Head of Housing in Cambridge

Head of Housing in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver top-notch housing management services.
  • Company: Join Hundred Houses Society, a not-for-profit housing association with a rich history.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private health insurance, and a strong focus on professional development.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while shaping housing services for the better.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in housing management and a commitment to customer-focused service.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced housing leader who combines strong technical knowledge with confident, values-led people leadership? This is an opportunity to lead a key customer-facing service, shaping how we deliver housing management services and create meaningful outcomes for our customers.

Hundred Houses Society is a charitable, not-for-profit housing association with a proud history dating back to 1933. We own and manage over 1,500 homes across Greater Cambridgeshire. Our mission is "To provide good quality homes and services in Greater Cambridge that people value". Our aim is to provide great value, low-cost homes for the people of Greater Cambridge and continuously strive to deliver better customer service.

As our Head of Housing, you will be accountable for leading the delivery, performance and continuous improvement of housing management services. This is a key strategic leadership role with accountability for building relationships and working closely with key stakeholders, focusing on a positive and motivating culture within the team while ensuring housing services are legally compliant, cost-effective, value for money and aligned with our values - ensuring our customers at the heart of our service development.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Lead and inspire our Housing Team
  • Shape strategy and ensure regulatory compliance
  • Deliver excellent core housing management services
  • Put customers at the heart of what we do
  • Drive service improvement, assurance and professional standards

We are looking for a confident housing professional with strong leadership, management and people skills. To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

  • Substantial experience of housing management within a social housing provider, with strong technical knowledge across tenancy management, rent and service charges, leasehold services, allocations, voids, estate management and anti-social behaviour.
  • Strong understanding of housing legislation, regulation and professional standards, with the ability to work in a legally compliant, customer-focused and risk-aware way.
  • Experience of managing risk, safeguarding, customer wellbeing and tenancy sustainment issues, with the ability to make sound, evidence-based decision making that reflects organisational values and legal responsibilities.
  • Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop employees, creating a positive and accountable team culture, supporting the delivery of high-quality services.
  • Confidence in using housing systems, data, performance information and numerical insight to manage risk, improve services and support decision-making with a structured and organised approach.
  • Experience in coaching employees and excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust and manage complex situations, work collaboratively and handle sensitive, complex situations.
  • High levels of personal integrity, accountability and self-motivation, committed to delivering effective outcomes in line with organisational values.
  • CIH Level 4 or 5 qualification in housing is an essential requirement and a condition of the role. This post is a relevant senior manager role under the Competence and Conduct Standard (Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023). We are willing to speak to candidates who do not already hold the qualification, provided they are willing and able to achieve it within the regulatory timeframe.

Why join us?

We’ve held Investors in People Gold accreditation since 2020, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing, learning and professional growth. Joining us means being part of a collaborative organisation focused on continuous improvement and making a real difference.

What we offer you:

  • 28 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
  • Option to buy/sell up to 5 days’ annual leave
  • Private health insurance
  • Employee discount scheme
  • Defined contributions pension scheme, matched from 4% to 10%
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Life assurance
  • Strong focus on learning, development and wellbeing
  • Plus, more when you join!

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum of 1 page) explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role and align with our values, the job description and person specification. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any adjustments that may support you during the application or selection process.

We encourage early applications and may close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications from candidates who meet the essential criteria. Please read the attached Job Description and Person Specification before applying. Please note that Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role.

Inclusion and Diversity:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and accessible workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of protected characteristics, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to ensuring a fair, inclusive and accessible recruitment process for everyone and welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements. We welcome discussions regarding reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.

Data Protection & Privacy:

We process personal data in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your information will be used only for recruitment and employment purposes, stored securely and retained only as long as necessary. Further details about how we handle personal data, including your rights, are available in our Privacy Policy.

The Company: Hundred Houses Society is a not for profit housing association founded in 1933. Hundred Houses Society obtained charitable status in 1942 and is now registered with the Financial Conduct Authority as a Cooperative and Community Benefits Society. As a registered housing provider, Hundred Houses Society is regulated by the Regulator for Social Housing.

Benefits:

  • Pension scheme
  • Life assurance
  • Private medical insurance
  • 28 days annual leave
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Training & Development scheme
  • Travel allowance options
  • Office in Chesterton

Head of Housing in Cambridge employer: CIH International Housing Group

Hundred Houses Society is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for the community, employees benefit from generous leave policies, private health insurance, and a supportive culture that encourages learning and development. Located in Greater Cambridge, this not-for-profit housing association offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in housing management.

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Contact Details:

CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Housing in Cambridge

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Housing in Cambridge

Leadership Skills
Housing Management
Technical Knowledge in Tenancy Management
Understanding of Housing Legislation
Risk Management
Customer Wellbeing
Decision-Making Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for CIH International Housing Group and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with CIH International Housing Group, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for CIH International Housing Group.