At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housing initiatives and empower individuals facing homelessness through strategic development.
- Company: Join YMCA Bournemouth, a global organisation making a local impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, ongoing training, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to building stronger communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in housing, social care, or management required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Bournemouth
Employment Type: Full Time
Working Hours: 40 Hours per week Monday – Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Salary: £54,000 – £60,000 per annum
Application Closing Date: 05/06/2026
Interview Date(s): 15/06/2026
About Us
YMCA Bournemouth is part of a global organisation making a meaningful difference at a local level across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. We are committed to delivering inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking services that respond to the needs of our community. Our work focuses on key areas including Housing and Support, Family and Relationships, Youth Work, Training and Education, and Health and Wellbeing. Through these services, we aim to empower individuals to reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit.
About the Role
We are seeking a Head of Housing and Development to join our team and support people to overcome homelessness through strategic leadership, service growth, and transformational housing provision. Working within the Housing department, you will play a key role in ensuring high quality, safe, and person-centred supported housing services are delivered effectively, alongside driving future housing development opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Inspirational leadership, motivating and building high-performing teams
- Commitment to resident outcomes and supporting individuals with complex needs to rebuild and move forward
- Leading a forward-looking housing strategy and service vision
- Bringing property development plans to life to develop new housing and facilities
- Maintaining operational excellence and compliance, including budget management and regulatory standards
About You
We are looking for a passionate and motivated individual who shares our commitment to empowering people and strengthening communities.
Skills and Competencies
- Compelling and articulate communicator, able to inspire teams, present confidently to Boards, and negotiate effectively with external partners
- Strong strategic thinker with the ability to set direction, manage ambiguity, and drive change
- Ability to manage competing operational and strategic priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines
- Business development skills with the ability to identify opportunities, develop proposals, and build partnerships
- Financial literacy with experience managing complex budgets, interpreting financial data, and modelling viability
Personal Attributes
- Genuine passion for working with people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and complex needs, motivated by making a real difference to individual lives
- Natural team leader who leads by example, builds trust, and brings out the best in others
- Visionary and entrepreneurial approach, able to set a clear direction for housing services and pursue opportunities with confidence
- Flexible, resilient, and solutions-focused with a positive ‘can do’ attitude
- Committed to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable adults
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree level education or equivalent
- Level 4+ professional qualification in a relevant discipline such as housing, social care, management, or the built environment
- Substantial experience of working with people with complex needs, including those affected by addiction, with a strong understanding of the organisational and practice implications
- Experience of property development, capital project management, or leading new build/refurbishment schemes
- Experience of managing large budgets (£2m+) including rent setting, viability modelling, and grant funding
- Demonstrated track record of inspiring, motivating, and developing high-performing teams within a people-centred service environment
- Additional relevant professional qualifications such as CIH membership
- Experience of property acquisition and asset management
- Experience of working within the voluntary or third sector
- Knowledge of Homes England frameworks and RSH regulatory standards
If you’re a motivated team player who shares our values and wants to be part of a supportive, impactful organisation, we’d love to hear from you!
Benefits
- Contribute to meaningful services and make a lasting, positive impact
- Join a passionate and supportive team that shares commitment to make positive change and build stronger communities
- Ongoing training and development opportunities to help you expand your skills and make an impact in your role
- Enjoy a wide range of employee benefits including a competitive employer pension contribution, access to an Employee Assistance Programme with counselling and virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, Blue Light Card eligibility, and savings across YMCA Bournemouth facilities and services.
- Additional benefits include discounts on holiday clubs, swimming lessons, children’s activities, café purchases, room hire, wellbeing services and accommodation stays.
Please note that employee benefits are subject to change.
Additional Information
The role has a statutory, occupational requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that they may come across using our services. The post holder will take responsibility for ensuring safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk as a priority and follow both YMCA Bournemouth safeguarding policy and BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership and Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership statutory guidance. Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. If the role involves regulated activity with children or adults at risk, your employment will be subject to an Enhanced level DBS check prior to commencement date. All other applicable roles will be subject to a Basic level DBS check prior to commencement date. The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the active promotion of equal opportunity, both in the provision of services and as an employer of paid and unpaid workers. If you have a disability and require any adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, or within employment, please contact us directly. Please note we do not offer sponsorship opportunities with employment. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and provide appropriate documentation as required.
How to Apply
Please click on the link below to complete a YMCA Bournemouth application form.
Head of Housing and Development in Bournemouth employer: YMCA BOURNEMOUTH
YMCA Bournemouth is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Employees benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, a competitive pension scheme, and a range of discounts on services, all while contributing to vital housing and support initiatives that empower individuals facing homelessness and complex needs. Join a passionate team committed to fostering positive change and building stronger communities in the beautiful coastal town of Bournemouth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Housing and Development in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing and development sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research YMCA Bournemouth thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to share your vision for housing services.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your genuine enthusiasm for helping vulnerable adults shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to meaningful change in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Housing and Development in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you align with our mission and values, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for empowering individuals.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to express your ideas and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As we’re looking for a Head of Housing and Development, highlight your leadership experience and how you've motivated teams in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and drive change within a community-focused environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at YMCA Bournemouth.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA BOURNEMOUTH
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into YMCA Bournemouth's mission and values. Understand their approach to housing and support services, especially how they empower individuals facing homelessness. This knowledge will help you connect your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Housing and Development, you'll need to inspire and lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you've driven change in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex needs and operational challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully managed competing priorities or developed innovative solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about their future housing strategies or how they measure success in their programmes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
