At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape housing 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: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in housing and community services while fostering inclusivity.
- 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.
About You
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.
The Opportunity
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 on lukejoy@neemarsearch.com
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Stonewater 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.
By submitting your application, you consent to Neemar Search sharing your details with relevant third parties as part of the recruitment process.
Group Director of Homes and Communities employer: Stonewater
Stonewater is an exceptional employer that prioritises a values-led approach, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment among its employees. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Stonewater offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth within the housing sector, while ensuring that staff are supported in delivering high-quality services to communities across a substantial portfolio. The organisation's focus on innovation and continuous improvement, combined with strategic partnerships, makes it an inspiring place to work for those passionate about making a positive impact in housing and community development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director of Homes and Communities
✨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 in these areas.
✨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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process. Let’s get you one step closer to that Group Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Director of Homes and Communities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in housing and community services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Group Director of Homes and Communities, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving change. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed complex services in the past. We love to see examples of how you've empowered teams and fostered collaboration.
Highlight Your Commitment to Inclusion:Stonewater values diversity and inclusion, so make sure to reflect your commitment to these principles in your application. Share any experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that promote equality and support diverse communities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure everything is in order. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Stonewater!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stonewater
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing legislation and regulatory frameworks. Stonewater is looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of the sector, 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 in your previous roles, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in building strategic relationships with local authorities and community organisations. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in the past and how you plan to do this at Stonewater.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Diversity
Stonewater values equality and diversity, so make sure to express your commitment to these principles. Share any initiatives you've led or been part of that promote inclusivity within communities or organisations.
