Head of programme & systems (development)

Salary: £94,385 + £4,936 salary supplement + excellent benefits

Location: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe OR Letchworth Garden City

Hybrid working: A minimum of 2 days per week in the office, 3 days per week from home

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday–Friday)

Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?

At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.

Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve.

If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.

Are you an experienced development professional with a passion for funding, systems, assurance and programme excellence? This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of our development pipeline and help deliver the affordable homes our communities need.

About The Role

We’re looking for a strategic, collaborative and commercially minded Head of Programme & Systems (Development) to lead our grant funding programme, development systems and programme assurance activity. This is a core leadership role at the heart of our Development & Regeneration Directorate, ensuring our programme is well‑funded, well‑managed and delivered with confidence.

You’ll be the organisation’s expert on Homes England and GLA funding, leading bids, managing grant programmes and ensuring full compliance with regulatory and audit requirements. You’ll also oversee the systems, processes and reporting that underpin our development activity, ensuring our teams have the tools, information and governance they need to deliver high‑quality, affordable homes at scale. And you will act as a vital link to our Finance team on behalf of the wider Department.

Working closely with the Director of New Business & Partnerships, fellow Heads of Service and your own team, you’ll play a key role in managing risk, supporting strategic decision‑making and ensuring our programme of around 500 new homes per year is delivered effectively, efficiently and in line with our Development Strategy.

This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, influence and impact, combining programme leadership, financial insight, systems expertise and strong relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead our grant funding programme with Homes England, GLA and local partners, maximising public funding for our development portfolio
• Manage funding bids and compliance, ensuring schemes meet all regulatory and audit requirements
• Act as the organisation’s key contact for Homes England, GLA and other funding bodies
• Oversee recycled capital grant fund (RCGF) returns and ensure best use of available funding
• Lead development systems and processes including SDS ProVal, Sequel and integration with corporate systems
• Ensure accurate programme reporting across KPIs, scorecards, financial commitments and risk
• Support financial modelling and investment analysis for new schemes and programme planning
• Provide assurance to the Director, Executive Board and governance forums
• Champion continuous improvement across systems, processes and programme management
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of programme, systems and process specialists
• Act as a senior leader within the Development & Regeneration Directorate

What We’re Looking For

You’re a confident, credible and values‑driven leader who brings together commercial acumen, development expertise and a collaborative mindset. You enjoy working with funders, partners and internal teams, and you’re skilled at balancing detail with strategic oversight.

You’re Someone Who

• Builds trusted relationships with funders and partners
• Brings clarity to complex funding and compliance requirements
• Champions good systems, strong processes and high‑quality reporting
• Leads with integrity, openness and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, delivery‑focused environment

Must haves

• At least 8 years’ experience delivering affordable residential development at scale
• Strong experience with Homes England and GLA funding, including IMS/OPS
• Proven track record of successful audits and compliance assurance
• Significant experience in development appraisals, risk management and programme oversight
• Strong commercial acumen and contract management experience
• Experience establishing effective systems, processes and controls
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop high‑performing teams

Nice to haves

• Experience supporting organisational integration or transformation
• Experience working with regulators, auditors or inspection bodies
• Knowledge of data standards and frameworks across housing services
• Experience in housing, public sector or regulated environments

Benefits

At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• annual salary: £94,385 + £4,936 salary supplement per annum
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
• Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
• Family‑friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
• Life cover and income protection
• Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:

• Mental Health First Aiders available to support
• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
• 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
• Peer‑recognition rewards platform
• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Working Hours & Additional Pay

• 37 hours per week
• Monday–Thursday: 09:00–17:30
• Friday: 09:00–17:00

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: 28/06/2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.