Role Purpose
As the Head of Housing Growth and Regeneration, you will provide direction and strategic leadership for the Homes in Somerset Development and Regeneration team, fostering an overarching culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence.
You will work closely with a relatively new Development Committee to drive the housing growth strategy at a strategic and tactical delivery level, providing professional expertise, leading on a complex programme or the commissioning of housing development services for the Council.
This pivotal role involves ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality, while supporting Somerset Council’s strategic objectives to increase housing supply, improve living standards, and create sustainable communities.Key Responsibilities
What will I have to do?
Strategic Leadership• Implement a new Housing Development and Regeneration Strategy, that aligns broader corporate objectives, local plans, and housing targets.• Collaborate closely with the Development Committee, providing strategic advice, regular updates, sufficient information and recommendations to ensure informed decision-making.• Collaborate closely with Somerset Council’s Finance Team to ensure that schemes align to Business Case assumptions, pipelines are affordable within the Housing Revenue Account and costs are managed robustly.• Ensure that all Legislative, Regulatory and Governance requirements are met including the Future Homes Standard.• Identify and secure opportunities for new housing developments and community regeneration projects, including innovative funding and partnership arrangements.• Champion sustainability and environmental best practices, embedding ESG principles in all projects.Working with the Development Committee• Act as the principal advisor to the Development Committee, ensuring members are well-informed and equipped to make strategic decisions.• Prepare and present detailed reports, feasibility studies, and project updates to the Committee.• Implement Committee decisions effectively, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and project goals.• Support the Development Committee in evaluating and shaping policies that promote long-term housing growth and regeneration.Team Leadership and Culture Development• Embed and lead a relatively new team, cultivating and embedding a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture.• Inspire, mentor, and develop team members, promoting a focus on customer-centred outcomes, innovation, and excellence.• Provide strong leadership and professional development opportunities to support team performance and capacity building.• Ensure the team adopts the organisation’s values (Focused, Innovative, Trusted) and a culture of accountability, adaptability, and resident engagement.Programme and Project Management• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of a diverse portfolio of housing development and regeneration projects, from inception to completion, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.• Ensure robust project governance, monitoring, and reporting processes are in place, including risk management and performance tracking.• Monitor compliance with planning regulations, building standards, and statutory requirements.• Proactively identify and manage risks to ensure successful project outcomes.• Support the team with feasibility studies, business case development, and securing necessary approvals.Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including Somerset Council, residents, elected members, Homes England, planning, developers, contractors and other relevant agencies.• Oversee community consultation and engagement processes to ensure resident input informs development and regeneration plans.• Represent the Homes in Somerset at local, regional, and national forums as required.Financial Oversight and Value for Money• Work with Somerset Council to develop and manage budgets for housing development and regeneration programmes, ensuring value for money and compliance with financial regulations.• Ensure financial performance is closely monitored, and appropriate corrective actions are taken when necessary.• Maximise funding opportunities through grants, Right To Buy receipts and other funding opportunities.• Negotiate and manage contracts with development partners and service providers to achieve optimal outcomes.Performance Monitoring and Reporting• Establish robust performance metrics to track the impact and effectiveness of housing growth and regeneration initiatives.• Provide clear and comprehensive reports to the Development Committee, Board and Executive Team.• Use data and insights to inform continuous improvement and adapt strategies to changing circumstances.Sustainability and Quality• Promote sustainable and environmentally conscious design and construction practices across all developments.• Ensure new homes and regeneration projects meet high standards for quality, safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.Knowledge, Skills and Experience
You will:
• Have a degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., housing, planning, regeneration, or construction)• Have a membership of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
