Chief Executive Officer

NIFHA - Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NILGOSC pension scheme

Annual leave 22-27-32 days

Private health insurance

Essential car user allowance

Mileage allowance

On-site car parking

Electric vehicle schemes

Remote working policy

Job summary

Ark Housing Association in Belfast is seeking a Chief Executive to lead day-to-day operations and set strategic direction for growth over the coming years. You will provide leadership to the Board and senior management, ensuring delivery of the organisation’s objectives.

You will drive financial sustainability, governance, risk management and stakeholder relations, guiding the organisation through transformation and growth in a regulated, social housing context.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant area and 3 years’ senior management experience (last 7 years).
• Alternatively 5 years’ senior management experience with strategic input and growth delivery.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operational management and strategic leadership to the Board and senior management.
• Deliver the organisation’s corporate objectives and ensure financial sustainability.
• Lead governance, risk management, and effective resource management.
• Represent the organisation to a wide range of stakeholders.

Skills

Senior management experience

Budget management

Governance & risk

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Housing sector knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

• Salary: Salary will be offered in the region of £90,000 to £95,000 per annum (subject to annual review and regular market benchmarking).
• Contract: Full Time, Permanent
• Hours: 37
• Job Ref: CEO/09/2026

Ark Housing Association, based in Belfast, is a progressive housing association with ambitious plans for growth over the next five years, and we are seeking to recruit a Chief Executive.

This is an office-based position, and the successful candidate will be working out of our offices at 43 Stockman’s Way, Belfast BT9 7ET.

As Chief Executive, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the organisation, providing strategic leadership to the Board and senior management team and for the delivery of the organisation’s corporate objectives.

Applicants must satisfy the following essential criteria:

• An undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant area, for example housing, business, finance or management and 3 years’ relevant senior management* experience, gained within the last 7 years, demonstrating evidence of senior input into organisational strategy, translating vision into action, and delivering successful business and operational outcomes.

or

5 years’ relevant senior management* experience, gained within the last 7 years, demonstrating evidence of senior input into organisational strategy, translating vision into action, and delivering successful business and operational outcomes.

*Senior management experience is defined as experience operating at a senior level including direct reporting to a Board or Chief Executive Officer within an organisation with comparable levels of budgetary responsibility and substantial growth plans.

• Demonstrable experience as a senior leader in managing financial responsibilities, ensuring financial sustainability, effective resource management and value for money.
• Experience of working effectively with Boards, with a strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management and organisational accountability.
• Outstanding leadership and people management experience, with a proven ability to build high-performing teams and foster a positive organisational culture.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with experience of representing an organisation at a senior level and building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the social and affordable housing sector, including relevant policy and regulatory frameworks, together with a commitment to social purpose, customer focus and high-quality service delivery.
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD), for example membership of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Housing or the Chartered Institute of Management, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge, skills and best practice relevant to the role.
• Experience of working within the social housing sector or in a comparable regulated environment.
• Experience of managing organisational growth, transformation, regulatory engagement and operating within a publicly accountable environment.
• Understanding of Northern Ireland housing policy, funding arrangements, asset management and social housing management.

Benefits include:

• Salary will be offered in the region of £90,000 to £95,000 per annum (subject to annual review and regular market benchmarking).
• The post holder will be entitled to join the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers Superannuation Scheme (NILGOSC). The employer contribution rate is currently 15.5%.
• The post offers 22 days’ annual leave increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service and 32 days after 10 years’ service, together with 13 Public and Privilege days.
• Private Health Insurance
• Essential Car User Allowance: £1239 Per Annum.
• Mileage / Travel Allowance: 55p per mile.
• On-site Car Parking at Head Office.
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Facilities at Head Office.
• Remote Working Policy supporting flexible ways of working

Ark Housing reserves the right to enhance the criteria for shortlisting suitable candidates without further notice. Ark Housing is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from individuals irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, religion, race, ethnic origin, age or sexual orientation.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF COMPLETED APPLICATIONS IS: