Project Manager - Property Investment in Sunderland

Location: Doxford Park, Sunderland – moving to Eastgate Point, Hendon, later this year. Construction work begins on site for new Gentoo depot at Eastgate Point – Gentoo Group. At Gentoo we are proud to invest in our homes and communities – and as Project Manager, you’ll play a key role in making that happen. You’ll lead the delivery of your allocated annual planned investment programme, working in partnership with contractors to improve customers’ homes safely, sustainably and to a high standard. With a strong focus on quality, collaboration and customer experience, you’ll help ensure our investment delivers real, positive outcomes for the people and neighbourhoods we serve.

We believe in the power of collaboration and flexibility, so you can expect to be based at our Doxford Park, Sunderland head office and to spend time in the office and elsewhere. The use of our office space is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work. We support a great work‑life balance with our standard 36‑hour working week, Monday to Friday. Plus, enjoy an early finish at 12:30 pm every Friday—giving you more time for the things that matter to you. We are also proud to be certified as a “Great Place To Work.” A full UK driving licence and a basic DBS check (arranged and funded by Gentoo) are required for this position.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the safe and effective delivery of planned investment projects, ensuring schemes are well planned, compliant with all relevant legislation and standards, and delivered with minimal disruption to customers.
• Oversee the operational management of allocated planned investment contracts, working collaboratively with Principal Contractors to achieve best value for money, minimise risk, and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
• Monitor contractor and scheme performance throughout delivery, including completions, KPIs, certifications and payment information, ensuring strong governance and accountability.
• Chair monthly operational meetings with Principal Contractors, driving the resolution of issues and ensuring compliance with Gentoo’s Supplier Relationship Framework.
• Take a proactive approach to risk management, progress monitoring and issue resolution, ensuring works are delivered safely and in line with all health and safety requirements.
• Own the customer journey across allocated schemes, ensuring customers are informed, engaged and supported, with feedback driving timely service improvements.
• Ensure clear governance arrangements are in place for omitted homes, supported by written communication and robust processes to minimise customer risk.
• Commission and oversee QA/QC, health and safety and inspection audits, ensuring actions are resolved within agreed timescales.
• Provide clear and insightful reporting to the Contracts Manager, including escalation to the Core Group where required and regular updates on scheme performance.
• Champion a strong performance culture, collaborating across the business, role‑modelling Gentoo’s values and behaviours, and supporting positive change.
• Work closely with Asset Management, Property Maintenance and Housing teams to deliver a joined‑up, whole‑life approach to improving Gentoo’s homes.
• Ensure all works meet required quality standards, specifications and client briefs, with appropriate sign‑off and certification in place.
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel as required for the role.

What you will bring:

• A recognised property‑related qualification or equivalent experience in a similar role, including SMSTS and Scaffold Inspection.
• Significant experience in health and safety and regulatory compliance, including CDM, Building Safety, Fire Safety and property compliance.
• A strong understanding of the social housing sector and the operational challenges associated with maintaining and improving homes.
• In‑depth knowledge of building construction, standards, compliance obligations, planning regulations, regulatory requirements and leasehold legislation.
• Proven experience of managing construction programmes, timescales and identifying opportunities for efficiency.
• Strong commercial awareness, including budget management, variation control and delivering value for money.
• The ability to analyse complex technical information and communicate it clearly to non‑technical colleagues.
• Project management experience, including managing delivering planned investment programmes and external Principal Contractors.
• Demonstrable experience of developing high‑performing, collaborative teams that inspire excellent service delivery.
• An open, inclusive approach to feedback, with a clear focus on continuous service improvement.
• A customer‑focused and commercial mindset, ensuring great outcomes for customers while spending money wisely.

Some of our great benefits include:

• 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
• Early finish on Fridays.
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.
• Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.
• Competitive Aviva pension scheme – Gentoo will contribute up to 10 % based on your personal contribution.
• Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme.
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave.
• Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary.