Are you looking to start your career as a Head of Development - Real Estate - Long Stratton - Full-Time in Long Stratton? Freebridge Community Housing is currently hiring local talent for this Head of Development - Real Estate - Long Stratton - Full-Time role!
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...
1. 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.
- Support the Commercial Director in developing and delivering development strategies.
- Ensure development activity aligns with organisational priorities, including customer needs, quality standards, and strategic plans.
2. 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.
- Ensure robust cost controls are in place and expenditure remains within approved limits.
- Maximise grant funding opportunities and ensure compliance with funding conditions and audit requirements.
- Work with Procurement to ensure effective contracting and framework arrangements.
3. 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.
- Ensure appropriate approvals are obtained in line with financial regulations and standing orders.
- Oversee audit readiness and ensure compliance with internal and external assurance requirements.
- Ensure effective post-completion processes, including handover, defect management, and learning reviews.
4. 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.
- Ensure effective internal collaboration across departments to support scheme delivery and operational readiness.
- Promote the parent and subsidiary organisations’ values and reputation externally.
5. 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.
- Ensure clear performance management frameworks, KPIs, and reporting structures are in place.
- Promote a culture
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement Plan
- Flexible Hours
This Head of Development - Real Estate - Long Stratton - Full-Time position is a fantastic opportunity to join the team at Freebridge Community Housing. Apply today via Placed!