Head of Housing
Cambridge, Hybrid
Are you an experienced housing leader who combines strong technical knowledge with confident, values-led people leadership? This is an opportunity to lead a key customer-facing service, shaping how our client delivers housing management services and create meaningful outcomes for customers.
About the role
As their Head of Housing, you will be accountable for leading the delivery, performance and continuous improvement of housing management services.
This is a key strategic leadership role with accountability for building relationships and working closely with key stakeholders, focusing on a positive and motivating culture within the team while ensuring housing services are legally compliant, cost-effective, value for money and aligned with their values - ensuring customers at the heart of their service development.
What you’ll be doing
In this role, you will:
- Lead and inspire the Housing Team
- Shape strategy and ensure regulatory compliance
- Deliver excellent core housing management services
- Put customers at the heart of what they do
- Drive service improvement, assurance and professional standards
- Please see the job description for more information
About you
They are looking for a confident, housing professional with strong leadership, management and people skills. To succeed in this role, you’ll need:
- Substantial experience of housing management within a social housing provider, with strong technical knowledge across tenancy management, rent and service charges, leasehold services, allocations, voids, estate management and anti-social behaviour.
- Strong understanding of housing legislation, regulation and professional standards, with the ability to work in a legally compliant, customer-focused and risk-aware way.
- Experience of managing risk, safeguarding, customer wellbeing and tenancy sustainment issues, with the ability to make sound, evidence-based decision making that reflects organisational values and legal responsibilities.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop employees, creating a positive and accountable team culture, supporting the delivery of high-quality services.
- Confidence in using housing systems, data, performance information and numerical insight to manage risk, improve services and support decision-making with a structured and organised approach.
- Experience in coaching employees and excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust and manage complex situations, work collaboratively and handle sensitive, complex situations.
- High levels of personal integrity, accountability and self-motivation, committed to delivering effective outcomes in line with organisational values.
- CIH Level 4 or 5 qualification in housing is an essential requirement and a condition of the role. This post is a relevant senior manager role under the Competence and Conduct Standard (Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023). They are willing to speak to candidates who do not already hold the qualification, provided they are willing and able to achieve it within the regulatory timeframe.
Why join them?
They’ve held Investors in People Gold accreditation since 2020, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing, learning and professional growth. Joining them means being part of a collaborative organisation focused on continuous improvement and making a real difference.
What they offer you
- 28 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
- Option to buy/sell up to 5 days’ annual leave
- Private health insurance
- Employee discount scheme
- Defined contributions pension scheme, matched from 4% to 10%
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life assurance
- Strong focus on learning, development and wellbeing
- Plus, more when you join!
We encourage early applications and may close the vacancy once they have received sufficient applications from candidates who meet the essential criteria.
Please note that Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role.
Inclusion and Diversity
Our client welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and accessible workplace.
All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of protected characteristics, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Recruitment Agency 
21 - 50
Thank you!
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week. Standard working hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Location: Somerset House, London, although flexible and hybrid working are encouraged
Application Deadline: 12 July 2026
Please note:
- We may close the advert sooner if we receive a high volume of applications)
- All finance roles within the charity require a DBS check (basic)
Blue Marine's Mission
The Blue Marine Foundation seeks to protect and restore life in the ocean. Our mission is to see at least 30 per cent of the ocean protected by 2030 and the whole ocean sustainably managed. We support low-impact fishing and equitable use of the ocean and address overfishing – one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.
We are a dynamic NGO at the heart of cutting-edge marine conservation with headquarters in London but operating globally. This is an incredible chance to join our highly impactful charity; we look forward to hearing from you.
The Role
This role heads the Project Finance team and ensures it continues to support Blue Marine effectively as the organisation grows in scale and complexity. It also oversees the full financial journey of Blue Marine’s project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to strong financial oversight and accurate reporting. A key part of the role is building the financial and operational capacity of partners, helping partners scale their conservation impact through improved financial management and operational effectiveness.
Reporting to the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance, the successful candidate will:
- Oversee and develop the Project Finance team, setting clear priorities, high standards and effective ways of working.
- Drive the strategic direction of the Project Finance function as Blue Marine’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.
- Maintain high-level oversight of project budgets, delivery partners, donor requirements, financial risks and reporting obligations across the portfolio.
- Oversee the end-to-end financial journey of project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to ensuring timely and accurate reporting is received.
- Ensure high-quality, timely project reporting, budget monitoring, audit evidence and donor compliance, with fit-for-purpose processes followed consistently.
- Provide insight, challenge and analysis to support strategic decisions and funding proposals.
- Lead Blue Marine’s work to build the operational capacity of international project partners, including through some international travel.
- Champion practical improvements to systems and ways of working, building on an existing culture of continuous improvement.
- Provide hands-on support during peak reporting periods while maintaining senior oversight.
- Represent Finance with credibility and integrity across Blue Marine and with external partners and funders.
- Deputise for the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance where appropriate.
- Contribute to wider organisational priorities as a member of the senior management team.
- Uphold Blue Marine’s values and always embody this behaviour internally and externally.
This list is not exhaustive, and the selected candidate will be required to undertake other relevant tasks from time to time.
Skills and experience required
Essential
- Significant senior experience in project finance, programme finance or commercial finance, with responsibility for complex budgets, reporting and risk.
- Strong track record of overseeing large and complex portfolios, including financial reporting, audit evidence, and contractual or donor compliance requirements and risk management.
- Experience of improving finance systems, reporting tools or organisational processes during a period of growth or change.
- Strong understanding of financial controls, policies and processes, with the ability to apply sound judgement in a practical and proportionate way.
- Experience of working with external partners to improve financial processes, reporting and operational effectiveness.
- Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to set clear priorities and improve ways of working.
- Confident communicator with the ability to build credibility and constructive relationships with colleagues, funders and external partners.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-moving environment.
Desired
- Qualified accountant, or equivalent senior-level financial experience.
- Experience of working with Microsoft-based systems, including Power Platform tools such as Power BI.
- Experience of bringing structure, clarity and strong financial discipline to complex or evolving organisations.
- Experience of working with international partners across different legal, operational or cultural contexts.
- An understanding of, or interest in, the environmental, conservation or charitable sector.
You may also...
Have the following personal qualities:
- Calm, practical and solutions-focused
- Collaborative, supportive and confident working across teams
- Ability to combine strategic thinking with a willingness to get into the detail when needed
- Good judgement, integrity and discretion
- Passion for, and commitment to, the ocean or another environmental cause
Why us?
This is a great opportunity for you to join our inspirational team and be part of making a difference!
We offer a great salary in addition to a generous benefits package.
We embrace agile working and trust our employees to work in a hybrid manner that gives them the flexibility to work from home or at the office according to their work commitments. We also recognise our head office is in London and currently offer an optional annual subsidy, which is available to employees committed to attending the office regularly on a weekly basis.
Working alongside some of the most leading and pioneering minds in marine conservation, our training opportunities and collegiate nature means you will always be learning and supported with your development.
Your wellbeing is important to us, and we hold social events throughout the year. We have a great culture and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.
If you think you have what it takes and the experience to make it happen, then please apply, we would love you to be part of Blue Marine!
Please note
We reserve the right to close job adverts early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you would like to know more or have any questions, we are happy to help.
We are a responsible and inclusive employer. We value diversity and are committed to equality and creating an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and will support you to reach your full potential.
We want you to perform at your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.
About Hackney School of Food
Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.
Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.
We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.
About the role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.
The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.
This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.
Key priorities
In your first 12 months you will:
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Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.
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Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.
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Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.
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Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.
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Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives.
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Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.
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Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.
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Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures.
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Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
Financial sustainability and income generation
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Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.
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Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.
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Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.
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Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Partnerships & External Relations
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Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.
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Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.
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Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations.
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Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation.
Governance and public benefit
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Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit.
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Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.
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Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.
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Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.
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Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.
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Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks.
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Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.
People, Culture and safeguarding
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Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture.
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Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.
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Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles.
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Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.
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Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.
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Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements.
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Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.
Risk Management & Compliance
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Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.
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Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation.
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Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation.
Personal specification
Essential experience
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Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability.
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Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.
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Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.
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Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery.
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Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders.
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Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
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Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.
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Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.
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Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.
Essential skills and attributes
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Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection.
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Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership.
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Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.
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Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.
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Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills.
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Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability.
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Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.
Desirable
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Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.
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Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.
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Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.
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Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.
An inclusive workplace
We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.
How to apply
The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.
You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information.
Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July)
Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation.
We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment.
The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references.
We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.
If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.