At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive organisational change at Homes England.
- Company: Homes England, a key player in the housing sector with a commitment to community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days leave, hybrid working, and comprehensive employee support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to inclusion and innovation in public service.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing while shaping the future of communities across the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven executive leadership experience and strong understanding of corporate services.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Interviews will take place week commencing 15th June 2026.
Full details of the role can be found in the attached Candidate Brief.
As Chief Operating Officer (COO) you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to Homes England's enabling functions. You will embrace and role model the values and behaviours as a leader and colleague across the Agency more widely. Working closely with our Chief Executive Officer and the rest of the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), your input will be critical to the success of the Agency's mission and government's housing priorities.
As Chief Operating Officer you will provide leadership across people, digital, change, performance, estates, legal, commercial and business services, enabling effective decision making, organisational resilience and value for money, while supporting the Chief Executive and Board.
About the role:
- Provide strategic leadership of the Chief Operating Office, aligning individual expert contributions toward a shared vision, and leveraging diverse skills for collective problem-solving.
- Ensure high quality, efficient and resilient enabling and corporate services that support delivery of Homes England's mission.
- Be a core member of the CLT, contributing to corporate strategy, organisational performance, and long-term sustainability.
- Lead organisational planning, performance management and assurance, ensuring robust governance frameworks and operational processes and structures which enable the agency to operate within its Risk Appetite.
- Lead the design and delivery of strategic change, ensuring the organisation can deliver on its mission and strategy through optimal alignment of its people, systems and processes.
- Oversee financial management, budgeting and financial control of the Directorate and change budgets to ensure public funds are used responsibly and deliver value for money.
- Lead the people agenda, including workforce strategy, organisational design, culture, leadership capability and employee engagement.
- Provide executive sponsorship for digital, data and systems transformation to improve efficiency, insight and user experience, and minimise cyber and operational risk.
- Ensure Homes England meets its statutory, regulatory and assurance obligations, including audit, compliance and transparency requirements.
- Maintain strong relationships with sponsor departments, regulators and key partners, representing Homes England with credibility and authority.
- Promote continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration across corporate services and the wider organisation.
About you:
- Be an experienced senior leader with significant experience at executive or board level within a complex organisation.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of corporate services, including performance, people, digital, commercial and governance functions.
- Possess a strong understanding of corporate services, including performance, people, digital, commercial and governance functions.
- Have demonstrable experience of leading large-scale complex organisational change and transformation.
- Bring a proven ability to operate effectively within public sector governance, assurance and accountability frameworks.
- Have strong financial acumen, with experience overseeing budgets, financial planning and value for money decisions.
- Exhibit excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with senior stakeholders.
What we offer:
- A competitive salary and 33 days annual leave.
- Commitment to 50/50 hybrid working.
- Membership of the Homes and Communities Agency Pension Scheme, which is a contributory defined benefit scheme.
- Access to a great employee assistance programme, a wide range of healthcare plans, financial wellbeing support and discounts with leading high street names.
- Support from our range of network groups to help you be yourself at work.
- Payment for membership of a professional body.
- A geographically diverse community working to a 50/50 office/home based model.
- A diverse team of more than 1,000 professionals spanning 17 professions.
- Commitment to building an Agency that reflects the diverse communities we serve and champions inclusion.
You will be required to have the Right to Work in the UK and Homes England do not offer visa sponsorship. If your application is shortlisted to interview we will require you to provide proof of your Right to Work in the UK at this stage.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Homes England
Homes England is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary, 33 days of annual leave, and a flexible 50/50 hybrid working model. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while our commitment to diversity ensures that every voice is valued, making it a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the housing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people know you’re on the hunt for a COO role, the better your chances of landing interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Homes England thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and achieved results. Highlight your ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders, as this is crucial for a COO.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Homes England.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the COO role and its responsibilities. Dive into the job description and highlight key points that resonate with your experience. This will help you tailor your application to show how you can lead Homes England effectively.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities in your application. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in complex environments. We want to see how you can align individual contributions towards a shared vision.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. Make sure your points are easy to follow, as this reflects your ability to communicate effectively—a vital skill for a COO. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it allows us to keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Homes England
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Chief Operating Officer and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with Homes England's mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large-scale organisational change and transformation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams, driven performance, and fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation in previous roles.
✨Financial Acumen is Key
Since the role requires strong financial management skills, brush up on your knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and value for money decisions. Be prepared to discuss how you've overseen budgets in the past and how you ensure responsible use of public funds.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build trust and credibility with senior stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex relationships and influenced decision-making. This will show that you can effectively represent Homes England and maintain strong partnerships.
