Head of Assurance

Citizen; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous pension scheme

Annual leave 32 days + bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Citizen in Birmingham is seeking a strategic Head of Assurance to lead the disrepair function, ensure safety standards, and drive compliance with environmental and building legislation. The role requires senior leadership, strong stakeholder engagement, and expert guidance across the business.

You will shape strategy, manage complex cases, liaise with contractors and legal partners, and advocate for residents while delivering service improvements and governance across the function.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in built environment or equivalent.
• CIH Level 5 or working towards.
• Deep knowledge of disrepair, EPA notices and related legislation.
• Proven expertise in HHSRS and Awaab’s Law cases and solutions.
• MRICS or equivalent professional experience.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of disrepair case management.
• Lead service transformation, streamline processes and drive accountability.
• Align operations with contractors and legal representatives through senior liaison.
• Provide expert advice on building insurance works and major structural defects.
• Represent Citizen in court and external proceedings.
• Build team capability to manage complex disrepair cases.
• Build strategic relationships with stakeholders for effective delivery.
• Oversee governance, controls and risk in the function.
• Develop policies and best practices to minimise disrepair and improve outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Disrepair knowledge

Education

Degree in built environment

CIH Level 5

MRICS or equivalent

Job description

Are you a driven professional seeking to make an impact in Asset Management?

With over fifty years of experience, we have grown to become one of the UK’s leading social housing providers. Citizen owns and manages 30,000 homes for diverse communities across the West Midlands, from urban tower blocks to rural villages and towns. Find out more about the work we do here: Citizen

Position: Head of Assurance

Location: 4040 Lakeside, Birmingham Business Park, B37 7YN

Manager’s Quote:

As our Head of Assurance, you’ll hold a pivotal role in ensuring the homes that we provide are environmentally and structurally safe, that disrepair and environmental improvement claims are professionally managed in accordance with legislation and that building insurance works are completed in a timely manner. This is a wider leadership role. You’ll act as our lead competent person in your field, shaping strategy, driving compliance, and providing expert advice across all areas of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the organisation’s disrepair function, ensuring high quality, consistent and compliant case management.
• Lead service transformation, streamline processes and embed clear accountability and continuous improvement across the function.
• Align operational teams, contractors and legal representatives through senior level liaison, clear communication and coordinated delivery.
• Impart expert advice with regards to building insurance works and major structural defects.
• Represent Citizen professionally in court and external legal proceedings.
• Provide visible leadership and build team capability to manage complex disrepair and structural cases effectively.
• Build strategic relationships with internal stakeholders, contractors, legal partners and senior leaders to support effective service delivery.
• Oversee service performance and risk, maintaining effective controls and governance across the function.
• Support the development of policies, guidance and best practice to minimise disrepair and improve outcomes for residents

Please refer to the job description for a full list of responsibilities.

Qualifications and experience:

• A degree level or equivalent qualification in a recognised discipline in the built environment.
• CIH level 5 (or working towards)
• A depth of knowledge in Disrepair, EPA’s and Environmental improvement notices and all related legislation
• Proven expert knowledge in the management and delivery of HHSRS and Awaab’s Law cases and solutions
• RICS, MRICS or equivalent relevant experience
• Full UK driving license

What We Offer:

• Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking organization that values creativity and innovation.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who support and inspire each other.
• Annual Leave:Annual leave starts at 32 days per year plus bank holidays
• Annual leave purchase scheme – option to buy up to an additional 5 days per year
• AXA
• Enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity and adoption)
• Generous Pension Scheme – The option to contribute 4%, 6% or up to 10% which Citizen will match
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and generous leave policies
• Employee Development: Access to training programs and career development resources

Find out more here: Citizen | Benefits

Company Culture:

We will be an employer of choice and invest in our people

Our team is passionate about making a positive impact and driving innovation in Asset Management.

We will work together as one team and embrace our Citizen values.

Stay Connected: Follow us on Profile / X, Citizen | Facebook and Instagram - Citizen to stay updated on our latest news and opportunities.

Further information on our selection process and Equality and Diversity commitment can be found at www.citizenhousing.org.uk

Shortlisting: Screening calls will take place as and when applications are received

Interview date: Wednesday 2nd December 2026 (in person)

Please note we will be reviewing applications throughout the campaign and may invite candidates to interview at any time. We reserve the right to close this role earlier than the published closing date should a suitable candidate be identified.