At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of housing policy for Defence, ensuring high-quality homes for Service personnel and families.
- Company: Join a high-profile organisation transforming housing across the UK.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with senior leaders and influence key decisions in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Shape national housing policy and drive meaningful change in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development, strong analytical skills, and leadership capabilities.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in shaping accommodation policy across one of the UK's largest and most high-profile housing portfolios. As Defence Housing undergoes significant transformation, you will have the opportunity to influence national housing policy, drive reform and ensure thousands of Service personnel and their families have access to safe, high-quality homes.
You will lead a substantial programme of policy development across Defence housing, with responsibility for accommodation standards, allocations, landlord policy and tenancy frameworks. You will ensure that policy is coherent, deliverable, legally robust and financially sustainable, supporting the ambitions of the Defence Housing Strategy and the establishment of the future Defence Housing Service.
Reporting at a senior level, you will provide authoritative advice to Ministers and senior leaders on complex and high-profile policy matters. You will lead policy reform and modernisation, overseeing the development of evidence-based approaches that balance operational, legal and financial considerations while ensuring a family-centred approach remains at the heart of decision-making.
You will work closely with stakeholders across Defence, wider government, families' federations and external partners to shape the future direction of accommodation policy. Leading a high-performing team, you will foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and delivery excellence, while ensuring policy compliance with statutory, regulatory, safety and quality requirements.
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced policy leader with a strong track record of operating in complex, high-profile environments. You will bring exceptional analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex evidence into clear, strategic advice for senior decision-makers. A credible and influential leader, you will have experience of managing teams, building effective partnerships and driving change across organisational boundaries.
Working for DIO offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of Service personnel and their families while contributing to one of the most significant housing transformation programmes in the public sector. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where talented people can thrive and develop their careers.
Essential CriteriaThis 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
Head of Housing Policy 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 Head of Housing Policy
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Defence Infrastructure Organisation, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Housing Policy
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 Defence Infrastructure Organisation 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 Defence Infrastructure Organisation
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Defence Infrastructure Organisation, 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!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
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 Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
