Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead development and sales activities to create affordable homes in South-West Hertfordshire.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation dedicated to transforming communities through quality housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, up to 11% pension contribution, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership and technical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex development programmes and strong stakeholder relationship skills required.
- Other info: Apply by 15 April 2025; early closure possible if we receive many applications.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive – 37 hours per week
Do you want to make a difference? We are a dynamic organisation, committed to delivering good quality and much needed affordable homes that help transform communities in South-West Hertfordshire and change lives for the better. We are proud to have built a strong reputation as a trusted partner in the region. We forge successful relationships with other organisations, because we know that partnership working allows us to achieve our goals and do more for the people in our communities. These include our innovative joint ventures with key local authorities, which enable us to develop excellent new affordable homes cost-effectively.
What’s the role?
As Assistant Director of Development and Sales, you’ll be responsible for development and commercial activity delivered by Watford Community Housing and its wider Group of subsidiaries and Joint Ventures. You will:
- Ensure the successful delivery of new homes in line with WCH’s Business plan, with a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability.
- Initiate and grow relationships with stakeholders instrumental to WCH’s growth including funders, construction partners, customers, and Joint Venture partners.
- Ensure WCH’s development and commercial activity is delivered in accordance with the Group’s policies, processes, and funding authority requirements, maintaining cost control, alert to risk, and engaging effectively with internal and external customers.
- Lead on achieving commercial and sales income in line with Business Plan and appraisal assumptions.
- Lead the Partnerships Team and play a full role in the Group’s Leadership Team, contributing to business development, achievement of high performance and targets and overall success and growth of business through the application of leadership, business, and professional technical skills.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for someone who shares our values and brings the technical and leadership skills necessary to deliver on our growth ambitions. Do you have:
- A strong track record in leading teams to deliver complex development programmes?
- High level of skill in developing and maintaining excellent relationships with stakeholders, including experience of working at senior level with Local Authorities, Boards and Committees?
- Commercial awareness, experience in business and financial planning processes and expert use of appraisal software?
- An open, effective communication style that builds trust in others?
If this sounds like you, please read on to see the shortlisting criteria set out in the job description.
Essential:
- Experience in delivering successful and complex development programmes.
- Experience in bidding for and delivering Homes England funded programmes.
- Expert use of appraisal software.
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Knowledge of housing development and relevant financial, legal, and statutory requirements.
- Experience of working at senior level with Boards and Committees.
- High level of skill in developing and maintaining excellent relationships with stakeholders.
- Relevant experience in business and financial planning processes.
- Degree level education or equivalent through relevant training and/or experience.
- Relevant professional qualification e.g., RICS, CIH, MBA.
Desirable:
- Experience of development through joint ventures.
- Understanding of economic development.
- Experience in sales and marketing of new homes.
About Us
We work with our tenants to improve homes, offer high-quality services and inspire communities. We own and manage around 7,500 homes across South-West Hertfordshire, with a focus on providing much-needed homes for lower-income households. As a Community Gateway organisation, we’re committed to putting our tenants at the heart of everything we do. As well as working closely with residents to make sure we’re delivering excellent services, we encourage our tenants to become members so they can vote and make decisions which help to shape what we do.
What can we offer you?
We offer a range of benefits including 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata), an employer pension contribution of up to 11%, development opportunities and access to a comprehensive employee rewards scheme.
How we work
We are committed to embracing the most positive aspects of agile working. We take a blended approach to how we work, so that colleagues have the flexibility to strike the right balance between working in our communities, in our shared spaces and remotely. With digital technology at the heart of our work, teams and individuals are empowered to decide the best way to meet the needs of their role.
How to apply
If this sounds like your next role, click ‘apply now’, tell us why you’ve got what it takes and send us a copy of your current CV. Please ensure you refer to the shortlisting criteria.
Would like to know more? For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the HR team.
The closing date is 15 April 2025, but please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a large response. First round interviews will take place on 25 April 2025.
Assistant Director of Development and Sales employer: Watford Community Housing
Contact Detail:
Watford Community Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Development and Sales
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the housing development sector. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet stakeholders, including those from local authorities and construction partners. Building these relationships can give you insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in affordable housing and joint ventures. Understanding current challenges and innovations in the field will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with appraisal software and financial planning processes. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and delivered complex development programmes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting specific instances where you've led teams to achieve goals. Think about how you can convey your ability to inspire and motivate others, as this is crucial for the Assistant Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Development and Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Director of Development and Sales position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in leading complex development programmes and your ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in commercial awareness and financial planning.
Address the Shortlisting Criteria: Carefully refer to the shortlisting criteria mentioned in the job description. Make sure to address each point clearly in your application, providing evidence of your qualifications and experiences that meet these criteria.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also convey your understanding of the organisation's mission. Discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals in affordable housing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Watford Community Housing
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to understand the mission and values of the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and partnerships, especially those related to affordable housing in South-West Hertfordshire. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As the role requires leading teams and managing complex development programmes, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences. Highlight how you successfully led a team, overcame challenges, and achieved results, particularly in relation to stakeholder engagement and project delivery.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on your knowledge of housing development, financial planning processes, and appraisal software. Be ready to answer questions that assess your expertise in these areas, as well as your understanding of relevant legal and statutory requirements.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, so be sure to convey your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview. Practice articulating your ideas and experiences in a way that builds trust and rapport with the interviewers, showcasing your ability to engage with various stakeholders.
