At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and improve community living in Cambridge.
- Company: Join Homes England, a key player in housing and regeneration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days leave, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of housing and infrastructure in a vibrant tech hub.
- Qualifications: Experience in infrastructure delivery and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58349 - 71315 £ per year.
Closing Date: 30th August 2026
Interviews will take place week commencing 21st September 2026. There will be a two stage interview process and you will be required to complete an online Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) prior to second stage.
About the role:
Cambridge has become a major incubator of successful tech start-ups contributing significantly to the UK economy. However, Cambridgeshire and its surrounding areas face significant infrastructure challenges. Power, water and transport issues all impact business and housing growth and affect the quality of life for Cambridgeshire's residents and potentially limit future economic growth.
Leading the delivery of integrated engineering and infrastructure programmes that accelerate economic growth and housing delivery across Greater Cambridge, providing strategic leadership to a team of technical specialists responsible for site de-risking, enabling works and major infrastructure projects. The role oversees technical due diligence, development viability assessments, utilities planning, procurement and contract management, ensuring the successful delivery of roads, bridges, drainage, utilities, remediation and other infrastructure works.
Working closely with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders, the postholder will provide expert technical advice, manage programme performance, risks and budgets, and reports to senior leadership, committees and the Board to ensure development sites are unlocked and ready for sustainable growth. This is a rare chance to work for an organisation which is uniquely positioned to shape the future of place-based housing delivery and regeneration in Cambridge. Working with influential stakeholders, you will support our experienced team in driving delivery of a range of complex workstreams.
This role is being recruited by Homes England to support the establishment and operation of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation. The successful candidate will initially be employed by Homes England and will work predominantly on matters relating to the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation and its activities.
About you:
We are seeking an experienced technical leader with extensive expertise in residential and mixed-use development, infrastructure delivery and construction. You will provide strategic leadership across all development-related technical matters, overseeing the assessment and resolution of complex site constraints, including highways, drainage, utilities, demolition, remediation and ground conditions.
With a strong focus on delivering solutions, you will ensure the successful planning and execution of infrastructure and capital works programmes, balancing quality, cost, safety and programme outcomes while driving continuous improvement in technical standards, policies and processes. You will bring significant commercial, procurement and contractual experience, coupled with a detailed understanding of the regulatory environment governing development and infrastructure projects.
Able to identify risks and opportunities across a broad range of development and regeneration schemes, you will provide expert technical advice and due diligence throughout site acquisition, planning and delivery phases. An excellent communicator and negotiator, you will be confident explaining complex technical issues, influencing decision-making and working collaboratively with project teams, consultants, contractors and stakeholders to unlock development potential and deliver successful outcomes.
As a proven people leader, you will have a track record of building, developing and motivating high-performing multi-disciplinary teams, fostering a culture of professional excellence, collaboration and accountability. You will be skilled at establishing strategic partnerships across government, local authorities, utilities, consultants and the wider development sector, using your influence to shape outcomes and support organisational priorities.
Combining strong technical credibility with strategic thinking, you will play a key role in integrating technical expertise into development strategy, ensuring robust governance, effective risk management and the successful delivery of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation strategic growth and regeneration ambitions.
Who are we?
The Greater Cambridge Development Corporation was established by the government on 23 July 2026. It is a statutory delivery body set up as a new local-national partnership, to unlock the long-term sustainable economic future of Greater Cambridge. Building on the foundations laid by the Cambridge Growth Company, the Development Corporation marks the next phase of the government's commitment to achieving nationally significant economic growth through infrastructure-led development across Greater Cambridge.
The Development Corporation will be responsible for the stewardship and deployment of very significant public capital investment, with capital projects typically measured in multiples of £100 million, and overall programme value measured at over £100bn, delivered over long-time horizons and through complex commercial, land and infrastructure arrangements involving leveraging significant private sector investment.
Homes England: The Housing and Regeneration Agency
We believe that affordable, quality homes in well-designed places are key to improving people's lives. As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, we create thriving new places and transform urban areas, combining the full breadth of our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more homes built.
What we offer:
As well as a competitive salary and 33 days annual leave, we are committed to 50/50 hybrid working. Membership of the Homes and Communities Agency Pension Scheme, which is a contributory defined benefit scheme with the amount you receive on retirement based on your salary and years worked at the Agency. If you ever need a bit of extra help, we have a great employee assistance programme, a wide range of healthcare plans, financial wellbeing support and access to many great discounts with leading high street names.
Our range of network groups are also there to support you to be yourself at work and play a key role in helping shape our future. If you are a member of a professional body, we'll pay for your membership and once you get your digital kit, you'll be good to go. We work to a 50/50 office/home based model. Moving back into our office environments has enabled us to utilise our space and time together in the most collaborative way.
We're a diverse team of more than 1,000 professionals spanning 17 professions, helping Homes England to be effective, efficient and deliver for communities. Our people remain at the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to building an Agency that not only reflects the diverse communities we serve, but also champions inclusion in how we shape homes and places across the country.
Assistant Director - Infrastructure in Cambridge employer: Homes England
Homes England is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newcastle upon Tyne where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong commitment to hybrid working, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits, employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful AI initiatives that align with the agency's goals. The supportive culture fosters teamwork and encourages continuous learning, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of artificial intelligence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Infrastructure in Cambridge
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Homes England, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Assistant Director - Infrastructure at Homes England.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Infrastructure in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Homes England
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
