Governance Manager in Sunderland

We’re a values-driven, charitable organisation on a mission to make a real difference in Sunderland. Every day, we provide more than 60,000 people with a place they’re proud to call home. Our vision is clear: everyone deserves a good-quality home they can afford. We invest millions of pounds each year to keep our homes safe and decent, while also playing a part in tackling the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of modern, energy-efficient homes for rent right here in Sunderland.

If you share our passion for creating thriving communities and want to be part of something that truly matters, we’d love for you to join us and help achieve our vision.

If you have any accessibility needs or require adjustments, please let us know—we’re here to support you. We may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a large number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

Salary: £62,000.00

We're looking for an experienced Governance Manager to join our team and help shape and strengthen governance across Gentoo. Reporting to the Executive Director of Regulatory and Business Services, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our governance framework remains effective, compliant and aligned to organisational priorities. Working closely with Board Members, the Executive Team and senior leaders, you'll support strong decision-making, effective scrutiny and the delivery of high-quality Board and Committee business.

You'll also lead and develop a team of two, a Governance Business Partner and a Governance Assistant, creating a collaborative and high-performing environment that delivers excellent governance support across the organisation.

What you'll be doing

As Governance Manager, you'll lead the delivery and continuous improvement of Gentoo's governance framework, ensuring governance arrangements remain effective, compliant and aligned to organisational priorities.

• Act as a trusted governance adviser, providing expert guidance that supports effective governance, scrutiny and decision-making across the organisation.
• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of Gentoo's governance framework, ensuring governance processes remain effective, proportionate and fit for purpose.
• Oversee Board and Committee activity, ensuring meetings, reports, governance papers and decision-making processes are managed to a consistently high standard.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, statutory and constitutional requirements, maintaining a strong focus on governance assurance and regulatory readiness.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Board Members, Executive Team colleagues, regulators and key stakeholders, acting as a credible and professional partner.
• Produce clear, insightful and high-quality Board and Committee papers, reports and governance documentation for senior audiences.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen governance practices, solve challenges and drive continuous improvement across governance processes, systems and reporting.
• Champion the effective use of technology to enhance governance, compliance and organisational efficiency.
• Promote a culture of openness, integrity, accountability and inclusion, ensuring governance remains at the heart of how Gentoo operates.

Leading a High-Performing Team

• Create an environment where colleagues feel supported, empowered and motivated to succeed.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development to two Governance Business Partners.
• Set clear priorities and expectations, ensuring the team delivers an exceptional governance service across the Group.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture where everyone can contribute and thrive.
• Support the professional development and growth of team members, helping them build their expertise and confidence.
• Ensure resources and workloads are effectively managed to meet organisational priorities and deadlines.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who combines technical governance expertise with strong leadership, relationship-building and communication skills.

• Significant experience of delivering governance and compliance activities within the housing sector or another complex, highly regulated organisation.
• Experience of supporting Boards and Committees, preferably within a regulated environment.
• Experience of leading, coaching or developing colleagues and creating high-performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with Board Members, Executive Directors and senior leaders.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work on your own initiative.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with experience adapting information for a wide range of audiences.

About you

You'll be someone who:

• Acts with integrity, professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrates strong leadership and inspires confidence at all levels of the organisation.
• Is highly organised and committed to delivering exceptional standards.
• Values openness, collaboration and respectful challenge.
• Embraces technology and supports others to make the most of digital solutions.
• Champions equality, diversity and inclusion, recognising the value that different perspectives bring.
• Builds positive relationships through trust, transparency and effective communication.

Why join us?

At Gentoo, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be their best. This is an opportunity to influence governance at a strategic level, lead a talented team and play a key role in ensuring the organisation continues to operate effectively, transparently and in line with its regulatory obligations.

If you're passionate about governance, leadership and making a meaningful impact across an organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

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.