Core Systems Development Manager

Karbon Homes; Peacehaven; On-site; GBP 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused housing provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Core Systems Development Manager to lead their ICT & Digital Transformation team. Responsibilities include overseeing housing and finance management systems, working closely with the architecture team to deliver software solutions, and fostering collaboration. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in the housing sector and knowledge of critical technologies such as Open Housing and SQL. This permanent role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Birthday leave

Occupational pension

Health cash plan

Flexible benefits pot

Funding for qualifications and events

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams managing housing systems.
• Understanding of housing sector processes.
• Record of stakeholder relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Core Systems Development team.
• Work with the architecture team on software solutions.
• Make key project decisions for team clarity.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Agile approach

Tools

Open Housing

SQL

Open Accounts

iTrent

DRS

Total Mobile

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 and take overall responsibility for the Housing and Finance Management, Payroll and Personnel and Job scheduling systems.

• 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 will work as part of a management team that designs and executes the department strategy, as well as providing effective leadership and acting 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 will engage with the relevant stakeholders in the planning and requirement stages and document and hand 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: £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 the week so the 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 is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). 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!