At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housing management and community services for 40,000 homes.
- Company: Join Stonewater, a values-led organisation committed to community empowerment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to equality.
- Why this job: Shape housing services and enhance community wellbeing in a pivotal leadership position.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in housing or community development required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Stonewater is seeking an experienced and values-led senior housing professional to join the organisation as Group Director of Homes and Communities. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering high-quality housing and community services across a portfolio of approximately 40,000 homes.
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will lead the strategic and operational delivery of housing management, tenancy sustainment, neighbourhood services, community engagement and customer experience. The role will play a key part in ensuring homes are safe, services are compliant and communities are empowered and supported to thrive.
Key Responsibilities- Lead housing management, tenancy services, neighbourhood operations, commercial services, rent and service charge functions.
- Develop and implement strategies that strengthen resident engagement, community cohesion and place-based service excellence.
- Ensure compliance with the Social Housing Regulator’s Consumer Standards and wider housing legislation.
- Champion customer-focused services that are accessible, inclusive and responsive to resident needs.
- Oversee safeguarding, domestic abuse and independent living services, ensuring effective multi-agency partnerships.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all service areas.
- Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and empowerment.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with local authorities, health partners, community organisations and regulators.
- Contribute to organisational strategy, transformation programmes and budget planning.
- Represent Stonewater externally and at Board level on matters relating to homes and communities, including leadership of the Mount Green Board.
The successful candidate will bring substantial senior leadership experience within housing, community development or a related sector, alongside a strong understanding of the regulatory and operational landscape within social housing. You will also demonstrate:
- In-depth knowledge of housing legislation, regulatory frameworks and sector best practice.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with operational delivery expertise.
- Experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary services and teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
- A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- A professional housing qualification such as CIH, or equivalent experience.
This is a significant leadership opportunity with responsibility for a large-scale housing portfolio and direct oversight of Homes, Communities, Wellbeing Services, Commercial Services, and Rent and Service Charge functions. The role carries direct budget accountability and significant influence over service design, policy implementation and operational performance.
For more information please reach out to Luke Joy at Neemar Search.
Our Commitment to InclusionStonewater is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and values-led organisation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Our recruitment process is fair and accessible, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please let us know if there’s anything we can do to support you.
Group Director of Homes and Communities in England employer: Stonewater
Stonewater is an exceptional employer that prioritises a values-led approach, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to employee growth, the organisation offers extensive professional development opportunities and encourages innovation in delivering high-quality housing and community services. Located in a vibrant community, Stonewater empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact while ensuring a supportive environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director of Homes and Communities in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing and community sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Stonewater and its values. Understand their approach to community engagement and housing management. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their mission, so think about specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for housing and community services. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing your ideas and how they can benefit Stonewater.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Director of Homes and Communities in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in housing management and community services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Group Director of Homes and Communities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving innovation. Use your application to demonstrate your past leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the housing sector.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge:Since compliance with housing legislation is key, be sure to mention your understanding of regulatory frameworks and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for someone who can ensure our services meet the highest standards.
Engage with Our Values:At StudySmarter, we value diversity and inclusion. Make sure your application reflects your commitment to these principles and how you’ve fostered inclusive environments in your previous roles. Apply through our website to join us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stonewater
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on housing legislation and the regulatory frameworks relevant to the role. Stonewater is looking for someone with in-depth knowledge, so be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Group Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams. Think of specific examples where you've fostered collaboration and accountability, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Engagement is Key
Prepare to talk about your strategies for resident engagement and community cohesion. Stonewater values customer-focused services, so think about how you've successfully implemented inclusive and responsive initiatives in the past.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building strategic relationships with local authorities and community organisations. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated partnerships and what impact they had on service delivery.
