Are you an experienced ICT systems leader ready to drive digital transformation in the social housing sector? Do you want to work for an organisation committed to delivering a service to be proud of, improving lives, and benefitting local communities?
We’re looking for a Lead ICT Systems Development Manager to take ownership of the development, enhancement, and integration of our housing systems—ensuring they are efficient, innovative, and aligned with FCHO’s strategic goals. This is a key leadership role within our Digital and Technology Team, helping us deliver high-quality digital services to colleagues and customers across Oldham and the surrounding areas.
You’ll lead a talented team of developers and system specialists, manage major digital projects, and provide expert guidance on everything from system configuration to integration. We are looking for someone that has strong technical expertise with NEC Housing, proven leadership experience, and a track record of managing and developing housing systems.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation and team where you can make a genuine impact in shaping our digital future.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead, manage, and mentor the ICT Systems Development Team, ensuring a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
* Drive the continuous development, configuration, and integration of our core systems including NEC Housing, ROCC, and Total Mobile.
* Act as a lead technical expert and escalation point for complex system-related issues.
* Oversee the delivery of digital transformation projects from design to implementation and post-launch support.
* Collaborate closely with the ICT Systems Service Delivery Team, supporting them in delivering an excellent internal customer experience.
* Provide expert technical advice to optimise our housing systems including NEC Housing that align with FCHO’s strategic and operational goals.
* Act as a liaison between technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure that systems support evolving service needs and compliance requirements.
* Lead on the approval, testing, and deployment of software changes, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum benefit.
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence across all system development activities.
What’s in it for you?
When you become a part of the FCHO team, you receive a range of fantastic benefits, including:
* A salary of £67,170 per annum
* A 37-hour working week with hybrid working options
* 30 days holiday, plus one shut down day and eight bank holidays (pro-rata for part time). You can also purchase additional leave.
* Defined contribution pension scheme with an employer contribution of up to 10%. We also offer a pension salary exchange scheme for eligible colleagues, helping colleagues to take home more of the money they earn.
* Death in service benefit.
* Automatic enrolment into a healthcare cash plan to help you cover a range of essential healthcare expenses such as dental treatment, optical care, physiotherapy, prescriptions and more.
* Automatic enrolment into a private health insurance plan
* Access to an Employment Assistance Programme with 24-hour confidential counselling support for both personal and work-related issues.
* Access to Doctorline, a 24/7 worldwide GP helpline for you, your partner and your children.
* Access to our colleague benefit platform which offers discounts on hundreds of high street brands as well as providing education, support and tools to help you to live a healthier and happier life.
* Discounted gym membership
* Professional subscriptions are paid for by the business where they are an essential requirement of your role.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and sick pay
* Access to an on-site wellbeing room
* Access to an on-site café
* Long service awards
Who are we looking for?
Our ideal candidate will be:
* An experienced systems manager with a strong track record in developing and supporting NEC Housing and associated applications.
* A confident leader, able to manage performance, coach team members, and inspire a culture of learning and innovation.
* Technically proficient with advanced SQL, system integration, and database administration experience.
* Skilled in leading and delivering digital transformation and change projects across complex environments.
* A clear and confident communicator, able to translate technical language for a range of audiences.
* Customer-focused, solution-driven, and passionate about continuous improvement.
* Organised and methodical, with strong documentation and compliance practices.
* A collaborative stakeholder manager, confident working cross-functionally to deliver outcomes aligned with business goals.
Who are we?
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) owns and manages around 11,500 homes. We’re proud to hold the highest regulatory rating (G1/V1) and are committed to improving lives—whether through providing quality homes, creating meaningful social value, or being a fair and ambitious employer.
We are on an exciting journey of digital transformation, and this role will be instrumental in ensuring our technology keeps pace with our ambition to deliver homes and services we’re proud of.
Interested?
Take a look at the full role profile and if it sounds like you’ll be a good fit, send us your application by 10:00am on 26th September 2025
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high number of suitable applicants.