At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy for affordable housing and property services, driving performance and decision-making.
- Company: Sanctuary Housing, a not-for-profit organisation transforming lives through affordable homes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tackling the national housing crisis and support communities.
- Qualifications: Proven finance leadership experience with a passion for social purpose.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 160000 £ per year.
Shape the future of affordable housing at Sanctuary Housing. Sanctuary has been transforming lives for over 50 years. Today, we provide housing and care to more than a quarter of a million people across England and Scotland. Our purpose is simple yet powerful: to serve customers by building affordable homes and sustainable communities where people choose to live.
As a not-for-profit housing association, we reinvest every penny we earn into delivering our social mission instead - not profits for shareholders. With around 125,000 homes under management, a £1.2bn turnover, and sector-leading credit ratings (Moodys A, S&P A2), Sanctuary combines scale, strong governance, and financial resilience to make a difference that few other housing associations can match. This role sits at the heart of our largest business area, supporting and delivering for customers in our mission to tackle the national housing crisis.
Job Description
- Lead financial strategy for housing and property services, including our in-house maintenance company, driving performance and enabling informed decision-making to deliver improved customer outcomes.
- Develop robust financial plans, budgets, and income strategies to maximise growth and sustainability of the £650m turnover housing business and the £280m cost base of the property services function.
- Provide financial scrutiny and assurance for major transformation initiatives.
- Champion data-driven insights, working with expert colleagues to ensure data is effectively used and governed.
- Inspire and lead a high-performing finance team of circa 45, delivering analysis and reporting that empowers the business.
- Act as a trusted partner to senior leaders, influencing strategic initiatives and delivering measurable improvements.
- Support the Chief Customer Officer to maximise value for money and ensure funds are used wisely to deliver the greatest benefit to customers.
The Successful Applicant
We're looking for a strategic, commercially astute finance leader who can combine technical excellence with a passion for social purpose and customers. You will bring:
- A proven track record in senior finance leadership, shaping strategy and delivering results.
- Experience partnering with customer-focused organisations, maximising impact through robust financial management.
- Expertise in leading finance functions, driving growth and operational excellence - ideally including exposure to mergers and acquisitions.
- Strong skills in complex project management and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment and timely delivery.
- A background in business analysis and team leadership, with a focus on team development, innovation and continuous improvement.
This is an exceptional opportunity to be a key player at a high-performing organisation with a clear social mission and work alongside some of the leading figures in the housing sector. Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers' needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary's commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary ranging from £140,000 to £160,000
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Closing date 30th January 2026
- Chance to make a meaningful impact in the affordable housing industry.
If you are an accomplished finance professional ready to take on a Senior Finance Director role in Worcester (hybrid working), we encourage you to apply and contribute to this impactful organisation.
Contact Elizabeth Campion Quote job ref JN-122025-6908709Z
Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.
Finance Director - Housing & Property Services employer: Michael Page
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director - Housing & Property Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sanctuary Housing thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and driven financial strategies in previous roles. Highlighting your impact will demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the Finance Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a team that’s making a real difference in affordable housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - Housing & Property Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Director. Highlight your experience in financial strategy and team leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any work you've done in customer-focused organisations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about affordable housing and how your skills align with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've driven growth and operational excellence in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in the housing sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the housing sector, such as turnover, cost base, and budget management. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Sanctuary is looking for someone who can shape financial strategy. Think about how you can articulate your vision for the future of affordable housing. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led financial strategies that align with social missions and customer-focused outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills. Be ready to share experiences where you've influenced senior leaders or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to communicate complex financial information in a way that resonates with non-financial stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
Leading a high-performing finance team is crucial. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've fostered innovation and continuous improvement within your team, ensuring they are aligned with the organisation's goals.