Head of Asset Management in Hove

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 some further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact Bobby.Dohl@ymcadlg.org. Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at Recruitment@ymcadlg.org. 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.

Safeguarding and Background Checks

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.