At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead asset management and income functions to enhance service delivery for young people.
- Company: YMCA DownsLink Group, a leading charity supporting children and young people.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive hours, inclusive culture, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to equity, diversity, and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young people while driving sustainability and compliance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in asset management, strong financial acumen, and commitment to continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
37 hours per week / permanent / working Monday to Thursday 0900-1700, Friday 0900-1630.
YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice. We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen. We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.
Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take ownership of our Asset Management and Income functions, driving the performance, sustainability and compliance of our diverse property portfolio. This role will be responsible for shaping and delivering a forward-thinking asset management strategy that aligns with organisational goals, ensuring our homes meet all regulatory standards while delivering excellent repairs, voids and customer satisfaction outcomes. You will lead on investment planning, data-driven decision making, building safety, and environmental sustainability, including decarbonisation and energy efficiency initiatives. Working collaboratively across teams and with residents, you’ll ensure that services are responsive, informed by feedback, and deliver real value for money.
Alongside this, you will oversee a high-performing income function, leading the delivery of customer-focused income collection services and ensuring effective management of leases, arrears and financial performance. You will drive improvements through digital innovation, strengthen financial resilience for residents, and ensure compliance with welfare and regulatory requirements. As part of the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping organisational culture, leading and developing teams, and contributing to continuous improvement across services. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by optimising assets, enhancing service delivery, and supporting communities across Sussex and Surrey.
If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
Experience and Knowledge
We are looking for a highly experienced and strategic leader with a strong background in asset management within social housing or a similar sector. You will bring significant senior leadership experience, with a proven track record of delivering high-performing, customer-focused asset management, repairs, and maintenance services that achieve excellent value for money. A recognised professional qualification (MCIOB or CIH Level 4/5, or willingness to work towards Chartered status) and a commitment to continuous professional development are essential.
You will have a deep understanding of regulatory and legislative requirements relating to housing, alongside strong expertise in welfare benefits and their impact on residents and service delivery. Experience in leading change, implementing best practice, and driving continuous improvement is key, as is your ability to manage contracts, budgets, and performance to meet organisational targets. You’ll also bring strong financial acumen and experience of delivering against KPIs in a complex, fast-paced environment.
As a leader, you will be a strategic thinker with excellent analytical and decision-making skills, able to use data and insight to inform direction and performance. You will build strong relationships quickly, influencing a wide range of stakeholders, including Boards and external partners. Strong communication and presentation skills are essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and navigate challenging situations with professionalism and resilience.
You will also demonstrate strong digital capability, including experience of asset management systems and MS Office 365, and a clear commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture. An understanding of (or willingness to develop knowledge of) working with young people with complex needs and psychologically informed environments is desirable, aligning the built environment with the needs of those we support.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact us. Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 19th July at midnight.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.
An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment.
Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.
YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.
Asset Management employer: YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
YMCA Downslink Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities it serves. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will find ample opportunities for growth within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Working across beautiful East Sussex, you'll enjoy a competitive salary and the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in supported housing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Asset Management
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Asset Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Asset Management, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
