Change & Innovation Lead

HIGHTOWN HOUSING ASSOCIATION; England; Hybrid; GBP 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing organization in Hemel Hempstead is seeking a Change & Innovation Lead to drive transformation in supported housing services. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance and improving service quality while leading strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience in regulated care environments and strong leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Free on-site gym access

Monthly attendance bonus

Discounts at high street retailers

Health & wellbeing support

Workplace pension & life assurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in regulated care or housing environments.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car with business insurance.
• A values-driven, collaborative mindset with strong leadership and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a bold strategy to improve service quality.
• Ensure compliance with CQC, Ofsted, and other regulations.
• Build smart systems to track outcomes for informed decisions.
• Work closely with local authorities and internal teams.
• Lead key projects and identify new funding opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Compliance

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in housing, social care, or business management

Professional qualifications in compliance, leadership, or project management

CIH Level 5 in housing (or willingness to complete)

Job description

Overview

Change & Innovation Lead

Hemel Hempstead (Hightown House)

£63,250 per annum 35 hours per week - Hybrid working

Are you ready to lead transformation in Care and Supported housing?

At Hightown Housing Association, we’re looking for a visionary leader to drive innovation, elevate service quality, and ensure regulatory excellence across our Care & Supported Housing Directorate.

Why This Role Matters

We support over 800 people across 90 services, from individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs to those experiencing homelessness. With a team of nearly 1,000 dedicated staff, we are proud to deliver person-centred care that truly makes a difference.

As our Change & Innovation Lead, you will be at the heart of shaping the future of our services—leading transformation, compliance, and continuous improvement across both support and housing functions.

Your Impact

• Strategic Transformation: Design and deliver a bold strategy to improve service quality, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
• Regulatory Excellence: Ensure compliance with CQC, Ofsted, HHSRS, and the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act.
• Data-Driven Leadership: Build smart systems to track outcomes and drive informed decisions.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Work closely with commissioners, local authorities, and internal teams.
• Growth & Innovation: Lead key projects and identify new funding and tendering opportunities.

What You Will Bring

• A degree or equivalent experience in housing, social care, or business management
• Professional qualifications in compliance, leadership, or project management
• CIH Level 5 in housing (or willingness to complete)
• Proven experience in regulated care or housing environments
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car with business insurance
• A values-driven, collaborative mindset with strong leadership and analytical skills

Why Join Hightown?

• Be part of a purpose-led organisation making a real difference
• Lead meaningful change across a diverse and impactful portfolio
• Work with a supportive, forward-thinking leadership team
• Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package

What We Offer

• £63,250 per annum
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service
• Hybrid working
• Free on-site gym access
• Monthly attendance bonus
• Discounts at high street retailers, gyms, restaurants, and cinemas
• Health & wellbeing support
• Workplace pension & life assurance (3x salary)

Ready to Lead Change?

If you are passionate about transforming lives through care and supported housing, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: We will be shortlisting and interviewing candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy early. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they are considered.

Appointment to this position will be subject to satisfactory right to work checks and references.

We are an Equal Opportunities & Disability Confident Employer.