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, pension contributions, and wellness support.
- 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 in relevant fields and experience with complex needs.
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 employer: YMCA BOURNEMOUTH
YMCA Bournemouth is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community through inclusive and forward-thinking services. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer ongoing training opportunities and a supportive work culture that empowers individuals to thrive. Our competitive benefits package, including pension contributions and discounts on various services, ensures that our team members feel valued and motivated to contribute to positive change in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Housing and Development
✨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. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research YMCA Bournemouth thoroughly and understand their mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in supporting individuals with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss examples of how you've motivated teams and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you’ve tackled challenges in housing and development.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our mission to make a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Housing and Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping those experiencing homelessness shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Head of Housing and Development. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission and can articulate how they fit into it.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas effectively. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA BOURNEMOUTH
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Head of Housing and Development role. Familiarise yourself with YMCA Bournemouth's mission and values, especially their focus on empowering individuals and supporting those with complex needs. This will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your inspirational leadership style. Think about times when you've motivated teams or driven change in a challenging environment. Be ready to discuss how you can build high-performing teams and lead a forward-looking housing strategy.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since the role involves managing large budgets, brush up on your financial literacy. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management, interpreting financial data, and any relevant projects where you’ve successfully managed finances. This will show you’re capable of handling the financial aspects of the role.
✨Passion for the Cause
Express your genuine passion for working with vulnerable adults and those experiencing homelessness. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show you’re a great fit for their team.
