Chief Executive

TILE HILL; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public leadership recruitment agency in the UK is looking for a Chief Executive to guide the Regulator of Social Housing. This role focuses on leading an organization dedicated to the oversight of social housing, ensuring effective regulation and tenant protection. Candidates should have significant senior leadership experience in a regulated environment and possess outstanding judgement and relationship management skills. The role involves direct engagement with government and stakeholders to shape housing policy.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a regulatory or public sector.
• Ability to navigate complexity and make informed decisions.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and public representation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and steer the organisation's regulatory framework.
• Manage organisational performance and governance.
• Represent RSH in formal settings with stakeholders.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Ability to build understanding

Strong relationship-building

Good judgement

Job description

One of the most influential public leadership roles in social housing

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) plays a vital role in the lives of millions of people across England. Through effective regulation, it supports safe, well‑run and financially resilient social housing, helping to protect tenants and sustain confidence in a sector that plays a central role in communities. Independent and accountable to Parliament, RSH operates with a clear statutory remit and a strong sense of public responsibility.

With this important foundation in place, RSH is now seeking a Chief Executive to lead the organisation at a time of sustained significance. This is a role focused on how regulation is applied with care and judgement, while keeping outcomes for tenants firmly in view. Working closely with the Chair, Board and Executive Team, the Chief Executive will steward the regulatory framework as it continues to evolve, building on existing success while ensuring the organisation remains responsive to change.

As Accounting Officer, the Chief Executive holds responsibility for organisational performance, governance and the stewardship of public funds. Integrity underpins the role, informing evidence‑based decisions that are clearly communicated and able to withstand scrutiny. Confidence operating within clear accountability frameworks is essential, alongside the judgement to balance engagement appropriately.

The Chief Executive will provide inspiration and vision to lead the organisation as a whole, working through the executive team to support a cohesive approach to leadership and delivery. A central responsibility is oversight of the regulatory standards for social housing, applied across a diverse range of providers. This work is shaped by an understanding of the wider housing and policy environment, and by constructive engagement across the sector, recognising differences in scale and operating context while keeping expectations clear and proportionate.

Externally, the Chief Executive represents RSH in relationships with ministers, Members of Parliament, select committees, investors and key partner organisations. The role requires credibility and confidence in formal settings, alongside the ability to build strong professional relationships grounded in trust, respect and shared responsibility.

The successful candidate will bring senior leadership experience gained in a regulatory, public or comparably governed environment, where scrutiny is part of the landscape and decisions carry real consequence. Experience of social housing is not essential. Of greater importance is the ability to build understanding quickly, to listen carefully, and to navigate complexity with perspective and assurance.

This is an opportunity to lead an organisation of national significance, where decisions shape confidence in the social housing sector and its long‑term strength. It is a role with genuine influence, where thoughtful leadership, sound judgement and perspective can make a lasting difference.

Visit www.lead-rsh.co.uk to find out more and to apply. Or, for a confidential conversation, call Holly Kennedy (07771 109401) or Ella Milward Hamylton (07398478852) at Tile Hill.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 8th February 2026

To apply: Please submit an up‑to‑date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum) and a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website. If you experience any issues while applying, please contact [e-mail].

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period;
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email [e-mail].