Head of Housing and Development

The Kent Autistic Trust; Chatham; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kent Autistic Trust is seeking a forward-thinking Head of Housing & Development to provide strategic leadership for our housing and property functions. You will lead a portfolio ensuring safety, compliance, sustainability and effective management for the people we support, while guiding development and capital projects.

You will be the organisation’s principal housing adviser, working with the Senior Management Team and Trustees to shape strategy, manage risk and deliver high-quality

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 4 Chartered Institute of Housing qualification or equivalent.
• Significant professional housing management experience in charity, housing association, local authority or comparable organisation.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, tenancy management and landlord responsibilities; exempt accommodation and Housing Benefit requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee housing and property portfolio management and development.
• Lead capital projects from feasibility through procurement to completion.
• Ensure compliance, asset management, repairs and planned maintenance.
• Manage tenancy lifecycle including allocations, rent management and enforcement.
• Report to Senior Management Team and Trustees.

Skills

Project management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial planning

Communication

Empathy

Education

Level 4 CIO Housing qualification

Equivalent professional housing qualification

Building surveying/asset management qualification desirable

Job description

The Kent Autistic Trust are seeking a Head of Housing & Development

Salary: £42,000 to £48,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Location: Based in Gillingham, Kent - travel to sites/some homeworking

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Senior Management Team: Member

Make a lasting difference through safe, sustainable and high-quality housing

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Housing & Development to provide strategic leadership and professional oversight of our housing and property function.

This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong professional housing expertise with the ability to lead development projects, manage complex property matters and contribute to wider organisational strategy.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will act as the organisation’s principal housing adviser. You will help ensure that our accommodation portfolio is safe, compliant, sustainable and effectively managed to meet the needs of the people we support.

About the role

You will have overall responsibility for the effective management and development of our housing and property portfolio, including:

• Housing, tenancy and lease management
• Property compliance and statutory landlord responsibilities
• Asset management, repairs and planned maintenance
• Housing Benefit, Council Tax and exempt accommodation matters
• Property acquisition, development and disposal
• Major refurbishment and capital works
• Housing governance, risk management and strategic planning
• Contractor performance, procurement and value for money
• Reporting to the Senior Management Team and Trustees

You will identify opportunities to acquire, lease or develop additional housing and lead capital projects from feasibility and business-case development through to procurement and completion.

You will also provide professional oversight of the full tenancy lifecycle, including allocations, tenancy sustainment, rent management, enforcement, statutory notices and possession proceedings where required.

About you

You will be an experienced housing professional with the confidence and credibility to provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and Trustees.

You will bring:

• A minimum Level 4 Chartered Institute of Housing qualification, or an equivalent professional housing qualification
• Significant professional housing management experience gained within a charity, housing association, local authority or comparable organisation
• Detailed knowledge of housing legislation, tenancy management and landlord responsibilities
• A strong understanding of exempt accommodation, intensive housing management and Housing Benefit requirements
• Experience of property compliance, asset management and contractor management
• Experience of managing major repairs, refurbishment or capital development projects
• Experience of complex tenancy and possession mattersStrong financial, project management, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills
• The ability to translate legislation and regulation into effective operational practice
• A person-centred and empathetic approach when working in services supporting vulnerable residents

Experience of supported or specialist housing, property acquisition or development, or working with Registered Providers would be an advantage. A qualification or substantial professional experience in building surveying, construction, asset management or project management would also be desirable.

This is an opportunity to shape the future direction of our housing and property function, influence strategic decision-making and lead developments that make a meaningful difference to the lives of the people we support.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Senior Management Team, Trustees and external partners to strengthen our housing arrangements, manage risk and develop safe, sustainable accommodation for the future.

Closing Date: 16 October 2026.Our approach is to review adverts as they are submitted.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

The Kent Autistic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and right to work checks.