Chief Executive

Housing Diversity Network; North East; Hybrid; GBP 177,000 - 239,000; Full time

Job summary

believe housing is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead one of the North East’s largest housing associations, managing 18,000 homes and serving 22,000 customers with around 650 colleagues.

You will work closely with the Board and Executive Management, deliver a bold transformation programme, embrace digital innovation, and safeguard long-term financial sustainability while remaining true to our values.

Job description

At believe housing, we believe in life without barriers.

As one of the North East's largest housing associations, we manage more than 18,000 homes, support 22,000 customers and employ around 650 colleagues across County Durham and surrounding communities. With a turnover exceeding £91 million, a strong G1/V2 regulatory rating, and a reputation for an outstanding people-centred culture, we are entering an exciting new chapter.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Chief Executive.

This is an opportunity to lead a successful, values-driven organisation that combines commercial strength with a clear social purpose: improving customers' lives through healthy, affordable homes and thriving communities. Over recent years, we have invested significantly in homes, community initiatives, energy efficiency and new housing development. Now, we are embarking on an ambitious transformation programme that will redefine how we deliver services, embrace digital innovation and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Working closely with our Board, Executive Management Team and stakeholders across the region, you will provide strategic leadership and be a visible advocate for believe housing. You will champion our values, drive performance and lead the successful delivery of our new Target Operating Model.

We are looking for an inspiring and authentic leader with a track record of delivering transformation, building high-performing teams and navigating complex stakeholder environments. As an established strategic leader within housing or a comparably regulated and community-focused environment, you will bring commercial acumen, strong governance credentials and a passion for making a positive difference to people's lives.

If you are motivated by our purpose, culture and impact, and excited by the opportunity to shape the future of a leading social housing organisation, then

Closing date: 9am on Monday 21 September 2026.

Job Summary

• Location

  County Durham

• Organization

  believe housing

• Job Type
• Salary

  £198,986 plus £8,767 car allowance and career average local government pension scheme

• Closing Date

  21/09/2026

• Reference ID

  37096

• Documents

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