Core Systems Development Manager

Karbon Homes; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing organization in the UK is seeking a Core Systems Development Manager to lead their ICT & Digital Transformation team. The role entails overseeing housing management and finance systems, fostering collaboration in a hybrid working environment. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in managing housing systems, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of sector processes. Competitive salary of £62,100 and emphasis on teamwork in a dynamic digital landscape await the right applicant. Closing date for applications is 6 January 2026.

Benefits

26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 3 years)

Birthday leave

Occupational pension

Health cash plan

Flexible benefits pot

Access to funding for qualifications

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams responsible for managing and maintaining housing systems.
• Experience and an understanding of housing sector processes and trends.
• Track record of collaboration and communication to maintain stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Core Systems Development team in the ICT & Digital Transformation department.
• Take charge of the Housing and Finance Management systems.
• Work closely with the architecture team to design and develop software solutions.
• Support the development of solutions to keep projects on track.

Skills

Leading teams responsible for managing housing systems

Collaboration and communication

Strong leadership and coaching skills

Knowledge of Open Housing

Tools

DRS

Total Mobile

Open Accounts

iTrent

SQL

Job description

Come and make a difference at Karbon as a Core Systems Development Manager

We're looking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced individual for the role of Core Systems Development Manager in the ICT & Digital Transformation Team. The ICT & Digital Transformation team mission is to provide digital systems that are customer focused, easy to use, reliable, flexible, and meet the needs of all our stakeholders.

About The Role

The successful candidate will lead the Core Systems Development team in the ICT & Digital Transformation department. You'll take overall responsibility for the Housing and Finance Management, Payroll and Personnel and Job scheduling systems. This includes the following responsibilities:

• Take charge of a highly experienced core system development function, leading hybrid-working teams and fostering collaboration.
• Work closely with the architecture team to help design, develop and deliver innovative software solutions to meet business needs.
• Make key project decisions to set clarity and focus for the team.
• Support the development of solutions where necessary to ensure development stays on track.

You’ll work as part of a management team that designs and executes the department strategy, as well as providing effective leadership and act as a role model for the department and the Karbon group.

About You

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading teams responsible for managing and maintaining housing systems.
• Experience and an understanding of housing sector processes and trends.
• A proven record of collaboration and communication to help develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills to develop a highly performing and motivated team.

Knowledge of Open Housing is essential with the following technologies also being desirable:

• DRS
• Total Mobile
• Open Accounts
• iTrent
• SQL

You may also need to collaborate with suppliers where necessary to drive change. By applying an agile approach to product development, you'll engage with the relevant stakeholders in the planning and requirement stages along with documenting and handing over to support.

Working With Us

The successful candidate will work in our ICT & Digital Transformation management team and will report into the Head of ICT & Digital Services led by: Alex Westwood. If you require further information about the role, please contact Alex on 0191 223 8452.

Key Details

• Core Systems Development Manager - Permanent role
• Salary is £62,100 per annum
• Contractual Location to be agreed with the candidate at one of our main offices in Gosforth (NE12 8EG) or Stanley (DH9 7YE). Due to the nature of the role office presence is required throughout week so successful candidate must live within commutable distance.
• Regular travel to other offices across the North East will also be required.
• 37 Hours per week with agile working.

We recognise the contribution people with criminal records can make as colleagues and we welcome all applications. A criminal record will not exclude a candidate from being appointed because of offences that are irrelevant to, and do not place them at, or make them a risk in the role they're applying for.

The role you're applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). The successful candidate(s) will be asked to submit a basic disclosure and barring check application during pre-employment checks.

Why Join Us?

We offer a generous benefits package to support your wellbeing and development, including:

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 3 years)
• Birthday leave
• Occupational pension
• Health cash plan
• Flexible benefits pot
• Access to funding for qualifications, conferences, and learning events

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the role for you, apply now via our website: https://www.karbonhomes.co.uk/careers/

We love seeing the real you in your application. It's fine to use AI tools for things like polishing grammar or improving formatting—but your CV and supporting statement should still reflect your own skills, experience, and personality, so we do not accept applications that are fully generated by AI without your own input.

Key Dates

Closing date for applications

Tuesday 6 January 2026

We may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of strong applications-so don’t wait too long to apply!

Just a quick heads-up about our Christmas closure dates

We’ll be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2025 and back in the office on Friday 2 January 2026.

If you get in touch during this time, we’ll respond as soon as we’re back.

Interview date

Week Commencing 19 January 2026

We’re Inclusive

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you’ll be guaranteed an interview.
Need a reasonable adjustment to apply? Contact us at [e-mail]

A Note for Recruitment Agencies

We’re lucky to have a great Preferred Supplier List (PSL) in place, so we’re not looking for additional agency support right now. Thanks for understanding—we’ve got this covered!