Associate head jobs in Exeter, devon
Direct Reports and span of control: Head of Property Compliance, Head of Mechanical & Electrical, Head of Specialist Repairs
Dimensions (budget holder, level of contract/systems etc responsibility):
- Responsible for delivery of compliance related services of over 30,000 homes, 90,000 customers
- Controls budget >£20m per annum
- Responsible for headcount of circa 200 colleagues including managers and trades
- Member of the Property Services Senior Leadership Team
- Representation at operational panels to support Compliance Delivery
- Organisation leader
Created/Reviewed date: October 2025
Role Purpose
Oversee a blended model of in-house direct labour teams and external supply chain partners, lead and empower your teams to successfully deliver effective building, mechanical, electrical and regulated compliance related works and services across the organisation's property portfolio to ensure our homes are safe and well maintained. Delivering against challenging KPI's, ensure continuous improvement and customer safety across gas, fire, water, electrical, lifts, M&E and asbestos.
Working with the Property Services Director and Assistant Directors to shape and implement the Property Compliance Delivery strategies to deliver effective building/property regulatory compliance in line with statutory, regulatory and policy requirements. Instrumental in leading change and embedding a positive, enthusiastic, and empowered culture that enables colleagues to deliver good performance and great customer service.
Lead on new ways of working including the use of modern digital solutions to make our business more effective, agile, and responsive, requiring a forward and outward looking approach as well as an open mind and applying Lean principles in decision making.
Key Accountabilities
- Shape and contribute to the organisation's long-term compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with national housing policy and emerging legislation.
- Lead on the effective management of statutory compliance, ensuring all regulatory and legislative responsibilities for gas, electrical, asbestos, fire safety, legionella, water, and lifts are delivered.
- Oversee the delivery of regulatory repairs within the required timelines such as Damp, Mould and Condensation, Disrepair cases, and HHSRS related complex repairs, oversee escalated complaints that require additional attention to de-escalate and resolve.
- Responsibility for preparing and presenting detailed assurance, risk and performance reports to the senior leadership teams and relevant committees / boards.
- Ensure services delivered have customers at the heart of decision making, proving excellent customer service which prioritises keeping them safe.
- Accountable for performance targets, budgets and work programmes, agreeing and monitoring these and ensuring team managers align and set objectives that deliver the strategic and directorate plan.
- Manage critical relationships with stakeholders both internally and externally including but not limited to, in-house colleagues and external contractors, senior stakeholders, governing bodies, external auditors and consultants and legal representatives.
- Lead a team which is capable of delivering all current and new regulated delivery, such as Awaab's Law, HHSRS, and disrepair cases.
- Lead on external audits, inspections and regulatory reviews.
- Ensure effective property compliance 1st line assurance is in place for all areas of service and works delivery.
- Lead on the development of the compliance schedule, creating programmes on a pre-emptive cycle to ensure that the business remains compliant.
- Recruit, manage, coach, motivate, and develop colleagues within your team in line with organisational policies.
- Critically evaluate compliance information and KPIs, producing regular assurance reports covering all areas of compliance performance, processes, procedures, and statutory responsibilities.
- Oversee the development and on-going review of compliance related policies and procedures, in line with legislation and industry best practice.
- Ensure a sustainable suite of competent specialist Supply Chain partners is in place.
- Ensure that business compliance responsibilities are complied with in respect of properties where there is no maintenance responsibility.
- Responsible for a responsive aspect of repairs and maintenance in respect of Gas/Heating b
Thank you!
Are you an experienced leader with a passion for delivering high-quality advice and driving meaningful change? Join Shelter Scotland as our Head of Services and be a part of the Community & Services Management Team, playing a key role in shaping and delivering our Strategic Plan.
About the role
This post is responsible for the management and development of the Housing Law Service, the Telephone & Online Advice Services and the Central Support team within Community & Services. Collaboration and joined up working are vital to effectively support the delivery of the Shelter Scotland Strategic Plan.
Role specifics
As Head of Services, you’ll share responsibility for leading Shelter Scotland’s Community & Services department, helping to develop and deliver our annual operational plan in line with our Strategic Plan. You’ll work across teams to deliver key projects and programmes, ensure strong governance, quality and compliance, and use evidence and insight from our services to drive improvement and influence change. You’ll jointly lead high-quality advice services, take shared responsibility for safeguarding, manage budgets effectively and support income generation by building strong internal relationships and contributing to compelling cases for support.
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
Shelter Scotland is a one of six Directorates of Shelter. Led by the Director of Shelter Scotland, the Directorate comprises two departments: Community & Services and Communications & Advocacy. Both departments are led by an Assistant Director.
About Shelter Scotland
Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses.
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter Scotland is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter Scotland does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are looking for a passionate and creative Head of Brand, Communications & Marketing to lead the next stage of our journey.
This is an exciting, strategic and hands‑on leadership role for someone who can confidently amplify our brand in the public sphere, drive meaningful engagement, and increase both supporter and beneficiary acquisition.
What You’ll Do
Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Marketing and leading a small, high‑performing team, you will:
Brand, Communications & PR
- Lead and evolve Life’s brand strategy, ensuring clarity and consistency across all channels.
- Raise Life’s visibility with powerful campaigns that engage beneficiaries, supporters, volunteers and the public.
- Oversee media relations, PR activity, reputation management and crisis communications.
- Support and strengthen internal communications across the organisation.
Marketing Leadership
- Develop innovative marketing strategies that grow reach, impact and sustainability.
- Drive supporter and beneficiary acquisition through targeted, insight‑led campaigns.
- Use data, analytics and performance metrics to continuously improve marketing effectiveness.
- Provide inspiring leadership and development to the Marketing & Comms Team.
Digital Strategy
- Lead Life’s digital marketing approach, including SEO, paid social, PPC, email, content and inbound marketing.
- Create effective user journeys and optimise conversion rates through testing and analytics.
- Oversee engaging social media content and paid advertising campaigns.
- Ensure high‑quality digital design, content, and brand guardianship.
Website & Content
- Support the development of Life’s website, focusing on optimisation, content quality and user experience.
- Oversee high‑quality storytelling that reflects Life’s values and mission.
About You
You’ll be a confident, creative and strategic leader who brings:
- At least 5 years’ experience in digital marketing, communications or brand roles (charity sector experience desirable).
- Proven experience developing and delivering brand, digital and communications strategies.
- Strong understanding of digital marketing trends, analytics and audience insight.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing budgets and leading a team.
- A warm, values‑driven approach aligned with Life’s mission of humanity, solidarity, community and compassion.
About Life:
Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.
Our services include:
- Supported housing and community support
- Counselling and skilled listening
- Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies
Our values :
All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:
- Humanity – All people are special and equal
- Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
- Community – We’re better together
- Charity – Doing good for one another
- Common good – Building a better world
Information about the role:
For further information, please see the attached job description.
Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week (part time considered)
Location: Remote
Benefits:
At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:
- Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
- Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
- Additional annual leave for long term service
- Company Pension Scheme
- Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge
Safeguarding and Equality:
Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About the role
We are looking for an experienced communications professional to drive and deliver our global communications strategy and maintain momentum across our target regions during a period of parental leave. This is an exciting role for someone who is passionate about improving global health and climate outcomes, enjoys activating a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve communications objectives and can support and motivate colleagues to deliver impactful work across different time zones.
Selection criteria
Essential:
-
Experience designing and implementing successful communications strategies that support the delivery of positive social, corporate or political change. We imagine the ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of experience, but we are open to consider candidates with less experience who possess the required skills.
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A high level of strategic thinking and an understanding of how to leverage different campaigning approaches to achieve objectives, including community organising and knowledge brokering
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The ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling and nuanced messaging
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A proven track record of crafting and landing compelling stories in high-impact media that advance campaign objectives
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Existing relationships with journalists in at least one relevant media area, such as news, health, sustainability or food
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Experience managing communications teams in a collaborative and effective way, and a willingness to support colleagues from other teams to develop relevant skills
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A general understanding of building decarbonisation and the energy transition
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Fluency in English
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The right to work in the country you live in (please note we are not able to offer sponsorship for a business visa or work permit at this time)
Desirable:
-
Knowledge of Spanish and/or French
-
A passion for food and cooking cultures
What we offer
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A role in which you can have a tangible impact on global health and climate outcomes
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The chance to join a supportive and inclusive team that combines their determination to improve health and climate outcomes with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work
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A flexible and supportive work environment
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A diverse network of influential stakeholders in multiple countries
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Competitive remuneration for the not-for-profit sector
Key responsibilities
Strategy
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Deliver the existing global communications strategy, adapting where necessary in line with organisational priorities during the cover period, and develop associated implementation plans
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Participate in broader campaign and organisational strategy development, contributing perspectives on the role of communications
Media
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Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts
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Select, brief and liaise with media spokespeople
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Develop key media messaging and oversee the development of pitch content
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Lead on media liaison for both reactive and proactive opportunities
Knowledge brokering
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Coordinate the development and promotion of knowledge products, including case studies, research reports and toolkits
Management
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Hire and manage contractors and agencies as necessary for the implementation of the communications strategy
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Manage the Digital Communications Manager, and lead on the recruitment and management of any other communications professionals required as the GCC grows
Coordination
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Coordinate with the wider team and coalition stakeholders to oversee the implementation of the communications strategy and to continuously refine it to reflect new opportunities and challenges
Reporting
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Oversee the global communications budget forecasting
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Contribute to internal and external reporting of the GCC’s communications activities
How to apply
Your cover letter should be no longer than two pages and it should outline why you are interested in this role and how you fit the selection criteria.
Please indicate ‘Head of Communications (parental leave cover)’ in the subject line.
Applications close Monday 30th March 2026.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.
Non Charity Employer
6 - 10
Promoting universal access to safe and sustainable cooking.
Thank you!
We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Housing to lead our supported housing services nationally and help shape the next stage of our growth.
As Director of Housing, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all of Life’s supported housing services. This is a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for ensuring our housing provision is high‑quality, compliant, safe and truly centred around the needs of our clients.
You will lead our national Housing Strategy, drive service improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, support organisational growth, and champion a culture of compassion, accountability and high performance.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Growth
- Develop and deliver a national Housing Strategy aligned to Life’s vision and mission.
- Identify housing development and expansion opportunities, including partnerships with local authorities and commissioners.
- Support organisational business planning and future growth.
Regulatory Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with housing legislation and regulatory requirements including the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, HHSRS, safeguarding and Health & Safety.
- Lead regulatory audits, inspections and risk management.
- Provide assurance on compliance and viability to the CEO and Trustees.
Service Quality & Client Experience
- Embed a client-centred, compassionate approach aligned with Housing Ombudsman principles.
- Oversee effective complaints management, learning reviews and client feedback systems.
- Ensure properties and services meet high standards of safety, warmth and comfort.
Operational Leadership
- Lead housing management, income recovery, voids, repairs and maintenance, compliance and tenancy sustainment.
- Ensure effective escalation of tenancy breaches and safeguarding practices.
- Work closely with Life’s Helpline services around referral and allocations.
Financial & Asset Management
- Oversee rental income, arrears, void control and financial performance.
- Manage contracts, grants and local authority funding.
- Ensure major works, planned maintenance and statutory compliance are delivered effectively.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead and support Housing Managers, support teams and frontline workers.
- Foster a positive culture of accountability, inclusion and high standards.
- Support staff development and performance.
Partnership Management
- Build strong relationships with local authorities, property professionals, contractors, funders and other key partners.
- Represent Life at external forums and sector networks.
About you:
Essential
- CIH Level 5 (or equivalent) qualification
- Senior leadership experience in supported housing, social housing, or homelessness services
- Strong knowledge of housing law, tenancy management and regulatory compliance
- Understanding of Housing Ombudsman standards and consumer regulations
- Experience in strategic planning, service development and organisational growth
- Budget management and financial performance experience
- Experience with property maintenance, asset management and compliance
- Strong safeguarding knowledge
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
- UK driving licence and access to a car
Desirable
- Experience supporting vulnerable women or family services
- Charity/third sector leadership experience
- Experience securing funding or development partnerships
About Life:
Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.
Our services include:
- Supported housing and community support
- Counselling and skilled listening
- Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies
Our values :
All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:
- Humanity – All people are special and equal
- Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
- Community – We’re better together
- Charity – Doing good for one another
- Common good – Building a better world
Information about the role:
For further information, please see the attached job description.
Salary: £45,750 per annum
Hours: 32 hours per week
Location: Home based with extensive travel across the South of England
Benefits:
At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:
- Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
- Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
- Additional annual leave for long term service
- Company Pension Scheme
- Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge
Safeguarding and Equality:
Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you passionate about making a real impact through safer, high‑quality environments? Do you want to use your estates, health & safety and compliance expertise to help drive meaningful change across a national charity? If so, Life Charity would love to hear from you.
We are looking for an experienced, proactive, and values‑driven Estates Manager to lead our Estates function and ensure our services, properties, and environments consistently meet the highest standards.
The Role:
As Estates Manager, you will be the driving force behind the quality, compliance and safety of Life’s estate. This role combines strategic oversight with hands‑on management of our property portfolio, ensuring all sites are safe, secure and operating to required standards.
You will:
- Lead Health & Safety and Premises/Facilities Management across the charity
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and internal standards
- Oversee risk management, audits, inspections and safety monitoring
- Manage the Estates Coordinator and foster a culture of continuous improvement
- Work with external partners to ensure checks are carried out (Gas, Fire Safety, Legionella, Asbestos, etc.)
- Manage property acquisition, disposal, leases, maintenance and contracts
- Develop and maintain estates policies and reporting systems
- Drive a positive, proactive health & safety culture across Life
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone wanting to lead meaningful change within an organisation that truly makes a difference.
What You’ll Bring:
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Highly organised, proactive, and able to take initiative
- A strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
- Confident managing estates compliance, risk, safety and property-related functions
- Experienced in managing a portfolio of properties (minimum 3 years)
- Able to lead others and support their development
- Skilled in identifying improvements and driving change
Qualifications/Experience:
✔ NEBOSH (or equivalent) in Occupational Health & Safety
✔ Evidence of continuous professional development
✔ Experience in data analysis or financial management (desirable)
✔ HND or equivalent in business/charity administration (desirable)
Information about the role:
For further information, please see the attached job description.
Please note, there is a requirement to drive for this role.
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Home Based with travel to Leamington Spa and sites around the UK
Benefits:
At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:
- Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
- Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
- Additional annual leave for long term service
- Company Pension Scheme
- Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge
Safeguarding and Equality:
Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.
Thank you!
Are you a highly organised project leader with a track record of developing rigorous and impactful processes? Do you want to lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation transforming mental health in higher education? This could be the role for you.
We’re looking for a methodical and strategic Programme Manager (Award) to manage the end-to-end delivery of University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award and act as key spokesperson for the programme.
You’ll play a vital role in ensuring that the Award upholds its standards and values, and continues to develop and scale, supporting positive change for staff and students at universities across the UK.
About the role
- Lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation for mental health in higher education: the University Mental Health Charter Award.
- The UMHC Award recognises universities that promote the mental health and wellbeing of their university communities and supports them to continually improve.
- You will own the end-to-end management of a complex, high-profile and impactful programme, balancing administrative excellence and strategic development.
Key responsibilities
- Drive the Award lifecycle, from onboarding universities, coordinating our network of assessors and managing the Award panel.
- Scale and continually improve the Award process, ensuring it remains rigorous, impactful and values-led.
- Act as key spokesperson and point of contact for universities and other stakeholders.
- Responsible for budget, risk and line management.
What we’re looking for
- Proven track record of managing complex projects.
- Experience developing, maintaining and improving robust systems and processes.
- A rigorous approach to accuracy and quality control.
- Comfortable holding difficult conversations with stakeholders at all levels.
- A commitment to co-production, equality, anti-racism and an interest in mental health.
Find out more about the essential criteria for this role by downloading our Recruitment Pack from the documents section.
What you will gain
- The chance to contribute to a high-impact national programme supporting better mental health for university communities across the UK.
- Experience in a varied role with opportunities to learn and develop.
- A supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values wellbeing.
- Flexibility in how and where you work.
How to apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!
- Click “Redirect to recruiter”, then scroll to the 'Vacancies and volunteering' section of our 'Join our team' page to access the job listing.
- Download the recruitment pack in the document section at the bottom of this page, where you’ll find more information about the role including responsibilities and person specifications.
- Download and complete our application form - instead of collecting CVs, we use an application form to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all.
- Please refrain from including any identifying details in your application answers.
- Upload your completed application form as a word document.
- Please note that once you start your application on our portal, you will have 24 hours to upload your completed form. Before clicking 'Apply' and beginning the application process, make sure your form is fully completed and ready to upload.
- Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Student Minds is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.
