We have an incredible opportunity to join us as our Head of Development! This is a very unique role where you will be working across two housing associations; Freebridge Community Housing and Saffron Housing.
Your role will be to lead the delivery of an exciting new build programme across Saffron and Freebridge. In this strategic leadership role, you'll drive the successful delivery of high-quality homes that meet the needs of local communities, while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with regulatory and funding requirements. You'll inspire and lead a high-performing team, champion value for money, and play a key role in shaping the future growth and impact of both organisations.
Our Freebridge Community Housing goal is to provide affordable, safe, and quality homes for current and future generations, for those who need a place to call home. Freebridge was set up in 2006, to receive the transfer of the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk's housing stock. We now have over 7500 properties across West and North Norfolk, in addition to building new homes for social and affordable rent, and to support those who want to move into shared home ownership.
Saffron Housing Trust was created in May 2004 when 4,345 properties were transferred from South Norfolk Council. Today, we are a housing association with over 6,600 homes in Norfolk, Suffolk and across East Anglia.
Please note, this role will require you to work across offices based in King's Lynn and Long Stratton.
Requirements
Outline of key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Programme Delivery
Lead the development programme across both organisations, ensuring delivery of agreed targets and long-term strategic objectives.
Shape and maintain a viable development pipeline, including pre-contract activity and identification of new opportunities.
Ensure effective management of schemes from feasibility through to completion and handover.
Financial & Commercial Management
Ensure all development activity delivers value for money and strong commercial outcomes.
Oversee development budgets, cashflow forecasting, and financial reporting in collaboration with Finance.
Review and approve financial appraisals, contract documentation, and scheme viability assessments.
Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure all development activity complies with statutory, regulatory, and funding requirements, including CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022.
Maintain effective governance, reporting, and control frameworks across the development programme.
Identify, assess, and manage operational, financial, reputational, and delivery risks.
Stakeholder & Partnership Management
Act as the primary contact for external funders including Homes England and Local Authorities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners, including contractors, consultants, and developers.
Represent the organisations at committee level and external forums as required.
Leadership & Team Management
Provide clear, visible leadership to the Development team across both organisations.
Build a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable culture focused on delivery, quality, and continuous improvement.
Coach, mentor, and develop team members, supporting succession planning and capability building.
We are looking for someone who has
Experience
Significant experience in housing development, ideally within affordable housing or social housing sectors.
Proven track record of delivering complex development programmes from inception to completion.
Experience managing budgets, financial appraisals, and commercial development decisions.
Skills & Knowledge
Strong understanding of development processes, construction delivery, and regulatory frameworks.
Excellent stakeholder management and partnership working skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple organisations.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Leadership
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
Strong communication skills with experience operating at executive and committee level.
Benefits
What's in it for you?
We're appreciative of our team and you can enjoy the following benefits from joining us, among many more:
An Annual Salary of: £81,500
Generous Holiday Leave: Enjoy 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service
Exclusive Employee Discounts: Access amazing deals through our Reward Gateway
Comprehensive Leave Policies: Enjoy 6 months full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks full pay for paternity leave
Health and Wellbeing Support: Access physio and counselling services, along with an employee assistance programme
Charitable Leave: One day per year to volunteer for a cause you care about
Pension Scheme: A great pension scheme with generous employer contributions (up to 12%)
Diversity & Inclusion:
Diversity is key to our values and culture. We create a workplace where every voice is heard and respected, embracing diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Our inclusive environment empowers colleagues, ensuring equal opportunities for all. We don't discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. We're happy to accommodate reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to enable you to perform your best. As part of this commitment, we also offer accessibility tours for candidates to help ensure an inclusive and welcoming experience from the outset.