Housing Delivery Programme Manager

Westmorland & Furness Council is committed to building a strong, inclusive, and diverse economy where people can build their lives, families can thrive, and employers can attract and retain a skilled workforce. Housing plays a central role in achieving this ambition.

As part of the Inclusive and Green Growth Service, this senior position reports directly to the Assistant Director for Inclusive and Green Growth. It brings together housing delivery, planning, regeneration, and economic development, while maintaining strong links with the Thriving Places Directorate. The post holder will be instrumental in coordinating work across these service areas to deliver sustainable growth in housing supply, with a particular emphasis on the Council’s flagship housing development, Marina Village, and wider housing delivery in Barrow-in-Furness.

Initially, the focus will be on managing the relationship with the funding partner, Homes England, and coordinating information on both infrastructure works and housing delivery. Leading and managing the relationship with the strategic delivery partner will be key to ensuring the Council’s vision for the site is upheld as the scheme progresses.

Influencing elected Members and senior stakeholders, removing barriers to delivery through evidence-based approaches, and ensuring compliance with legislative, policy, quality, sustainability, and health and safety requirements will form a significant part of the role. In addition, the successful candidate will oversee a substantial housing investment programme of up to £30m, lead a project and programme management team, and manage a complex external supply chain of consultants and contractors.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic housing professional with a strong track record of delivering housing at scale and working collaboratively across sectors. The ideal candidate will be educated to degree level or possess equivalent relevant experience, with demonstrable expertise in housing delivery, including affordable housing, development appraisals, funding, procurement, planning, and contract management. A robust understanding of financial modelling and the drivers behind investment decisions is essential, along with the ability to identify and manage risk throughout the development lifecycle.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, together with the confidence and credibility to influence elected Members, senior officers, and external partners. Experience in building effective partnerships across the housing sector locally, regionally, and nationally is vital, as is the capability to lead cultural and behavioural change to improve outcomes for residents and communities.

Highly organised and analytical, the successful candidate will manage complex information and competing priorities while motivating teams and suppliers to deliver against contractual commitments. Strong political awareness, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach will enable the shaping and acceleration of housing delivery across Westmorland & Furness.

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Gareth Candlin (Assistant Director of Inclusive and Green Growth) via email on gareth.candlin@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.