Head of Compliance (12 month Fixed Term Contract) in Watford

Are you an experienced compliance leader ready to make a real impact to a growing housing group? We are looking for a Head of Compliance to join us on a 12 month fixed term contract, providing excellent, data-driven operational leadership across all compliance disciplines within our property portfolio. As we continue our merger journey, you'll ensure that mechanical, electrical, fire, water, lift and other statutory and best-practice compliance requirements are expertly planned, delivered, monitored and clearly evidenced.

At SettleParadigm, we're proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 27,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising the number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we've brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve.

If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we'd love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we're building a better future.

The post holder will have overall accountability for ensuring that all property compliance activities are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest standards. They will manage and oversee a varied portfolio of specialist subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring robust commercial management, strong contract performance and delivery of value for money across all compliance services. The role ensures SettleParadigm meets all legislative, regulatory and policy obligations, while fostering a collaborative, safety-first culture that drives continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and operational effectiveness.

• Leadership
  • Lead the Compliance function, ensuring a cohesive approach to compliance management, contract delivery, and operational excellence.
  • Support the creation and maintenance of the compliance policies, procedures, and management systems for all key statutory areas: gas, electrical, fire, lift, water, asbestos, and building safety.
  • Provide professional advice and leadership on compliance standards across all property activities and investment programmes.
  • Ensure all processes are underpinned by robust governance, audit trails, and risk management practices.
• Operational and Regulatory Delivery
  • Oversee the full compliance servicing, testing, inspection, and remedial work programmes, ensuring timely completion and accurate certification.
  • Maintain and evidence compliance across all programmes, including gas LGSR, EICR, LOLER, Fire Safety, Water Hygiene, Asbestos, and similar statutory requirements.
  • Ensure all remedial actions and follow-up works are planned, prioritised and completed efficiently.
  • Keep abreast of changes in legislation and best practice, ensuring internal policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated accordingly.
• Financial and Budgetary Management
  • Maintain responsibility for compliance spend, ensuring expenditure is controlled, transparent, and delivers measurable value for money.
  • Work collaboratively with Finance, Procurement, and senior leadership to develop accurate budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
  • Regularly review financial performance, identifying and mitigating variances to ensure services are delivered within budgetary limits.
  • Challenge inefficiencies and seek opportunities to optimise commercial performance across compliance operations.
• Contract and Supply Chain Management
  • Manage a wide and diverse range of specialist subcontractors and suppliers, covering M&E, fire safety, water hygiene, asbestos, lift maintenance, and other statutory services.
  • Lead on contract mobilisation, performance monitoring, and governance, ensuring clear KPIs, SLAs and reporting mechanisms are in place.
  • Drive high standards of contractor performance, compliance, customer care, and safety.
  • Ensure all contractors and consultants operate in full compliance with ParadigmSettles policies and statutory obligations.
  • Foster effective working partnerships that promote innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• People Leadership
  • Lead, motivate and support 3 direct managers and wider operational teams, ensuring clarity of purpose, accountability, and high standards of performance.
  • Champion a culture of Safety First and continuous development through regular supervision, appraisals, and professional training.
  • Promote collaboration, inclusion and shared learning across teams to strengthen the compliance function and organisational resilience.
• Performance, Insight and Customer Focus
  • Analyse and interpret compliance data and management information to identify trends, inform decisions, and drive continuous improvement and performance.
  • Provide regular performance and compliance reports to the Assistant Director Compliance Delivery and Executive Team.
  • Act as an escalation lead for complex complaints and compliance issues, ensuring resolutions are prompt, transparent, and customer focused.
  • Embed an ethos of customer service, ensuring compliance delivery supports ParadigmSettles wider customer and business objectives.

• Must haves:
  • Significant experience managing large-scale and complex compliance programmes within housing, property or construction sectors.
  • Strong knowledge of statutory compliance regulations and best practice (Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Act, Gas Safety, etc.).
  • Degree or equivalent qualification, or substantial leadership experience in Compliance or M&E.
  • Relevant qualification in water hygiene or asbestos management.
  • Demonstrable experience overseeing multiple specialist contractors and complex supply chains.
  • Proven track record of managing multimillion-pound budgets and delivering cost-efficient outcomes.
  • Knowledge of the social housing sector and compliance operating models.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
  • Effective analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of using data and insight to improve performance.
  • Full UK driving licence.
• Nice to haves:
  • Experience acting as Duty Holder for Gas Safety and NICEIC.
• For added brilliance:
  • Professional qualification/accreditation in Health & Safety e.g. Level 6 NEBOSH Dip.

At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• Annual salary: £84,000 salary package
• 30 days holiday, plus Christmas closure and buy options
• Generous pension scheme - up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
• Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Health cash plan - claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids cover)
• Life cover and income protection
• Flexible working - hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that's just the beginning! We're also thrilled to provide:

• Mental Health First Aiders available to support
• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
• 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
• Peer-recognition rewards platform
• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Hours and working pattern: Participation in out-of-hours rota, with potential to boost base salary.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.