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: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rural housing while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in affordable housing development and project management is preferred.
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.
Project Development Officer- Regeneration in Kent employer: English Rural Housing Association
English Rural Housing Association is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in the field of affordable housing. With a generous benefits package including a Bupa health and welfare scheme, a contributory pension, and 30 days of annual leave, our team enjoys a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in rural communities across Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with the opportunity to collaborate closely with passionate colleagues and contribute to community-led housing initiatives.
Contact Detail:
English Rural Housing Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Development Officer- Regeneration in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing development sector, especially those involved in rural projects. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for affordable housing.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching English Rural and its projects. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully delivered housing projects in the past. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with teams and manage challenges effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at English Rural and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Development Officer- Regeneration in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that are relevant to the Project Development Officer role. Highlight any previous work in affordable housing or project management, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some of that enthusiasm for rural communities!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about affordable housing and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver projects successfully. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so if you’ve managed budgets or led teams, let us know!
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 – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
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 local architectural features and community-led partnerships, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss specific projects or initiatives will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in rural communities, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to affordable housing and community development. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since technical construction experience is a plus, be ready to answer questions related to project management and housing delivery. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some insightful questions about the company's future projects or their approach to community engagement. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission and grow within the organisation.
