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A senior role that sits at the heart of our mission, turning empty and underused buildings into safe, dignified places to live through our Empty Spaces to Homes programme.

 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

The Head of Construction (Feasibility & Delivery) is a leadership and technical role responsible for the end-to-end development, delivery and stewardship of Habitat GB’s construction and property portfolio.

Key responsibilities include strategic planning and technical leadership for core aspects of Habitat GB’s domestic programme, such as the construction project pipeline associated with our Empty Spaces to Homes (ES2H) programme. The postholder will lead the feasibility, design, costing, procurement and delivery of demonstration construction projects, primarily the conversion of empty commercial and retail buildings into high-quality, affordable homes, while also ensuring the safe, compliant operation and maintenance of HFHGB-owned, leased and operated properties, including ReStore sites.

The Head of Construction (Feasibility & Delivery) is also responsible for the people management of staff, contractors and consultants and (where relevant) volunteers. Key areas of risk management that sit within the portfolio of this role include project and site health & safety, compliance and asset maintenance.

This role is central to translating Habitat GB’s mission and strategy into high-quality, buildable, scalable projects that maximise social impact.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Construction & Programme Delivery

• Lead the planning, design and delivery of Habitat GB’s demonstration construction projects within the ES2H programme.

• Contribute technical leadership to programme strategy, performance monitoring, evaluation and learning.

• Work collaboratively with other ES2H workstreams (Advocacy, Research, Scalability) to ensure projects inform and support wider systems change.

• Provide expert construction input into organisational decision-making, risk management, and strategy implementation.

Building Pipeline Development & Feasibility

• Lead the identification, assessment and prioritisation of potential conversion opportunities across Great Britain.
• Conduct frequent site visits to assess empty or underutilised commercial buildings.
• Undertake and/or oversee:
  • Building diagnostics and technical surveys
  • Early identification of structural, asbestos, planning, fire and compliance risks
  • Location-based risk profiling (logistics, supply chains, neighbourhood constraints)
• Act as the organisation’s technical authority on building viability and conversion risk.

Design, Specification & Cost Leadership

• Develop initial design concepts, spatial layouts and performance specifications that balance cost‑efficiency, compliance, buildability and the dignity of residents.
• Ensure all designs meet relevant statutory and organisational requirements, including:
  • UK Building Regulations
  • Fire safety and CDM 2015
  • Sustainability and environmental standards
• Provide client side cost leadership and quantity surveying oversight across projects, including:
  • Preparing feasibility cost models, early stage estimates and robust construction budgets
  • Assessing and benchmarking contractor quotations and negotiating best value outcomes aligned with charitable objectives
  • Maintaining effective cost control and financial visibility throughout delivery
• Lead the appointment and management of architects, planning consultants and specialist technical advisors as required.

Construction Delivery, Contractor & Site Management

• Identify, appoint and manage contractors, subcontractors and consultants on a project-by-project basis.
• Ensure projects are delivered: safely; to specification; on time and within approved budgets
• Combine on-site leadership with remote project management, using digital tools, dashboards and reporting systems.
• Maintain a national overview of live and pipeline projects, providing the Executive Team with clear, real-time updates on milestones, risks, spend and cashflow, and delivery confidence.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Be responsible for Health & Safety across Habitat GB’s construction and property portfolio.
• Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, including CDM 2015.
• Oversee:
  • Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
  • Training and inductions
  • Incident reporting and corrective actions
• Ensure a strong safety culture across construction sites and property sites, working closely with the Site & Property Maintenance Officer to delivery their responsibilities successfully and safely.
• Work with colleagues to ensure appropriate insurances are in place.

Financial Management & Reporting

· Own construction and maintenance budgets, ensuring strong financial control and value for money.

· Lead procurement processes for works, materials, and equipment.

· Work closely with Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, cost tracking, and timely payment of invoices.

· Maintain robust project management tools, trackers, schedules, and cost sheets.

· Provide regular input into organisational performance reporting, risk registers, and assurance processes.

People Leadership & Culture

· Line-manage and support direct reports, setting clear objectives, and providing regular supervision and development.

· Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing, values-driven team and contractor network.

· Ensure good practice management of consultants, contractors and volunteers.

· Role model Habitat GB’s values, including commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Person profile:

· Extensive experience in UK construction project management, particularly refurbishment and conversion projects, with responsibility spanning early feasibility through to delivery.

· Strong technical understanding of:

• UK Building Regulations and fire safety requirements

• Permitted Development rights and planning constraints

• Health & Safety management, including CDM 2015

· Strong client‑side commercial judgement, with proven ability to develop feasibility cost models, set and manage construction budgets, and maintain effective cost control across projects.

· Demonstrated experience appointing and managing contractors, consultants and procurement processes to deliver best‑value outcomes.

· Strong leadership and people management experience, including the ability to lead teams, contractors and consultants with credibility and clarity.

· Relevant construction or built‑environment qualification, or equivalent senior professional experience (e.g. MCIOB, MRICS or similar).

· Valid CSCS card.

· Recognised Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH or SMSTS).

· Full UK driving licence.

Skills and competencies:

· Technically confident and commercially astute, with the ability to exercise sound professional judgement and make high-quality decisions in complex or ambiguous situations.

· Comfortable operating across strategic leadership and hands-on problem solving, particularly within refurbishment and conversion projects.

· Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise effectively across multiple concurrent workstreams, sites and geographies.

· Confident and collaborative communicator, able to work productively with internal teams, partners, volunteers, contractors and external stakeholders.

· Willing and able to travel extensively across Great Britain in support of project development and delivery.

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, using the link on our website. Closing date is Monday 25th May 2026.

A senior leadership opportunity to drive growth, build influence and secure the resources needed to tackle poverty and homelessness through access to safe, decent housing in the UK and around the world. 

Location:  Home-based with frequent travel to internal and external events, networking and other meetings in London and occasionally across the UK. Occasional international travel will also be required. 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.

Habitat GB mobilises resources, partnerships, public engagement and advocacy to support high‑impact housing solutions in the UK and internationally, working closely with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and the wider Habitat network.

Job Purpose

The Director of Fundraising & Partnerships is accountable for leading the vision, strategy and performance of Habitat GB’s fundraising, partnerships, engagement and resource mobilisation activity.

This role combines senior‑level engagement and income generation leadership with organisational and strategic responsibility. The postholder will design and deliver ambitious, sustainable income and partnership strategies; strengthen Habitat GB’s profile and positioning; and lead a high‑performing, values‑led team.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Fundraising & Partnerships plays a key role in organisational leadership, transformation, and long‑term sustainability, working collaboratively across Habitat GB, the international Habitat network and with a wide range of external partners. This role has 4 direct reports, and an overall team of 10.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising, Partnerships & Engagement

• Design, deliver and adapt an integrated multi‑year fundraising and partnerships strategy, setting ambitious and achievable targets that increase income, engagement and impact.
• Lead the organisation’s approach to partnerships, philanthropy, fundraising and resource mobilisation across all non-institutional income streams, including:
  • Trusts and foundations (UK and international)
  • Corporate partnerships and strategic alliances
  • High‑net‑worth individuals and philanthropic supporters
  • Blended funding, including institutional and investment‑linked income where appropriate
• Shape and deliver Habitat GB’s positioning as a credible, innovative and impactful development and housing partner.
• Lead the development and delivery of communication and engagement strategies that increase profile, visibility, audience engagement and supporter commitment.
• Draw on learning from the wider Habitat network and sector trends to inform strategy, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation, ethical standards, safeguarding and best practice, including oversight of relevant policies, due diligence and risk.

Income Management, Forecasting & Performance

•  Hold accountability for all non-institutional fundraising income targets and performance against agreed budgets, with responsibility for year-on- year growth and diversification of income streams.
• Set clear quality standards, KPIs and expectations to promote accountability, ownership and high performance within the team.
• Oversee active management of a robust, strategically aligned prospect and partnership pipeline.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Impact & Influence to align opportunities, approaches and targets across non-institutional and institutional partnerships and fundraising pipelines.
• Work closely with the Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance on income forecasting, financial planning, reporting and budget management.
• Ensure high-quality impact, financial and narrative reporting to funders, partners, the SLT and Trustees.

Senior Partnerships, Stewardship & External Profile

•  Lead and model relationship-based development with priority prospects, partners and influencers.
• Act as senior relationship lead for key high value corporate partners, donors and funders, ensuring excellent stewardship and long‑term engagement.
• Support and enhance relationship building with High‑Net‑Worth Individuals, Trusts and Foundations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop compelling proposals, propositions and reports across funding opportunities, positioning Habitat GB as a partner of choice across all priority audiences.
• Raise the profile and positioning of HFHGB through public engagement, media opportunities, online presence and attendance at relevant networks and events.
• Respond strategically to external opportunities and challenges, protecting and enhancing Habitat GB’s reputation and impact.

Leadership & Management of the Fundraising & Partnerships Team

•  Lead, inspire and develop a high performing, ambitious team focussed on fundraising, partnerships, communications and brand marketing.
• Provide clear direction, prioritisation and performance management through regular 1‑to‑1s, objective setting, feedback and development.
• Ensure effective planning, resourcing and deployment of team capacity and budget.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and learning led team culture, role‑modelling Habitat GB’s values and behaviours.

Organisational & Executive Leadership

•  Act as a collaborative senior leader, supporting the National Director in delivering HFHGB’s strategy and vision.
• Actively shape and influence organisational strategy, ensuring income generation and partnerships are fully integrated into strategic planning and decision making.
• Contribute to organisational wide leadership on performance, productivity, risk, diligence and transformation.
• Work effectively across teams and functions to deliver integrated, organisation wide outcomes.
• Support Trustees in fulfilling their governance, ambassadorial and fundraising responsibilities.
• Represent Habitat GB at national and international meetings, forums and events, deputising for the National Director where required.

We are looking for someone with:

•  Substantial senior level experience in fundraising, development and partnership leadership.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering ambitious income strategies.
• Expert knowledge of fundraising best practice, partnership development and donor stewardship.
• Significant experience of leading and developing high performing teams.
• Experience and awareness of communication and brand marketing in a relevant context.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership, income forecasting and performance management.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse senior stakeholders.
• Experience working collaboratively within complex or networked organisational structures.
• Strong alignment with Habitat GB’s mission, values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience working closely with Boards and Trustees.
• Knowledge of UK charity governance, fundraising regulation and compliance.
• Experience of organisational growth, change or transformation.
• Experience within housing, international development, humanitarian or social justice contexts would b

Flexibility:

 Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This requires adaptability and an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team.  The post holder is expected to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.

Application Process:

We want our recruitment process to give you an opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat for Humanity GB in return.  ​

​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, using the link found on our website.​

Deadline for applications is Monday 25th May 2026 (at 11:59 pm).​

​We plan for first stage interviews to take place w/b 1st June 2026. Interviews may be held online, or in person in London (please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews).