Head of Housing & Development

Kent Autistic Trust; Brompton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kent Autistic Trust is seeking a seasoned Head of Housing & Development to provide strategic leadership for our housing and property function. You will lead capital projects from feasibility to completion and ensure safe, compliant, sustainable accommodation aligns with our mission.

You will report to the Chief Executive Officer and work with the Senior Management Team and Trustees to strengthen housing arrangements and manage risk for the people we support.

Qualifications

• Level 4 CIH qualification or equivalent professional housing qualification.
• Extensive housing management experience in charities or housing bodies.
• Strong knowledge of housing legislation and exempt accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee housing, tenancy and lease management.
• Ensure property compliance and statutory landlord responsibilities.
• Oversee asset management, repairs and planned maintenance.
• Manage Housing Benefit, Council Tax and exempt accommodation matters.
• Lead property acquisition, development, and disposal; major refurbishment and capital works.
• Manage risk, procurement, and reporting to SMT and Trustees.
• Oversee the full tenancy lifecycle including allocations, rent management and possession matters where required.

Skills

Financial management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Risk management

Education

Level 4 Chartered Institute of Housing qualification

Job description

Location: Hybrid working, combining office and home working

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 organisations 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
• 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 life cycle, 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 matters
• Strong 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: Friday 16th 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.

About the Trust:

Supporting over 80 people in Medway and across Kent, The Kent Autistic Trust provides a wide range of services designed to meet diverse needs of autistic

KAT is committed to providing high quality supports designed around individual abilities, needs and choices.

KAT is committed to promoting independence and inclusion within communities.

KAT believes everyone is able to make their own individual contribution.

KAT seeks to work in partnership with all relevant parties but in particular with the individual themselves.

Please find attached a copy of our Privacy Notice. Or a copy can be found on our website.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found or experiencing a high volume of applications.