At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects to deliver affordable homes in rural communities.
- Company: Join a passionate team at English Rural Housing Association.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health package, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible home-based work with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities by providing affordable housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in affordable housing development and project management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35329 - 45090 € per year.
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £35,329 to 45,090 (depending on experience)
Area of operation: Development
Responsible to: Development Director
Benefits: Bupa Health & welfare package, including salary sacrifice, electric car scheme and generous contributory pension scheme
Annual leave entitlement: 30 days per annum, exclusive of bank holidays
Place of work: Home based, but with regional development area across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. There will be a requirement to attend our London Office (Soho) one day per month (Hybrid Contract)
About English Rural:
English Rural Housing Association is a leading national rural specialist working to provide affordable homes in small villages for local people. We own and manage around 1,600 affordable properties, spread amongst ~200 villages, and have a development programme of between 150 to 200 more homes over the next five years. We are passionate about rural communities and play a leading advocacy role in promoting the importance and urgent need for affordable rural housing.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our small but professional and friendly development team to continue the delivery of our high quality new build homes programme. We design our homes to high-standards, incorporating local architectural features. We build small scale schemes of quality homes that are in keeping with the village. Our approach involves forming a community-led local partnership to research, enable and deliver affordable rural homes.
Working under the leadership of the Development Director and collaboratively with internal colleagues and external consultants and contractors. The role will be to fully coordinate from inception working with Rural Housing Enablers, site acquisition and planning through to completion with the day-to-day project management of rural exception site housing delivery (noting, we do deliver some through selective Section 106 planning schemes with housing developers). Our typical land lead sites are around eight to twelve affordable homes, and may incorporate some open market housing to provide some necessary cross subsidy funding.
To succeed in this role, you will have a proven track record in working and successfully delivering affordable housing development and preferably rural housing. It takes a special person with professionalism, enthusiasm, initiative, tenacity and a great deal of pride in the end product to stay the course and deliver these small, often challenging yet ultimately rewarding community lead housing schemes. The right candidate will also ideally have some technical construction experience, either from formal qualification of direct housing delivery. English Rural is looking to invest in and develop the right candidate to grow with our business.
Closing date for applications: 12pm on Monday 8th June 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 (to be held in our London office)
English Rural Housing Association is committed to equal opportunities and values diversity in its workforce.
No agencies please.
Development Project Officer (Housing) in Kent employer: English Rural Housing Association
English Rural Housing Association is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in the field of affordable housing. With a strong commitment to rural communities, our team enjoys a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside generous benefits such as a Bupa health package, a contributory pension scheme, and 30 days of annual leave. Join us in making a meaningful impact on local communities while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a passionate and professional team across the beautiful regions of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey.
Contact Detail:
English Rural Housing Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Project Officer (Housing) in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing development sector, especially those who work with rural communities. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching English Rural Housing Association thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and community impact. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your project management skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully delivered affordable housing projects in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do in rural housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Project Officer (Housing) in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Development Project Officer role. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in affordable housing or rural development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for rural communities and affordable housing. Share specific examples of how your experience aligns with our mission at English Rural.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love collaboration! In your application, mention times when you’ve successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal. This will show us you’re a great fit for our friendly development team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at English Rural Housing Association
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of affordable housing development, especially in rural areas. Brush up on English Rural's projects and values so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about community and making a difference. Be ready to share why you're passionate about rural housing and how you can contribute to creating quality homes for local people.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since technical construction experience is a plus, be prepared to discuss any relevant qualifications or experiences. Think about specific projects you've worked on and be ready to explain your role and the outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the development team's goals, challenges they face, and how you can help. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
