At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead grant funding programmes and ensure compliance for affordable housing development.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on community development and regeneration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in housing while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in affordable residential development and strong funding experience.
The predicted salary is between 94385 - 94385 £ per year.
Salary: £94,385 + £4,936 salary supplement + excellent benefits
Location: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe OR Letchworth Garden City
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)
About the Role
We’re looking for a strategic, collaborative and commercially minded individual 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
- Thrives in a fast‑paced, delivery‑focused environment
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
Benefits
- 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
Additional Perks
- 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.
Criminal Disclosure
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.
Closing Date: 28/06/2026
Head of Programme & Systems (Development) in High Wycombe employer: SettleParadigm
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary of £94,385 plus excellent benefits. With a hybrid working model and a commitment to inclusivity, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values your expertise in programme leadership and development systems, while also enjoying perks like generous holiday allowances, funded training, and a supportive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme & Systems (Development) in High Wycombe
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme & Systems (Development) in High Wycombe
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.
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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.
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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!
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