Director jobs in Oxford, oxfordshire

Purpose and responsibilities of the post

Reporting to the DARE UK Director, the Deputy Director is a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the programme’s next phase of impact.

The post-holder will provide intellectual and operational leadership across the programme, translating strategic ambition into executable plans while ensuring delivery at pace and scale. They will work across research communities, funders, infrastructure providers, technology partners and senior stakeholders across UKRI and government to embed community voice into the design of a UK-wide secure data research ecosystem.

This is a high-profile role requiring visible sector leadership, strong partnership-building capability and confidence operating at Board and executive level. The Deputy Director will deputise for the Director as required and play a central role in positioning DARE UK nationally and internationally.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Co-develop and evolve the DARE UK strategy, roadmap and future phases in response to emerging opportunities, policy developments and sector needs.

· Shape the long-term vision for a federated UK sensitive data research ecosystem, including shared standards for governance, ethics, metadata and interoperability.

· Identify strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to secure programme sustainability beyond the current phase.

· Represent DARE UK at senior forums, influencing policy, research and infrastructure agendas.

Programme Delivery and Oversight

· Lead end-to-end delivery of the programme, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives, commissioned work and measurable outcomes.

· Oversee commissioning, governance and performance management of programme activities and working groups.

· Ensure robust financial oversight, risk management and reporting in collaboration with HDR UK and UKRI partners.

· Maintain effective systems, governance structures and delivery frameworks across partner organisations.

Stakeholder and Community Leadership

· Build and sustain trusted relationships across UKRI councils, academia, government departments, devolved administrations, technical suppliers and public contributors.

· Convene and align diverse stakeholders to co-design standards, services and technical-social specifications.

· Lead strategic engagement and communications activity to secure sector-wide buy-in and adoption.

People and Organisational Leadership

· Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning programme management, communications, public involvement and engagement, and community engagement.

· Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture aligned with HDR UK values.

· Provide clarity, direction and stability in a complex and evolving landscape.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

· Senior leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments spanning research, government, infrastructure and/or technology.

· Proven track record of delivering large-scale, strategically significant programmes in fast-paced and ambiguous contexts.

· Experience working with executive teams, Boards and senior stakeholders, demonstrating sound judgement and political awareness.

· Strong strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate vision into structured delivery plans.

· Demonstrable experience influencing, negotiating and building consensus across diverse communities.

· Strong programme governance, risk management and financial oversight experience.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent programmes at national level.

· Effective line management experience, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-impact outcomes.

Our mission at Response is to enable people of all ages to live a more fulfilled life by providing excellent mental health services, housing, and supported living.

Do you have the desire to empower and promote independence and an interest in mental health? 

Director of Housing and Estates - £70,000 – £75,000 per annum (Salaries vary depending on experience)

Hours – 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Department – Housing

Location – Littlemore, Oxfordshire

What You’ll Be Doing:

Response is recruiting for a Director of Housing and Estates within our Housing Team. The Director of Housing and Estates is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of high-quality, safe, and compliant supported housing for people with mental health needs. The postholder will lead housing management, property and estates functions, and provide organisational oversight of Health Safety and Fire, ensuring homes are safe and well-maintained. If you are a motivated individual looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to a compassionate organisation, we want to hear from you!

Overall job responsibility - Further information can be found in the job description

Some of the core duties include:

• Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s Housing, Estates, and Health & Safety strategies in line with the charity’s mission and values.
• Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, performance, and risk management.
• Provide expert advice to the Chief Executive, Board, and Committees on housing, estates, and safety matters.
• Responsible for the leadership of the housing and property department, nurturing an excellent customer focused service to our residents and provide strong leadership to the team, promoting a positive culture reflecting our values and setting clear objectives.
• Strategic oversight and accountability for the success of some housing service contracts, including leading negotiations with commissioners, ensuring financially robust and operationally excellent.

The Successful Applicant:

Our main priority for all our roles at Response is to find people that can live our values every day – Caring, Safe, Creative and Aspirational. We provide excellent training on everything else, but we do ask that you have: 

• Level 4 qualification in Housing.
• A commitment to undertake continuous personal development.
• Supported housing knowledge.
• Health and Safety knowledge in a supported housing environment.
• Experience working to strict deadlines without compromising content and service.
• Leadership level experience within a housing association or supported housing environment.
• Dealing with people who experience mental health and vulnerabilities connected to their mental health or housing status.
• IT literate with experience using MS Office packages.
• Strong planning, organisational and time management skills.

What We Offer:

• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) 
• Blue Light card and other discounted shopping
• Employee Assistance Plan - with access to free counselling 
• Cycle to Work Scheme (after probation)
• Enhanced family friendly leave
• Flexible and agile working opportunities (role dependent) 
• Professional qualification sponsorship and study leave 
• £500 refer a friend bonus scheme 
• Optional health cash care plan with money off prescriptions and treatments
• Wellbeing hub and mental wellbeing support app – approved by NHS
• Free flu jabs
• Free DBS application

If this Director of Housing and Estates position sounds like the role for you then please apply today! This vacancy may be closed early. To learn more about Response and what we do, please visit our website. Closing date - 15/04/2026

Our employees and clients come from all over the world, we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture and are registered as a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our clients. All our roles require an enhanced DBS check, two references from most recent employers and you must have the right to work in the UK.

St Hugh’s is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, and the second-largest college in the University by student numbers, with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and widening access. The College supports a diverse and active academic environment across a wide range of disciplines, bringing together students, academic staff and professional services colleagues in support of its core academic mission. Situated on a beautiful site near the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, the College is made up of 70 academics, 130 professional services staff and 900 students. The College offers a unique and vibrant environment in which to work. 

As the College looks ahead to celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2036, we are seeking an exceptional Development Director to play an important role in the College’s future. This is a pivotal role, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the College’s fundraising activity, and for building deep, last relationships with alumni, supporters and friends of the College. Working in close collaboration with Fellows and colleagues across St Hugh’s, they will shape and deliver an ambitious new fundraising campaign to be launched ahead of the College’s 150th anniversary.  

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising.  The Development Director will cultivate and secure principal gifts and steward key donors. They will lead the Development Office, developing and motivating a small, highly capable team of five. Reporting to the Principal, the postholder will be put forward to the College’s Governing Body for election as a Fellow by Resolution, reflecting the importance of close relationships between the Development Director and the Fellowship as a whole.

We are looking for an outstanding collegial individual, with a successful track-record of setting and delivering ambitious fundraising targets and personally securing principal gifts. Experience of leading or contributing to a major capital campaign would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be a confident communicator and diplomat, with natural influencing skills, who will be able to engage effectively with all College members, including Fellows and alumni. They will bring an inclusive and collaborative leadership style, respect the traditions of the College, and combine this with a forward-thinking approach.  This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support that will sustain the College’s academic mission for future generations.

The closing date for this role is midday on 24th March 2026.

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) is a registered charity that brings together the UK’s leading health organisations, representing more than one million health professionals, to advocate for responses to climate change that protect and promote health. Through coordinated, collective action, the Alliance communicates the relationship between health and climate change to government, the public and other health professionals.

We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and professional Director with excellent policy, project management, and interpersonal skills, experience in strategic communications and change.  The right candidate ideally also has experience in advocacy, and a track record of building consensus and leading campaigns.  .

The Director will be responsible for the Alliance’s overall strategy, oversight of the communications, policy and public affairs programmes, projects, and engagement with Alliance members and key external stakeholders. They will work closely with the Chair and trustees and develop good working relationships with senior leaders and public affairs and communications teams from the membership organisations that make up the Alliance. As the sole employee, the Director needs the professional capacity to coordinate strategic and operational delivery across all areas of the charity and ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships. They will develop and lead a strategic focus to increase income generation and build a small team of staff to enable the organisation to continue to grow.

Charity Director

£60,000 per annum (full-time equivalent) actual salary £36,000 per annum

24 hours per week (0.6 FTE)

Fixed-term (6 months), with the intention to extend subject to funding and mutual agreement

Primarily remote with occasional visits to AVPB’s central London premises

Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is an international movement that started in the 1970s in the American prison system. AVP Britain (AVPB) is one of multiple independent branches which operate around the globe. A registered national charity, AVP Britain is committed to a world where everyone has the courage and capacity to manage conflict non-violently.

We provide experiential workshops in-person and online; and distance learning courses which give people the necessary skills to navigate conflict non-violently and empower them to build better relationships.

AVPB is a small but impactful charity with a long history of working in communities and prisons across the UK.  We are entering an important next phase in our development and are seeking a Charity Director who can provide strategic and operational leadership, strengthen our financial sustainability, increase our visibility and impact across the communities we serve, and steward our mission with clarity and care.

The Charity Director is the leader of our charity and is the most senior paid role within AVPB.  The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the organisation’s present and future.

We are looking for a Charity Director who provides leadership that encompasses income generation, fundraising, oversight of our programme quality and delivery, leads and supports our support staff, volunteers, and facilitators and will works closely with the Board of Trustees.

This is a part-time role (0.6 FTE, 24 hours per week), offering flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a values-led organisation. This is initially a fixed-term appointment for six months, with the intention to extend subject to funding and mutual agreement.

How to apply

Application is by way of a CV and a Supporting Statement.

Closing date: Midnight 10th March 2026

Director of Finance & Operations

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week 
• Location: Oxford
• Salary: £85,000 per annum
• Closing date: 26th March 2026 at 12 noon 

Join Helen & Douglas House as our next Director of Finance & Operations

Help to shape the future of the world’s first children’s hospice and make a profound difference to the lives of local families.

Helen & Douglas House has been supporting children living with life‑limiting conditions and their families for more than 40 years. We are a place of compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment — and now, we are searching for an exceptional Director of Finance & Operations to help ensure we build upon our unique legacy of innovative and impactful care and support.

A role with purpose. A role with impact.

As a key member of our Executive Team and working closely with our CEO and Board of Trustees, you will be at the heart of strategic decision making — ensuring our resources, systems and operations are effective, efficient, and aligned with the needs of the children and families we serve. This is an opportunity to influence the long-term sustainability of a truly special organisation at an important and exciting time for the hospice sector.

What you’ll lead

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership across Finance, Estates & Operations, Information Systems, Data & Governance, Risk, Health & Safety and our Project Management Office.

• Providing insightful financial leadership to help shape our strategic plans.
• Oversee the annual corporate planning and budget cycle.
• Ensure strong governance, regulatory compliance and effective risk management.
• Lead our Estates & Facilities strategy, ensuring our buildings and environments remain safe, high quality and fit for purpose.
• Guide the development of an effective organisational information systems strategy.
• Support and empower a talented cohort of Heads of Department — fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence.
• Act as a trusted ambassador to regulators, partners, advisors and donors.

Who we’re looking for

You will be:

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).
• A strategic and inspirational leader with experience overseeing diverse operational functions.
• Skilled at navigating complexity, shaping strategy and driving organisational performance.
• An exceptional communicator, able to build trust and confidence with stakeholders at every level.
• Passionate about making a meaningful difference through high quality, sustainable charitable services.

Experience in the non‑profit or healthcare sector is welcome but not essential — what matters most is your leadership, values and ability to deliver impact.

Why join us?

At Helen & Douglas House, every decision you make directly supports children and families facing life-limiting conditions. You will join a committed, values driven Executive Team and help to lead an organisation with a powerful mission and deep community roots. If you’re motivated by our purpose and ready to bring your expertise to an organisation where your leadership will truly matter, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us secure an impactful and sustainable future for Helen & Douglas House and the families we serve.

Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.

Job Title: Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnership
Reporting To: Deputy CEO/Director of Fundraising and Communications
Manages: Head of Trusts and Foundations, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week, flexible)
Salary band: £58,000 - £66,000 per annum
N.B. To ensure fairness and consistency across Home-Start UK, new colleagues usually join at the first point of the pay band for their role. This helps us maintain a clear and equitable approach to pay for everyone joining our team.

Location: Remote – with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to our central office in Leicester for collaborative meetings and team activities.

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

This is an important moment for us and for the families we support. Parents of babies and young children are facing huge pressures, and strong, values-driven partnerships matter more than ever. We’re looking for a senior leader who can help us meet this moment with confidence and ambition.

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, you will help shape the future of our national work and support our federation of 170+ local Home-Starts working in communities across the UK. You will lead a talented team, build long-lasting relationships, and help make sure Home-Start has the funding, partnerships, and influence it needs to give every child the best possible start in life. This role will suit someone who is motivated by purpose, who values people and relationships, and who is comfortable working across a large and varied network.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record, someone who has already delivered high-value fundraising and partnerships at a senior level and is ready to take on a role with significant national influence. With responsibility for an annual income portfolio of circa £4 Million – with strong potential to grow this over the next 3-5 years to between £6Million-£8Million plus, you will work with a supportive Leadership Team and Board, who have already engaged external philanthropy expertise to develop a strategy and roadmap that you can build on. You’ll need to be confident working with high-value supporters: able to build trust, communicate clearly, and nurture long-term relationships with people who want to invest in families and early years support. You’ll bring the skills and confidence to grow a portfolio that is already strong and take it further, along with the ability to work well with others in a fast-moving environment.

You will be joining a warm, collaborative organisation that believes in the power of community, the strength of families, and the importance of early help. If you feel excited by the chance to make a national difference, to build partnerships based on trust and shared purpose, and to help shape the next chapter of Home-Start’s impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff.

Benefits of working for Home-Start

• Flexible working
• Family friendly policy
• PayCare health cash plan
• Enhanced employer contribution pension
• Learning and development
• DAS Employee Assistance

If it sounds like your type of challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March at 4pm.
As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a full-day assessment centre at our Leicester office on Tuesday 14th April.
The assessment centre will include a mix of individual and group activities designed to understand your strategic thinking, relational approach, and leadership style.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. 

No agencies please.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a leading international NGO working to accelerate the global transition to sustainable, plant-rich food systems. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Global Director of Strategic Communications to lead a high-performing international team and shape a compelling global narrative that influences policymakers, businesses, media and partners.

Recognised internationally for its impact and collaboration with major global institutions, the non-profit organisation (NGO) combines evidence, strategy and advocacy to deliver measurable change. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a global communications function at a pivotal moment for food, climate and public health.

Reporting to the Global CEO, you will:

• Develop and deliver a global communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Secure high-impact international media coverage (e.g. Financial Times, BBC, The Guardian, The New York Times)
• Provide senior counsel on reputation and crisis communications
• Oversee brand integrity, messaging and digital channels globally
• Build alignment and clarity across distributed international teams

You will bring significant experience influencing B2B and policy audiences, leading global communications functions, and delivering results within complex structures. An established international media network and strong crisis judgement are essential. It’s essential that you have a strong alignment with sustainability, food systems, climate and/or public health agendas.

• Location: Remote (UK-based). Travel required ad-hoc for meetings and conferences.
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent.
• Salary: £56,000–£63,000
• Fantastic benefits package: including enhanced family leave policies, increasing holiday allowance yearly, inclusive, values-driven culture, and dedicated professional development budget.

Firm closing date: Sunday 22^nd March. Please get in touch today to find out more!

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

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.  

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time Director of People to help provide strategic people leadership to our growing team of staff and volunteers.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will shape and deliver our People and Culture strategy, ensuring an inclusive, values‑driven and high‑performing environment for our people. You will lead organisation‑wide strategic workforce planning, oversee the full employee lifecycle, and champion initiatives that strengthen engagement, wellbeing and belonging. As a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will advise on all workforce matters, drive leadership development, and support our managers to build capability and confidence. You will ensure our HR, volunteering and people operations run smoothly and efficiently, modernising processes and maintaining compliance with employment law, safeguarding requirements and best practice. You will also provide strategic oversight of EDIB work, reward and recognition frameworks, and organisational risk, while leading a dedicated team covering HR, learning and development, and volunteering.

The role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, strong knowledge of employment law, the ability to coach and influence senior leaders, and the capacity to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities effectively. You must be IT literate, with a good working knowledge of the commonly used Microsoft business tools, and be able to work independently. The role calls for a hands-on, collaborative, people‑centred leader with strong emotional intelligence, an inclusive and values‑driven mindset, and the ability to think strategically while remaining performance‑focused and learner‑centred.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but may require occasional travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions.

Interviews, which will be held online, will take place on 31st March and 1st April 2026

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

Life is a national charity committed to delivering high‑quality, compassionate and person‑centred support to people facing crisis. Guided by our values of Humanity, Solidarity, Community, Charity and the Common Good, we work across multiple sites to provide safe, effective and life‑changing services.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance to join our Senior Leadership Team at an exciting time of organisational development.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior, influential role with strategic responsibility for quality, safeguarding, compliance, estates and continuous improvement across our national portfolio of services.

You will provide visible, values‑led leadership, ensuring that everything we do is safe, effective, person‑centred, financially sustainable and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. This role has a real opportunity to shape the future of Life – and to positively impact the lives of hundreds of people we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on quality improvement, compliance and continuous improvement across supported housing, estates and services
• Hold senior accountability for safeguarding governance, complaints and assurance frameworks
• Lead audit, inspection and review activity, ensuring consistently high standards and strong regulatory outcomes
• Embed a culture of quality, learning and improvement across multi‑site services
• Oversee property compliance, health & safety and estates management, ensuring safe and welcoming environments
• Use data, insight and digital systems to drive performance, manage risk and support innovation
• Act as the organisation’s senior lead with regulators, inspectors and professional bodies
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors to deliver a joined‑up, high‑quality client journey
• Develop, coach and inspire senior leaders, fostering a high‑performing, values‑driven culture

About You

You will be a credible, values‑led leader with a strong background in regulated services and a passion for quality and safeguarding.

Essential experience and qualifications include:

• Senior leadership experience within supported housing, homelessness or a closely related regulated sector
• Proven success leading multi‑site services and senior operational leaders
• Strong track record in quality improvement, safeguarding, compliance and inspection readiness
• Sound financial and commercial awareness, including managing significant budgets and resources
• Lean Six Sigma qualification
• Level 5 Safeguarding qualification
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent)

You will also bring:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery
• A collaborative, visible and approachable leadership style
• Integrity, humility and purpose in how you lead
• A commitment to co‑production, continuous learning and innovation
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description on our website. 

Salary: £50,285 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week

Location: Home Based with travel across sites in 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.