Head of Asset Strategy and Investment in Cwmbran

We are looking for an experienced Head of Asset Strategy & Investment to help us deliver our ambition to provide a quality home and a safe place to live. You'll be responsible for Bron Afon's preparation and planning for the delivery of WHQS 2023 with a strong emphasis on customer engagement and a commitment to delivering value for money. You will bring a data-led approach to asset management that is flexible and creates efficiencies that can be realised to enable greater investment in our existing asset base.

You will work with the development and housing teams to contribute to the effective regeneration of homes through tactical disposals, acquisitions and remodelling of estates ensuring the most effective management of and investment in all properties. You will have strong commercial awareness aligned to financial modelling, property performance and contract management.

A proven track record of delivering high performance and efficiency in Asset Management and Investment in a senior level role is essential. This includes delivering complex asset management programmes, managing teams such as asset surveyors, and overseeing the procurement and management of subcontractors. You will have a strong understanding of the social housing sector and associated regulations, along with experience of managing large-scale budgets and financial monitoring.

We are looking for someone with knowledge and understanding of sustainability-related requirements and challenges as they apply to the Asset function. You will be a member of and collaborate with Bron Afon’s Senior Leadership Group and ELT, helping to identify all opportunities to achieve a seamless link between all service areas and enable an excellent customer end-to-end service through continuous business improvement.

The working environment offers an agile working approach which allows you to work where you need to and achieve a work-life balance. You will spend an average of 2 days per week at our office in Llantarnam.

Job Purpose

You will lead the delivery of Bron Afon's asset management and housing investment programmes, ensuring compliance with WHQS 2023 and all relevant regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for overseeing more than £22m of annual investment activity, maintaining accurate asset data, and delivering effective long-term investment planning to improve and maintain homes. Working closely with customers, contractors and colleagues, you will drive asset strategy, support regeneration opportunities, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, champion health and safety, manage risk, and provide strategic leadership as a member of Bron Afon's Leadership Group.

Person Specification

• Qualifications, knowledge and understanding:

• Corporate membership of RICS, CIOB or other appropriate chartered qualification in a technical/engineering discipline preferred.
• Demonstrable understanding of asset data management, stock condition intelligence and asset performance modelling.
• Knowledge of housing health and safety legislation and building safety risk management.
• Management of large-scale budgets and financial monitoring.
• Knowledge of procurement governance, contract management and public value principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of sustainability-related requirements and challenges as they apply to the Asset function.

• Experience:

• Experience of developing long-term asset investment programmes informed by asset performance and financial analysis.
• Significant experience of constructing and managing large, complex budgets.
• Experience of leading major investment programmes in a client role within a highly regulated environment.
• Experience of managing asset data, stock condition information and associated assurance processes.
• Proven track record of successful outcomes on time and to required quality within a highly regulated environment.

• Skills and attributes:

• A proactive and inclusive approach to engaging with colleagues, contract holders and other stakeholders.
• The ability to take a longer-term view such that this extends to identifying opportunities for lobbying and influencing policy makers.
• A deep understanding of the organisation’s operational context, including an appreciation of the challenges faced by our customers and communities.
• Ability to manage complex budgets, including timely identification and mitigation of budgetary risks.
• Excellent computer literacy skills, including the use of development software, MS Office, and MS project to monitor programme delivery.

• Personal Qualities:

• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, including influencing, negotiating, and engaging with a variety of people at all levels across and outside the organisation.
• Ability to think laterally and analyse/solve complex problems and make effective decisions in a fast-moving environment.
• Effective networker, able to form and maintain effective professional relationships over the long term, operating in a partnership working manner.

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility to work outside of traditional office hours e.g., early mornings and evenings as required.
• Car driver/owner or ability to travel effectively and in a timely fashion throughout Torfaen.

We are currently running a pilot of working a 4-day week (4DW). This is extended until the end of October 2026. The pilot will then be reviewed by our board, before making a decision to extend or be made permanent.

Employee benefits:

• 32 days annual leave entitlement (exclusive of bank holidays).
• Social Housing Pension Scheme where Bron Afon will contribute 12% from day 1 of your employment.
• Learning and Development investment to your career here at Bron Afon.
• Health cash plan with Simply Health.
• 24/7 free mental health support.
• 24/7 free access to an online GP service.
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption pay.
• Employee discount platform with access to retail, hospitality, days out, etc.
• Occupational Health service.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• And FREE PARKING!