Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housing services, ensuring high-quality support for residents and driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join YMCA Cheltenham, a dynamic organisation committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, wellbeing days, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social housing and strong knowledge of UK housing legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 46001 - 57000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: £46,001 – £57,000 per annum (dependent on skills, experience and qualifications)
Hours: 37.5 per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Location: across all YMCA Cheltenham Housing sites
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Deputy Head of Housing to support the strategic and operational leadership of our housing services. This is a pivotal role, helping to ensure our residents receive high‑quality, safe, and responsive services, while driving continuous improvement across the organisation. Working closely with the Head of Housing, Policy and Performance, you will lead multi‑disciplinary teams, strengthen compliance and performance, and help shape a culture that is resident‑centred, accountable, and insight‑driven.
Qualifications
- Commitment to ongoing professional development in housing or a related field.
- Strong, current knowledge of UK social housing legislation and regulation.
- CIH Level 4/5 (or equivalent) or a relevant degree.
- Robust safeguarding knowledge (Adults & Children).
- Solid understanding of data protection, UK GDPR, and information governance.
Competencies & Technical Skills
- Practical command of RSH Standards, TSMs, the Housing Ombudsman’s Code, and NHF Code of Governance 2020.
- Confident understanding of housing law and key legislation (Housing Acts, HRA 2017, ASB Act 2014, Equality Act 2010, Data Protection Act 2018/UK GDPR).
- Awareness of core compliance areas: gas, electrical, fire, water, asbestos, and decent/safe homes.
- Skilled in housing management systems, CRM platforms, and Microsoft 365, with strong data interpretation skills.
- Understanding of procurement, contract management, and value‑for‑money principles.
Experience
- Significant leadership experience in social housing operations.
- Proven ability to improve operational performance (rent, voids, satisfaction).
- Experience delivering service transformation and digital/process improvements.
- Strong track record leading multidisciplinary teams and contractors.
- Confident working within regulatory frameworks, audits, and self‑assessments.
- Financial acumen, including budget management and forecasting.
- Effective partnership working with local authorities, community safety teams, and support agencies.
Personal Qualities
- Resident‑centred: passionate about listening, learning, and improving outcomes for the people we serve.
- Leadership & Coaching: inspires confidence, nurtures talent, and sets clear expectations through authentic, accountable leadership.
- Analytical & Insight‑led: comfortable diving into data, exploring root causes, and using evidence to shape decisions.
- Collaborative & Influential: builds strong relationships, navigates complex situations, and negotiates with confidence and empathy.
- Organised & Resilient: thrives in a fast‑paced environment, balancing competing priorities while staying calm and focused.
- Ethical & Professional: champions fairness, safeguarding, and integrity in every interaction.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset: curious, forward‑thinking, and always seeking smarter, more effective ways of working.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, rising by up to 5 extra days with service.
- Two wellbeing days per year (pro‑rated for part‑time colleagues).
- Retail discounts and rewards across major high‑street and online brands.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Generous contributory pension.
- Company sick pay.
- Life Assurance at two times salary.
- Health cash plan, covering optical and dental costs, GP/consultant access, and independent personal, workplace, and financial advice.
- Free use of on‑site sports facilities.
- Occupational Health support and reasonable adjustments where needed.
- Extensive training and development, including opportunities to gain relevant qualifications.
- Regular social events for colleagues and their families.
- A supportive, passionate team environment.
EEO & Safeguarding
We are committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their age, gender, disability, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation or faith. We have procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process. YMCA Cheltenham is committed to following safer recruitment guidelines. In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be able to demonstrate they have evidence to be eligible to live and work in the UK. Successful candidates will need to provide two satisfactory references, undergo a DBS check and demonstrate full employment history. YMCA Cheltenham is wholly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Deputy Head of Housing in Cheltenham employer: YMCA Cheltenham
Contact Detail:
YMCA Cheltenham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Housing in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face in housing services. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, improved performance, or navigated complex situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Housing in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in social housing operations. We want to see how your skills align with the Deputy Head of Housing role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leading teams and driving improvements. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've led. We love hearing about how you inspire and nurture talent!
Be Data-Driven: Since the role involves a lot of data interpretation, make sure to mention your analytical skills. Share examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions or improve operational performance. We’re keen on insight-led approaches!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Cheltenham
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of UK social housing legislation and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact the role and how you can ensure compliance within the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your leadership skills, particularly in social housing operations. Think about specific instances where you've improved operational performance or led multidisciplinary teams.
✨Demonstrate a Resident-Centred Approach
Be ready to talk about how you prioritise residents' needs in your decision-making. Share examples of how you've listened to feedback and made changes to improve services for residents.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your mindset towards continuous improvement and how you've implemented smarter, more effective ways of working in previous roles. Highlight any experience with service transformation or digital improvements.