At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment strategies and deliver impactful housing projects.
- Company: Hightown, a leading housing association focused on quality homes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days leave, hybrid work, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to sustainability and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: RICS or equivalent qualification; experience in asset management required.
Salary: £90,087
Location: Hybrid working across Hightown's operating area
Full Time | Permanent
At Hightown, we are passionate about providing high-quality homes and excellent services to our residents. As a leading housing association, we are committed to investing in our homes, improving sustainability, and creating places where people can thrive.
We are now looking for a Head of Investment & Major Works to lead our ambitious asset investment strategy and deliver transformational programmes that will make a real difference to people's lives. This is a rare opportunity to take strategic ownership of a £10m-£12m annual investment programme, influence long-term asset planning, drive sustainability initiatives, and lead a high-performing technical team responsible for maintaining and enhancing our housing stock.
About the Role
As Head of Investment & Major Works, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Hightown's investment, major works and asset intelligence functions. You will lead the planning and delivery of our capital investment programmes, ensuring our homes remain safe, compliant, energy efficient and fit for the future. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you will use data, insight and professional expertise to make informed investment decisions and shape the future of our housing stock. This is a highly visible leadership role where you will influence corporate strategy, provide expert technical guidance and ensure every pound invested delivers maximum value for residents and the organisation.
About You
We are looking for a strategic leader who combines strong technical expertise with outstanding people management skills. Ideally, you will already hold a CIH housing qualification (Level 5) or be willing to work towards one. We will support you along the way.
What You Will Be Doing
- Leading the development and delivery of Hightown's asset investment and major works strategy.
- Managing an annual capital investment programme of £10m-£12m, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
- Overseeing planned maintenance, component replacement, retrofit, energy efficiency and estate improvement programmes.
- Driving Hightown's stock condition programme, ensuring robust, accurate and up-to-date asset intelligence.
- Ensuring compliance with Decent Homes Standards, energy efficiency requirements and all relevant regulatory obligations.
- Developing long-term investment plans and financial forecasts to support business planning.
- Procuring and managing contractors, consultants and specialist partners to achieve high-quality, customer-focused outcomes.
- Providing assurance and performance reporting to customers, Executive Team, Board and Committees.
- Supporting the delivery of Hightown's sustainability ambitions and carbon reduction targets.
- Leading, developing and inspiring a skilled technical team to achieve excellent performance and continuous improvement.
What You Need
- RICS or equivalent qualification.
- CIH housing qualification (Level 5) or be willing to work towards one.
- Significant experience in asset management within housing, property or the build environment.
- Proven success delivering major works, planned investment and capital programmes.
- Strong knowledge of building construction, surveying, building regulations and asset management best practice.
- Excellent understanding of health and safety legislation, including CDM Regulations.
- Experience managing substantial budgets and delivering value for money.
- Strong understanding of risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Commitment to delivering outstanding services for residents and customers.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
Why Join Hightown?
- Professional development and sector-relevant training opportunities.
- 33 days’ annual leave including Bank Holidays (pro-rata).
- Competitive salary of £90,087 for a 35-hour week.
- Monthly attendance bonus.
- Hybrid working (minimum 2 days in the office).
- Workplace pension & life assurance (3× salary).
- Retail, gym, restaurant and cinema discounts.
- Employee wellbeing services.
- Free on-site gym access.
Join Hightown and help create safe, sustainable homes and exceptional services for our customers and communities. We will be shortlisting and interviewing on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy early. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Employer.
Head of Investment & Major Works in Hemel Hempstead employer: Hightown Housing Association
As a Scheme Manager, you will be part of a compassionate and dedicated team that prioritises the well-being of adults with learning disabilities. Our organisation fosters a supportive work culture, offering continuous professional development and training opportunities to help you grow in your career. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Contact Details:
Hightown Housing Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
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