Head of Repairs and Estates

Is this the next step in your career? Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.

£67,000.00 per year + £5,115.00 Car Allowance (subject to eligibility criteria) 37 hours per week; Permanent Monday - Friday Ipswich/ Hybrid Ref: IP375

Are you a strategic, customer‑focused leader with a passion for delivering high‑quality repairs, maintenance and estate services? We're looking for a Head of Repairs & Estates to ensure our residents live in safe, well‑maintained and thriving communities.

At Orwell, we're a values‑driven, people‑centered organisation. Join us and help shape services that deliver excellent customer experience, building safety, sustainability and continuous improvement.

What you'll lead:

• Repairs & Maintenance and Estate Services teams, delivering a sector‑leading, customer‑first service
• Compliance across all housing and estate assets, including building safety and regulatory standards
• Implementation of new legislation, policies and service improvements
• Our environmental and sustainability agenda, aligned with the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards

What you'll bring:

• Strong experience in repairs, maintenance or asset management (social housing desirable)
• Technical knowledge of building safety, compliance and housing regulations
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high‑performing teams
• Confidence managing significant budgets and driving value for money
• Excellent communication and stakeholder skills
• A collaborative, resilient and values‑driven approach
• Level 5 qualification that aligns with conduct and competence in social housing or undertake within the first 12 months of employment.

If you're ready to lead with purpose and make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Application Closing date: 5th June. First Interview: Week commencing 15th June. Second Interview: To be confirmed.

Please note a full driving licence is essential for this role.

Why Join Orwell?

• As well as our inclusive culture and passion for our PACE values, we offer a broad range of benefits including:
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
• Company car allowance (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Reward and recognition awards
• Ongoing training and development & opportunities to progress in your role through the Orwell Academy
• Wellbeing programme
• Cashback Health plan
• Access to Blue Light Card - membership fees apply.
• Company mobile.

Before applying…

Orwell is committed to safeguarding and safer employment and the principles of empowerment. Please notice Orwell Housing Association does not provide visa sponsorship. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply. You will be required to provide the relevant right to work documentation if successfully appointed to the role. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

All new arrivals to the UK must also provide a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC). The definition of new arrival is an applicant who has worked or been resident overseas in the previous five years and this includes citizens of the UK who have worked or lived overseas for a continuous period of six months or more.

Apply with Confidence

Orwell is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We believe in creating an accessible and supportive environment, where every team member can thrive and contribute. Join us in our commitment to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers all individuals to reach their full potential.

We actively welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure equal access and opportunity for all.

We know that diverse teams drive innovation and deliver better outcomes. Research shows that people from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet every requirement. If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply anyway. Your unique experiences, perspectives, skills and most importantly your alignment with our culture and values could be exactly what we're looking for.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to succeed. If there is anything that might prevent you from applying for one of our roles, we want to help remove that barrier. Please contact our Talent team by calling or emailing.

Orwell Housing Association Limited collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Please see the Privacy Notice - By applying to this job you agree you have read, understand and accept the content of the Privacy Notice - to the processing of your data as part of this application.