within a housing association, leading assets and maintenance services.
• Expertise in long-term financial planning, investment, budget management and high-risk operational activities.
• Strong understanding of landlord obligations, building safety, compliance and procurement law.
• Extensive experience using data and multiple IT systems to drive insight, planning and performance.
• Proven ability to lead transformational change and deliver improved outcomes.
• Confidence communicating with diverse audiences—from operatives to board members.
• A collaborative leadership style, able to work across functions and build strong, positive relationships.
• Knowledge of the Welsh housing policy environment is an advantage, but not essential.