Head of finance and central services jobs in cardiff, wales

Job Role

Reports to: National Director 

Budget responsibility: Yes 

Line management: 3 direct reports (Community Outreach Coordinator,Empty Spaces to Homes Programme Manager, Head of Construction & Delivery). Manage the relationship with the Upcycling Programme consultant.  

Post: Permanent 

Location: Home-based with frequent travel and some overnight  stays to internal and external events and project sites across England, Wales and Scotland.  All staff meetings are held in our ReStore, Romford.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain 

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance. 

Job Purpose 

To support Habitat GB’s vision of a decent home for everyone, the organisation has recently completed a strategic review, resulting in a new National Strategy and an organisational restructure, to ensure the organisation is able to deliver the Strategy impactfully, efficiently and effectively. 

As a result, a new team has been formed, which will focus on developing and delivering high quality programmes in England, Wales and Scotland. The Director of Programme Delivery will be accountable for consolidating and supporting the new team to flourish. And for co-leading (with the Director of Retail) the development and performance of one out of two Strategic Goals, to: ‘Develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’. 

Key responsibilities include the design, delivery and performance of Habitat GB’s domestic programmes and to support the effectiveness of a joined-up UK housing advocacy strategy. The Director of Programme Delivery will also act as an external representation on behalf of Habitat GB, working with the National Director, Housing Advocacy Manager and others on influencing & engagement opportunities, including the development of thought leadership to increase Habitat GB’s influence on policy & decision makers, increasing credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators. The role will also work collaboratively across Habitat GB and the Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) network, including working with the Fundraising & Partnerships team to support high quality partnerships and strategic relationships. 

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Programme Delivery works to ensure the impact, sustainability, diligence and productivity of the organisation, including engaging in organisational transformation, within the framework of a values-led approach to people and culture approach. 

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities: 

Strategic development and programme delivery: 

• Accountable for co-leadership (with the Director of Retail) of the strategic leadership, development and performance of Habitat GB’s Strategic Goal: ‘Develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’. 

• Responsible for overseeing and ensuring the high-quality design, delivery and performance monitoring of programmes under this strategic goal, including Habitat GB’s flagship Empty Spaces to Homes programme which aims to provide solutions to Great Britain’s critical affordable housing need through the conversion of empty commercial and retail properties into homes and through researching, advocating and collaborating in coalition with others to foster a wider uptake of the Empty Spaces to Homes approach. 

• Working in collaboration with other teams, responsible for the delivery and performance of other GB-based programmes and the development of new strategic initiatives. 

• Source and manage contractors/consultants to work on individual projects in line with our procurement and finance policies. Be responsible for effective contract management including quality assurance of their work and ensuring value for money. Proactively work with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the organisation prioritises and delivers successfully across the 5 Strategic Enablers, including: taking proactive leadership to deliver high quality programmes and projects; increasing capacity and capability for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; technical and thought leadership; increasing visibility and leadership of our mission in GB; ensuring we are a thriving organisation; and championing One Habitat approaches. 

• Maintain awareness of the relevant trends to inform organisational and team strategic planning. Create and maintain a learning culture which identifies opportunities to innovate and adapt. 

• Engage with HFHI and the wider sector to inspire, innovate and influence the development of Habitat GB partnerships and programmes. 

• Ensure programmes are accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to provide the best possible support to target communities. 

External representation and strategic partnerships development: 

• Represent Habitat GB in Great Britain and, where required, internationally. Work closely with the National Director and others on influencing & engagement opportunities, including the development of thought leadership to increase Habitat GB’s influence on policy & decision makers, increasing credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators. 

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising & Partnerships team to support or lead high quality partnerships and strategic relationships. 

• Work closely with other teams to ensure the development of high-quality proposals, propositions and reports which leverage opportunities across institutional and non- institutional prospects and contribute to our credibility as a trusted and impactful organisation. 

• Be proactive in responding to external challenges as well as opportunities to raise the profile and impact of Habitat GB. 

• Ensure the organisation, its mission, strategic aims, services and products are consistently presented positively to relevant stakeholders. Act as an advocate for the organisation. Promote and enhance the charity’s position externally and develop and maintain good relations and effective networks with relevant stakeholders 

Performance management, reporting and monitoring: 

• Set quality standards and meaningful KPIs to encourage ownership and accountability with direct reports, team, and contractors and effectively monitor progress towards agreed targets. 

• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to oversee the active management of the National Strategy through the co-development of a new Performance Framework for the organisation, ensuring it is robust, strategically aligned, and balances prioritisation and focus with innovation and adaptability. Represent relevant areas of performance in governance forums, including Board level. 

• Work closely with the Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance to track performance, and contribute to high quality reporting, income forecasting and budget management. 

Leadership and management: 

• Lead a high performing and ambitious team, inspired to implement and grow the strategy and with a core focus on positive impact for Habitat GB’s community and strategic partners. 

• Develop, lead and focus the Programme Delivery Team, its budget, activities and performance, to ensure the delivery against funding and impact targets. 

• Manage, motivate and develop team members. Ensure regular 1-2-1s are held, set individual objectives, encourage a culture of giving and receiving feedback, where kindness and ambition support the progression of people and plans. 

• Role model our values in line with Habitat GB’s inclusive approach to people and culture. 

Organisational Leadership: 

• Support the National Director in delivering Habitat GB’s strategy and vision, acting as a collaborative and supportive member of a shared leadership team. 

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provide oversight of organisational priorities, productivity, performance, risk and due diligence. 

• Be an active leader across the organisation, collaborating effectively with teams, and contributing fully to organisational wide initiatives and opportunities. 

• Co-create ways of working to enable an adaptive, collaborative and high performing organisational team. 

• Deputise for the National Director when required and represent Habitat GB in external meetings and forums. 

Person profile: 

• Expert knowledge of programme and project design, delivery and monitoring. It would be helpful (but not essential) if this was in a thematic area related to Habitat GB’s vision and mission of ‘working in partnership to create housing solutions, and break down the barriers to decent, safe and affordable homes for all - in Great Britain and around the world’. 

• Proven track record of developing and leading innovative programme or project delivery strategies, community-development or partnership strategies which deliver ambitious targets. 

• Experience of working in a similar organisation, collaborating across teams and operating in a highly effective way across a diverse, networked structure. 

• Significant and successful experience in senior management roles, encompassing strategic management and team leadership. 

• Strong understanding and experience of complex organisational change projects, including the ability to support new teams to develop and thrive. 

• Strong budget and financial management skills. 

Skills and competencies: 

• You have excellent interpersonal, influencing and networking skills and can communicate with impact across diverse audiences. 

• You are a strategic, analytical and entrepreneurial thinker who is focussed on increasing impact in line with Habitat GB’s mission and a clear vision for how strategy translates into delivery 

• You are resilient, able to lead positively in a role which carries significant responsibility and requires you to prioritise effectively across multiple areas of work, problem solve and demonstrate strong organisational and planning skills. 

• You are a values-led leader, who demonstrates integrity, respect for others and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Strong leadership skills and commitment to the highest levels of integrity, honesty, openness and good governance with the capacity to inspire and motivate others 

• You are an experienced manager, able to lead and inspire others, offering kind and constructive support to others enabling them to improve their impact and performance. 

• You are confident and able to work across different and competing priorities 

• Business planning acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Excellent negotiation skills. 

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects: 

• Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy. 

• A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach. 

• A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures. 

• If this sounds like it could be a good match for you, please take a look at the Candidate Pack here.

  Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK.

  Start your Habitat journey here…

  We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat GB in return. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with Henrietta Blackmore (please see website>vacancies for this email address) before submitting an application.

  To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max two sides of A4) telling us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying.

  Send by email referencing the job title in the subject line to our recruitment email > website>vacancies

  The deadline for applications is Sunday 4th January 2026 (at 11:59 pm).

  Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

  At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

  We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role. 

Product Manager – HOSTHub Lead  

Reports to: Operations Director (Head of Delivery)  
Contract: 0.6  
Location: Remote (UK or International (GMT +3/-3)  

Role Purpose  

As Product Manager  HOSTHub Lead, you will drive the vision, design, and delivery of HOSTHub, HOST’s secure digital platform for global civil society operations.  

HOSTHub is the central nervous system of HOST - connecting partners, funders, and internal teams across finance, legal, and operations. You will lead the platform’s development and optimisation, ensuring every user journey is clear, intuitive, and aligned with HOST’s empowering, expert, and empathetic values.  

Working closely with the Partnerships and Engagement teams, along with our development contractors, you’ll translate user needs into product strategy, coordinate with the external development team, and deliver tools that make life easier for changemakers, funders, and the HOST team.  

This is a strategic, high-impact role for someone who can think systemically, act decisively, and balance big-picture design with hands-on delivery.  

Core Responsibilities  

1. Product Vision and Strategy  

Lead on the design, roadmap, and vision of HOSTHub as HOST’s flagship digital platform.  

Translate HOST’s organisational goals into a clear, scalable, and user-focused product strategy.  

Define and own product milestones, prioritising features that improve efficiency, visibility, and impact.  

Ensure HOSTHub reflects HOST’s values secure, transparent, intuitive, and empowering.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly progress and roadmap update to Operations Director and Leadership Team.  

2. User Journey and Experience Design  

Lead on designing the end-to-end user experience for hosted partners, funders, and staff.  

Map user journeys across onboarding, finance, compliance, and reporting workflows, identifying pain points and opportunities for improvement.  

Collaborate with the Partnerships and Community Support teams to align HOSTHub with the Hosted Partner and Funder Journeys.  

Work with the Communications Team to ensure all user-facing content is accessible, clear, and on-brand.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly user feedback and UX improvement report.  

3. Development Oversight  

Oversee product design and development process, in coordination with the development team.  

Attend demo and planning sessions each sprint, provide clear prioritisation of activities and ensure that development is rolled out as required.   

Ensure that all Hosted Partner and HOST team voices are included and prioritised into the platform development, acting as central focal point for all HOSThub needs.  

Reporting cadence: Bi-weekly sprint updates; monthly development report.  

4. Data, Systems, and Integration  

Work with the Data Analyst to ensure HOSTHub captures accurate, useful data for reporting and impact measurement.  

Integrate Data and Impact measurement needs into the Product Roadmap prioritisation  

Support automation of key workflows across the Delivery and Partnerships Circles, improving speed and reducing manual processes.  

Maintain robust documentation of system architecture and data flows.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly systems performance and data accuracy review.  

5. Security, Compliance, and Risk  

Lead on platform security and data protection in collaboration with the Legal Lead.  

Ensure HOSTHub adheres to global data privacy and security standards (GDPR, AML/CTF, etc.). Prioritise required actions within roadmap.  

Conduct regular digital risk assessments and prioritise required actions within roadmap mitigation strategies.  

Lead the incident response process for digital issues or breaches, maintaining transparent communication with leadership.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly security and compliance review.  

6. Cross-Team Collaboration and Capacity Building  

Work across HOST’s teams to ensure HOSTHub serves all service areas - Project Hosting, Hosted Grantmaking, and Capacity Building.  

Develop and deliver internal training sessions to build staff confidence and skills in using HOSTHub.  

Create and maintain onboarding resources, FAQs, and user guides.  

Partner with the Training Lead to embed digital literacy across the organisation and hosted partner community.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly internal training and adoption report.  

7. Continuous Improvement and Innovation  

Monitor emerging technologies and sector best practices to inform HOSTHub’s evolution.  

Evaluate and test new features, integrations, and user needs to maintain product relevance.  

Lead user feedback sessions and platform reviews to ensure HOSTHub grows with HOST’s global operations.  

Drive HOSTHub’s role in enabling a distributed, digital-first delivery model.  

Reporting cadence: Annual product review and roadmap refresh.  

Key Relationships  

Internal: Operations Director, Finance Team, Legal Lead, Partnerships Director, Community Support Team, Data Analyst, and Training Lead.  
External: Developers, technical service providers, hosted partners, funders, and contractors.  

Performance Indicators  

HOSTHub roadmap milestones delivered on time and within scope.  

90%+ user satisfaction in feedback surveys.  

All major integrations operational and maintained.  

Demonstrated improvements in efficiency and automation across service areas.  

100% compliance with digital security and privacy standards.  

Required Experience  

5–8 years’ experience in product management, digital platform delivery, or systems development - ideally within SaaS, fintech, social enterprise, or digital infrastructure contexts.  

Proven track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder digital products from concept to launch and iteration.  

Strong understanding of user experience (UX) and user journey design, with practical experience mapping and optimising workflows for multiple user groups.  

Experience managing or coordinating external developers, digital agencies, or tech contractors in remote environments.  

Demonstrated ability to translate user needs into technical requirements, prioritising effectively across competing demands.  

Familiarity with API integrations, database systems, and workflow automation tools (e.g. Zapier, Airtable, or custom integrations).  

Proven success integrating digital tools with finance, CRM, or data systems (e.g. Sage, Salesforce, ClickUp, Zendesk).  

Strong data skills, including experience designing or using dashboards and analytics for performance and reporting.  

Knowledge of security, privacy, and compliance frameworks (e.g. GDPR, ISO, AML/CTF) as they apply to digital systems.  

Excellent project management, prioritisation, and communication skills - able to bridge technical and non-technical audiences.