At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy for a new in-house repairs service, shaping its success from the ground up.
- Company: Join Orbit, one of the UK's largest housing groups dedicated to affordable living.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a rewarding experience that supports your growth.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven team focused on progress and making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while driving change in a pivotal leadership role.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in operational performance and financial analysis.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We’re building thriving communities as one of the UK’s largest housing groups and a leading developer of affordable housing. We believe everyone is entitled to a good home they can afford, in a place they are proud to live. More than 100,000 people live in our homes. If you want to experience work that’s truly rewarding, join us. Because when we achieve together, customers and communities thrive. Work for Orbit. Believe in people.
Are you ready to play a pivotal role in one of the most significant transformations at Orbit? We're establishing our own in-house repairs and maintenance organisation (DLO), bringing services closer to our customers and creating greater control, efficiency, and value across our homes. As Head of Finance - In-House Repair Delivery, you'll be at the heart of this journey, leading the financial mobilisation of a brand-new operating model and building the foundations for long-term success.
This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. You'll shape financial strategy, design processes and controls, build a high-performing finance team, and become a trusted partner to operational leaders as the organisation grows. If you're a commercially minded finance leader who thrives on creating, influencing, and driving change, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting legacy within one of the UK's leading housing groups. This role is part of Finance where you'll help us to invest more back into communities.
What you'll achieve:
- Lead the financial mobilisation of Orbit's new in-house repairs and maintenance organisation, helping shape a critical strategic initiative from concept through to successful delivery.
- Design and implement the financial frameworks, controls, and governance required to support a high-performing and commercially focused operation.
- Develop robust financial models, budgets, forecasts, and costing methodologies that provide clarity, insight, and confidence for decision-making.
- Build and lead a capable finance team, creating a culture of accountability, commercial awareness, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with operational leaders to drive performance, identify opportunities, and ensure value for money across repairs and maintenance services.
- Establish meaningful management information, KPIs, and reporting that enable data-driven decisions and operational excellence.
- Ensure accurate financial control across labour, materials, stock, overheads, and service delivery activities.
- Provide strategic financial insight and challenge to support investment decisions, service improvements, and future growth.
- Drive the successful integration of operational and financial systems, ensuring timely and accurate reporting across the new business.
- Play a key role in delivering better outcomes for Orbit customers by helping create an efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused repairs service.
- Lead the transition from mobilisation to business-as-usual operations, ensuring the finance team, processes, controls, systems, and reporting frameworks evolve seamlessly from establishment phase into a sustainable, high-performing service.
What you'll bring:
Essential skills:
- Qualified (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA/ICAEW/equivalent).
- Appropriate proven experience in a relevant financial position.
- Knowledge of operational performance metrics.
- Demonstrates knowledge of cost accounting and the build-up of standard costing models.
- Strong financial analysis and modelling skills.
- Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate operational performance into financial insight (job profitability, unit costs, utilisation, productivity).
- Experience of mobilisation and change delivery, including designing and embedding finance processes, controls, and governance in operational environments.
Desirable skills:
- Experience within housing DLO organisations or repairs service provider to housing associations or similar.
Why Orbit?
Choosing us means being rewarded in every sense. Here’s what you can expect to enjoy with us:
- A rewarding experience that works for you. We strive to create an inclusive experience with benefits and wellbeing programmes designed to help you, and your loved ones, to thrive. For a better work life balance, we offer flexible working opportunities for many roles.
- A place to progress. From training programmes to professional qualifications, we provide opportunities to learn and develop at every stage of your career. Whether you’re a student, graduate or experienced professional we’ll support you to grow. For leaders, our tailored development journeys are designed to stretch and strengthen your leadership skills.
- A purpose to feel proud of. We’re proud to make a difference to people together. We’re values-driven with a commercial focus on performance - because the more profit we make, the more we can achieve for people.
How we hire: We aim to make our hiring process simple and fair: Online application, Interview(s), Decision and offer. We put the safeguarding of our customers, colleagues and contractors at the heart of everything we do and as such, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check.
Head of Finance - In-House Repair Delivery employer: Orbit Group
At Orbit, we are dedicated to building thriving communities and providing affordable housing, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful work. Our inclusive culture fosters professional growth through tailored development programmes and flexible working opportunities, ensuring that every employee can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a difference, as you play a pivotal role in transforming our in-house repairs and maintenance services, all while enjoying the satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of over 100,000 residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - In-House Repair Delivery
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Orbit Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - In-House Repair Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Orbit Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Orbit Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orbit Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Orbit Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Orbit Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Orbit Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
