Head of Affordable Housing

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK housebuilder is seeking a Head of Affordable Housing to lead their strategy and operations, focusing on both delivering compliant affordable housing and optimizing value across the portfolio. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in residential development with a strong emphasis on affordable housing and S106 agreements. Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen are essential. This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in tackling housing shortages and creating sustainable communities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in residential development with a strong focus on affordable housing and a track record in S106 negotiations.
• London-specific experience advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead affordable housing activities across the portfolio, aligned with group strategy and sustainability goals.
• Build and manage strong partnerships with housing associations and local authorities.
• Oversee and maximise value from S106 agreements.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Strong negotiation

Ability to build long-term partnerships

Education

Degree in housing, planning, real estate or related field

CIH, RICS, or RTPI membership desirable

Tools

ProVal or similar financial modelling tools

Job description

Recruitment Consultant, Residential Development & Town Planning

Cobalt is working with a leading UK housebuilder known for high-quality homes, regeneration, and strong partnerships with local authorities, registered providers, and government agencies. They are committed to tackling housing shortages and delivering sustainable communities.

Role Purpose

The Head of Affordable Housing will lead to the company's affordable housing strategy and operations. This includes shaping product mix, optimising value across the portfolio, and managing partnerships to ensure high-quality, compliant, and value-driven affordable housing delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead affordable housing activities across portfolio, aligned with group strategy and sustainability goals.
• Build and manage strong partnerships with housing associations, local authorities, Homes England, and the GLA.
• Oversee and maximise value from S106 agreements: pricing, negotiating, and closing deals with internal stakeholders.
• Develop and implement standardised approaches (e.g., HOTs, S106 clauses).
• Provide guidance on affordable housing conditions, design, and product mix.
• Ensure specifications are market-facing and competitive.
• Report regularly to senior management on portfolio progress and issues.
• Represent company at industry events, raising profile and influencing policy.
• Collaborate closely with land, development, construction, sales, and legal teams.

Candidate Profile

• Experience: 10+ years in residential development with a strong focus on affordable housing and a track record in S106 negotiations.
• Skills: Commercial acumen, strong negotiation, ability to build long-term partnerships.
• Education/Qualifications: Degree in housing, planning, real estate or related field (CIH, RICS, or RTPI membership desirable).
• Technical: Experience with ProVal or similar financial modelling tools.
• Other: London-specific experience advantageous but not essential.

Please apply here or give me (Adaora) a call to discuss. My client is looking to find the right candidate as soon as possible - so if in doubt, do get in touch. I also have other clients and roles that may be of interest.

If you do not hear anything back within one week, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, but I will retain your details for future roles.

This master developer continue to believe that to become 'outstanding', new places need to pass two crucial tests:1. Will new residents be proud, not just of their new home, but of the place they live in? Will it, from day one, be somewhere they want to invite their friends and family to visit?2. Will their neighbours, some of whose families will have lived in the area for generations, feel that our work has improved their lives?

We are working with a forward-thinking development agency dedicated to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and innovative residential and commercial projects. With a strong reputation for excellence, they specialise in creating developments that add value to communities and provide long-term benefits for stakeholders.

Cobalt is working with a leading UK housebuilder known for high-quality homes, regeneration, and strong partnerships with local authorities, registered providers, and government agencies. They are committed to tackling housing shortages and delivering sustainable communities.

We're thrilled to be partnering with one of the UK's most active and ambitious residential-led developers - whether your background is in development or planning, this company thrives on hiring individuals who are highly numerate, commercially aware, and passionate about placemaking and the broader property and political landscape.