At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead funding programmes and ensure compliance for affordable housing development.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth, training, and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by delivering affordable homes and shaping future developments.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in residential development, strong funding experience, and excellent leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 94385 - 94385 £ per year.
Salary: £94,385 + £4,936 salary supplement + excellent benefits
Hybrid working: A minimum of 2 days per week in the office, 3 days per week from home
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday–Friday)
Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 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.
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.
Are you an experienced development professional with a passion for funding, systems, assurance and programme excellence? This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of our development pipeline and help deliver the affordable homes our communities need.
About the Role
We’re looking for a strategic, collaborative and commercially minded Head of Programme & Systems (Development) to lead our grant funding programme, development systems and programme assurance activity. This is a core leadership role at the heart of our Development & Regeneration Directorate, ensuring our programme is well-funded, well-managed and delivered with confidence.
You’ll be the organisation’s expert on Homes England and GLA funding, leading bids, managing grant programmes and ensuring full compliance with regulatory and audit requirements. You’ll also oversee the systems, processes and reporting that underpin our development activity, ensuring our teams have the tools, information and governance they need to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at scale. And you will act as a vital link to our Finance team on behalf of the wider Department.
Working closely with the Director of New Business & Partnerships, fellow Heads of Service and your own team, you’ll play a key role in managing risk, supporting strategic decision-making and ensuring our programme of around 500 new homes per year is delivered effectively, efficiently and in line with our Development Strategy.
This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, influence and impact, combining programme leadership, financial insight, systems expertise and strong relationship management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead our grant funding programme with Homes England, GLA and local partners, maximising public funding for our development portfolio
- Manage funding bids and compliance, ensuring schemes meet all regulatory and audit requirements
- Act as the organisation’s key contact for Homes England, GLA and other funding bodies
- Oversee recycled capital grant fund (RCGF) returns and ensure best use of available funding
- Lead development systems and processes including SDS ProVal, Sequel and integration with corporate systems
- Ensure accurate programme reporting across KPIs, scorecards, financial commitments and risk
- Support financial modelling and investment analysis for new schemes and programme planning
- Provide assurance to the Director, Executive Board and governance forums
- Champion continuous improvement across systems, processes and programme management
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of programme, systems and process specialists
- Act as a senior leader within the Development & Regeneration Directorate
What We’re Looking For
You’re a confident, credible and values-driven leader who brings together commercial acumen, development expertise and a collaborative mindset. You enjoy working with funders, partners and internal teams, and you’re skilled at balancing detail with strategic oversight.
You’re someone who:
- Builds trusted relationships with funders and partners
- Brings clarity to complex funding and compliance requirements
- Champions good systems, strong processes and high-quality reporting
- Leads with integrity, openness and a commitment to continuous improvement
Must haves
- At least 8 years’ experience delivering affordable residential development at scale
- Strong experience with Homes England and GLA funding, including IMS/OPS
- Proven track record of successful audits and compliance assurance
- Significant experience in development appraisals, risk management and programme oversight
- Strong commercial acumen and contract management experience
- Experience establishing effective systems, processes and controls
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills
- Ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams
Nice to haves
- Experience supporting organisational integration or transformation
- Experience working with regulators, auditors or inspection bodies
- Knowledge of data standards and frameworks across housing services
- Experience in housing, public sector or regulated environments
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: £94,385 + £4,936 salary supplement per annum
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service, 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)
Working Hours & Additional Pay
37 hours per week
Monday–Thursday: 09:00–17:30
Friday: 09:00–17:00
Our Commitment
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.
Accessibility and Adjustments
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.
Closing Date
28/06/2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.
Head of Programme & Systems employer: SettleParadigm
SettleParadigm is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being within a values-driven organisation dedicated to social purpose. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and funded training opportunities, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme & Systems
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like SettleParadigm, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like SettleParadigm and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme & Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for SettleParadigm and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at SettleParadigm
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with SettleParadigm, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for SettleParadigm.
