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 leave.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid work 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 strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35329 - 45090 € per year.
Job Summary
- Area of operation: Development
- Salary: £35,329 to 45,090 (depending on experience)
- Contract: Permanent (37.5 hours per week)
- 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, with a requirement to attend our London Office (Soho) one day per month (Hybrid Contract)
- Closing Date: 12pm on Monday 8th June 2026
- Interviews: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 (to be held in our London office)
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.
About the role
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. Our ‘fabric first’ approach to design and construction, coupled with our commitment to renewable energy technologies, aims to reduce environmental impact and running costs for our residents. 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.
About you
To succeed in this role, you will have a proven track record in working and successfully delivering affordable housing development and preferably rural housing. You will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work both collaboratively but also be an independent self-starter. 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-led housing schemes. The right candidate will also ideally have some technical construction experience, either from formal qualification or direct housing delivery. English Rural is looking to invest in and develop the right candidate to grow with our business.
Equal Opportunities
English Rural Housing Association is committed to equal opportunities and values diversity in its workforce.
Development Project Officer employer: English Rural
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 community-led initiatives and sustainable practices, our team enjoys a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside generous benefits such as a Bupa health package and a contributory pension scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact on rural communities across Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, while being part of a passionate and professional team that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Project Officer
✨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 and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals in affordable housing and community-led projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Bring examples of past projects where you’ve successfully coordinated teams and delivered results. This will demonstrate your ability to manage the day-to-day tasks of the Development Project Officer role.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at English Rural.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Project Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Development Project Officer role. Highlight your experience in affordable housing development and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about rural housing and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our friendly development team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent communication, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from showing your personality. We’re looking for someone who can connect with communities and collaborate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at English Rural
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of affordable housing development, especially in rural areas. Brush up on your knowledge about English Rural Housing Association's projects and values, so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Development Project Officer, you'll need to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated and built relationships, highlighting your interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Initiative
This role requires someone who can work independently and take the lead. Think of instances where you've taken the initiative in previous projects, and be ready to discuss how you overcame challenges and drove results.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the company's future projects or their approach to community-led housing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
