At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and unify our Dynamics 365 function to enhance performance and service delivery.
- Company: Join Clarion Housing Group, awarded Employer of the Year 2025.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of how we serve 140,000 homes with strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large teams and developing high-performing managers.
The predicted salary is between 123318 - 123318 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid with flexible base locations across England
London: £103,847 to £123,318 per annum plus £5,000 car allowance
National: £91,695 to £108,889 per annum plus £5,000 car allowance (in exceptional circumstances we would consider a salary of up to 10% above the top of the advertised range)
Hours: 36 hours per week
Contract Type: 12-month Fixed term contract
This is a great opportunity to join our team - Employer of the Year Housing Heroes awards 2025.
We're establishing a new leadership position to oversee our Dynamics 365 function, and we're searching for the right person to join us. Dynamics is the platform that underpins how Clarion manages its finances, serves its customers, and looks after 140,000 homes. Finance and Operations, the full Customer Engagement suite, and Field Service all sit within it. Each is run by a capable team, but each naturally focuses on its own roadmap. Your job is to bring a single direction across the whole estate, so the platform evolves as one considered whole rather than three good parts.
This is a strategic leadership role, offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract with a clear mandate. The three teams work well individually. What's missing is a single point of leadership that sets a shared direction across the platform, so that decisions are made for the estate as a whole rather than one roadmap at a time. Your job is to provide that, and to lift the function to high-performing. You'll coach three team leaders, set a clear bar for what good looks like, and build the ways of working that keep the platform aligned. The decisions you make will shape how Clarion serves residents for years to come.
You'll own the strategy for the Dynamics estate, take a portfolio view of where it should invest, decide how it's governed and run, and hold the senior commercial relationships with Microsoft and our delivery partners. You'll be the senior point of accountability for the function's performance, reporting to the Director of Technology Solutions and Experience.
We're looking for someone who has:
- Led a sizeable function at Head of Service level or above, accountable for performance, delivery, and people across multiple teams.
- A real record of developing senior managers and building high-performing teams, with the coaching instinct to grow people alongside the discipline to set a clear bar.
- Designed and embedded the operating model and governance for a multi-team function, not just inherited and maintained one.
- The judgement to take a portfolio view of a complex estate, direct investment to where it delivers most, and hold specialist leaders to account for the decisions they make.
- Strong commercial judgement, including significant software licensing and the management of systems integrators or managed service partners.
If that sounds like the kind of challenge you've been looking for, we'd like to hear from you. With hybrid working, base locations across England and flexible working arrangements this could be the opportunity you've been looking for!
Please review the full role profile and Behaviours & Mandatory Accountabilities on our website before applying. Salaries are just the starting point. Here at Clarion we're dedicated to rewarding hard work and commitment, and providing benefits that support you and your lifestyle.
This is a hybrid role with a base location offered at one of our offices in England. Candidates will be expected to work from the office, when necessary, with travel to other Clarion offices, including London and Norwich, as required.
You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy; Clarion are not able to offer visa sponsorship. You are required to reside in England or Wales for the duration of your employment.
Head of Pensions in Preston employer: Clarion Housing
As a Customer Care & Quality Team Leader at our hybrid location in Islington, London or Manchester, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and numerous opportunities for professional growth, making us an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in customer service leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pensions in Preston
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Clarion Housing can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Clarion Housing; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Clarion Housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pensions in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Clarion Housing and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Clarion Housing's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarion Housing
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
