At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing repairs service ensuring homes are safe and well-maintained.
- Company: Midland Heart, a leading housing association with nearly 100 years of history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by enhancing their living conditions.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in social housing and expertise in repairs and maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Midland Heart is one of the UK's leading housing associations, providing safe, affordable and well-maintained homes to over 70,000 customers across the Midlands. With a proud history spanning almost 100 years, Midland Heart remains focused on delivering excellent services and creating homes that enable modern living.
Following the achievement of G1, V1 and C1 regulatory ratings, alongside a Moody's A1 stable rating, Midland Heart is now seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join the organisation as Director of Repairs & Maintenance.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Executive Director of Property Services, the Director of Repairs & Maintenance will lead a high-performing, tenant-focused repairs service, ensuring homes remain safe, secure and well maintained while delivering an outstanding customer experience. This is a significant leadership role with responsibility for both in-house teams and contractor partnerships across responsive and specialist repairs. The successful candidate will drive service excellence, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and value for money, while helping shape Midland Heart's wider tenant experience and asset strategy. The role carries responsibility for a repairs and maintenance budget of approximately £30m and leadership of a team of around 240 colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of Midland Heart's repairs and maintenance strategy, ensuring high-quality, safe and customer-focused services aligned to organisational objectives and tenant expectations.
- Drive operational performance across responsive and specialist repairs, including KPIs, complaints, disrepair, continuous improvement, workforce planning and financial management.
- Oversee procurement, contract management and supplier partnerships to deliver compliant, resilient and value-for-money repairs services.
About You
Midland Heart is seeking an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and substantial experience leading high-performing repairs and maintenance services. You will bring:
- Significant leadership experience within social housing, property services or a related sector
- Expertise in responsive repairs, contractor management and commercial oversight
- Strong financial and operational management capability
- A detailed understanding of building safety, compliance and relevant legislation
- Experience delivering service transformation and performance improvement
- The ability to influence at Executive and Board level
- A tenant-focused and collaborative leadership style
- A relevant degree-level qualification or equivalent experience is required, alongside membership (or willingness to work towards membership) of a relevant professional body such as CIOB or RICS.
For more information please reach out to Tom Neely at Neemar Search on tomneely@neemarsearch.com.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Midland Heart is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and values-led organisation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Our recruitment process is fair and accessible, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. As a Disability Confident employer, we're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please let us know if there's anything we can do to support you.
By submitting your application, you consent to Neemar Search sharing your details with relevant third parties as part of the recruitment process.
Director of Repairs & Maintenance in Birmingham employer: Midland Heart
Midland Heart is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on delivering high-quality services to over 70,000 customers, employees benefit from a collaborative culture, competitive remuneration, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the heart of the Midlands, Midland Heart offers a unique chance to lead a dynamic team in a sector that values safety, compliance, and tenant satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Repairs & Maintenance in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Midland Heart's values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of providing safe and affordable homes.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that Director of Repairs & Maintenance role. It shows initiative and gives you a direct line to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Repairs & Maintenance in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in repairs and maintenance. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Midland Heart, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Experience:As a Director, we’re looking for someone with solid leadership chops. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in social housing or property services. This will help us see your strategic thinking in action!
Highlight Financial Acumen:Since you'll be managing a substantial budget, it’s crucial to demonstrate your financial management skills. Include any relevant experience with budgeting, procurement, or contract management to show us you can handle the numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midland Heart
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Midland Heart’s mission and values. Understand their approach to repairs and maintenance, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director of Repairs & Maintenance, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to drive performance and improve service delivery.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
With a budget of around £30m, it’s crucial to show your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with budget oversight, cost control, and how you’ve achieved value for money in previous roles. This will reassure them that you can handle their financial responsibilities.
✨Be Tenant-Focused
Midland Heart prioritises tenant satisfaction, so come prepared with examples of how you’ve improved customer experiences in your previous roles. Discuss any initiatives you’ve led that enhanced service delivery or resolved tenant issues effectively.
