At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ambitious housing programmes and transform accommodation for Service families across the UK.
- Company: Join a pivotal role in Defence Housing with a focus on sustainable living.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while working in an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and drive innovation in a high-profile national programme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Defence housing and deliver modern homes for those who serve.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in housing, construction, or public service delivery required.
This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the most ambitious housing programmes in the UK and play a pivotal role in transforming accommodation for Service families for generations to come. With responsibility for delivering a major capital housing programme, you will help shape the future of Defence housing, supporting the delivery of around 10,000 new sustainable homes across the UK over the next decade.
As Deputy Head Housing Construction, you will lead the Defence Housing Service (DHS) Capital Construction and Purchase Programme, providing strategic leadership across a complex portfolio of housing development, regeneration and acquisition projects. Working at the heart of Defence Housing transformation, you will oversee significant investment programmes, guide key commercial and delivery decisions, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of Service families now and in the future.
Reporting to senior Defence Housing leaders, you will provide expert advice to stakeholders across Defence, government and industry. You will work closely with developers, local authorities, delivery partners and regulators to unlock housing opportunities, secure investment and drive programme delivery. Leading multidisciplinary teams spanning programme management, commercial, technical, assurance and finance functions, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and in line with statutory, regulatory and Defence requirements.
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced leader with a strong track record in large-scale housing, construction, infrastructure or regeneration programmes. You will bring significant experience of delivering complex project portfolios, managing major budgets and navigating challenging stakeholder environments. Commercially astute and strategically minded, you will have the credibility to influence senior decision-makers, lead high-performing teams and drive innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement across a major national programme.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where talented people can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In return, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant programme, work with a diverse range of stakeholders and help deliver modern, sustainable homes that directly support the lives and wellbeing of Service personnel and their families.
Essential Criteria
This role operates at pace and with high visibility. We are looking for individuals with:
- Strong experience in policy development within complex or high-profile environments, ideally within housing, landlord functions or public service delivery.
- Ability to analyse complex evidence and provide clear, balanced advice across operational, legal and financial considerations.
- Proven experience supporting senior leaders and preparing high-quality written outputs, such as Ministerial briefings or policy instructions.
- Demonstrable leadership experience, including managing teams and driving cross-organisational collaboration.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels across government and external partners.
- Ability to operate in complex, ambiguous environments and deliver at pace while maintaining high standards.
Deputy Head Housing Construction employer: Defence Infrastructure Organisation
As a Deputy Senior Fire Safety Manager within the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to ensuring fire safety across the Ministry of Defence. The role offers a supportive work culture that values inclusion and diversity, alongside tailored learning and development opportunities to enhance your career. With competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and flexible working options, this position provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the safety and security of defence infrastructure.
Contact Details:
Defence Infrastructure Organisation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Housing Construction
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Defence Infrastructure Organisation, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Deputy Head Housing Construction at Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Housing Construction
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence Infrastructure Organisation
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
