Director of Housing
Location: North East England (Agile Working)
Salary: Circa £75,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 35 to 37.5 hours per week
Closing Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Recruitment Partner: Castle Peak Group
The Opportunity
Castle Peak Group has been retained by an established social housing provider in the North East to appoint a Director of Housing.
This is an important appointment for an organisation with a growing housing portfolio and clear ambitions to develop its services, invest in existing properties and increase the availability of safe, affordable housing across the region.
Our client provides housing and supported accommodation alongside services that help individuals experiencing homelessness, vulnerability or housing insecurity achieve greater independence and stability. Its work is firmly rooted in the communities it serves, with a strong emphasis on providing quality accommodation and support to those who need it most.
The organisation is entering a period of further development, with opportunities to expand its housing portfolio, strengthen existing services and build new partnerships. At the same time, increasing expectations around housing regulation, building safety, asset management and tenant engagement require strong leadership and a clear approach to governance and operational performance.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Director of Housing will take responsibility for the strategic direction and operational delivery of housing services, including housing management, homelessness provision, tenancy sustainment, asset management, building safety and housing development.
A particularly important aspect of the appointment will be the ability to identify and deliver opportunities for housing growth. The successful candidate will bring experience of housing development, capital investment and securing public funding, alongside the leadership capability to ensure existing services continue to operate effectively.
This is an opportunity for an experienced housing professional to take on a broad executive role with genuine influence over the future direction of the organisation.
The Role
As Director of Housing, you will be responsible for developing and delivering the organisation's housing strategy, ensuring that services remain safe, effective, financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of residents.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and Board, you will contribute to wider organisational strategy, business planning, governance and risk management.
You will lead the development and implementation of the organisation's Housing, Asset Management and Housing Growth Strategies, ensuring that operational priorities, investment decisions and future development plans are aligned.
The role will require effective oversight of housing management services, including tenancy management, allocations, income collection, rent arrears and anti-social behaviour. You will also provide leadership across homelessness prevention, supported accommodation and tenancy sustainment, ensuring that services are delivered to a high standard and remain focused on the needs of residents.
Housing development will be a significant area of responsibility. You will identify opportunities to grow the housing portfolio through new developments, acquisitions, regeneration and partnerships, overseeing schemes from initial feasibility and financial appraisal through to planning, delivery and completion.
You will be expected to bring demonstrable experience of securing and managing capital funding, particularly through programmes such as the Homes England Affordable Homes Programme, Combined Authority housing funds and local authority grants. Building and maintaining effective relationships with local authorities, developers, funding bodies and other strategic partners will be essential.
The Director of Housing will also have responsibility for asset management, property maintenance, planned investment and building safety. You will ensure that appropriate systems and processes are in place to meet statutory and regulatory requirements, including compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing's Consumer Standards, relevant building safety legislation and Housing Ombudsman requirements.
Working alongside the finance leadership team, you will support compliance with relevant Economic Regulatory Standards, including the Rent Standard.
You will oversee stock condition assessments, long-term investment planning and the development of the organisation's approach to energy efficiency and decarbonisation, ensuring that its housing portfolio remains sustainable and fit for the future.
Financial management will be another important aspect of the role. You will have responsibility for significant revenue and capital budgets, ensuring effective financial planning, commercial decision making, investment appraisal and value for money.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will also be expected to provide clear and effective reporting to the Board and its Committees, contribute to corporate decision making and provide visible leadership across the organisation.
You will lead and develop housing teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement, while ensuring that residents remain central to service delivery and future planning.
About You
We are looking for an experienced housing leader who can demonstrate a strong track record of strategic and operational leadership within social housing, supported accommodation or local authority housing.
You will have operated at a senior level for a minimum of three to five years and will bring the experience and credibility required to contribute effectively at executive and Board level.
Of particular importance is your experience of housing development and capital funding. You will be able to demonstrate involvement in developing housing schemes, managing development pipelines, undertaking financial appraisals and securing public funding to support new housing provision.
You will have a sound understanding of Homes England funding frameworks, grant conditions, planning processes and Section 106 delivery, alongside the commercial judgement required to assess development opportunities and manage investment risk.
Your background will include significant responsibility for housing operations, with experience of leading services such as housing management, homelessness provision, tenancy sustainment or asset investment.
You will understand the regulatory environment in which social housing providers operate, including consumer regulation, building safety, landlord responsibilities and the importance of effective governance and assurance.
Strong financial management experience is essential. You will be comfortable managing complex revenue and capital budgets, interpreting financial information and contributing to long-term business planning.
We are particularly interested in individuals who can balance strategic thinking with a practical understanding of operational delivery. You will be confident engaging with Boards, regulators, local authorities, funders and development partners, while remaining accessible and visible to colleagues and residents.
Your leadership approach will be collaborative and supportive, with the ability to motivate teams, manage change and establish clear expectations around performance and accountability.
Above all, you will understand the importance of social housing and the difference that good housing services can make to individuals, families and communities.
Candidates should be educated to degree level or possess equivalent professional experience. A relevant Level 5 or above qualification in Housing Management, Chartered Institute of Housing membership or a recognised development or project management qualification would be advantageous.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are required.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This appointment offers the opportunity to join an established organisation with a clear social purpose and genuine ambitions for the future.
The successful candidate will inherit an existing housing operation with strong foundations, but there is also considerable scope to influence the organisation's future direction, particularly in relation to housing growth, development, investment and service improvement.
You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Board, contributing to decisions that will shape the organisation over the coming years.
The breadth of the role is particularly attractive. Alongside responsibility for operational performance and regulatory compliance, you will have the opportunity to lead new housing developments, establish partnerships and secure investment that will support the organisation's long-term ambitions.
For someone who enjoys combining strategic leadership with practical delivery, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to both the organisation and the communities it serves.
Package and Working Arrangements
The position offers a salary of circa £75,000 per annum, together with competitive employer pension contributions, health and wellbeing schemes and a generous leave allowance.
The role is based in the North East, with agile working arrangements that combine office presence, remote flexibility and regular engagement with housing schemes, operational teams and external partners.
Some evening attendance at governance meetings will be required.
The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, Baseline Personnel Security Check and professional references.
How to Apply
Castle Peak Group is managing this appointment on behalf of our client.
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact James Carss, CEO of Castle Peak Group, at james.carss@castlepeak-group.com.
To apply, please submit a full CV and covering letter outlining your relevant experience, leadership achievements and interest in the opportunity.
Closing Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Our client welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive recruitment process.
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