Head of Strategy

Paradigm Housing Group; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent housing organization in High Wycombe is seeking a strategic planning expert to manage the Corporate Plan and ensure alignment with service design. Key responsibilities include engaging stakeholders, preparing reports for the Board, and enhancing ESG reporting. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in strategic planning and excellent analytical and communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary of £65,432 with a hybrid working environment, allowing flexibility between office and remote work.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus Christmas closure

Generous pension scheme

Health cash plan

Family-friendly leave

Qualifications

• Significant experience in strategic planning and corporate performance management.
• Proven experience coordinating annual business planning and quarterly reviews.
• Strong understanding of corporate planning frameworks, governance and KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Manage the strategic framework, including the Corporate Plan and associated strategies.
• Support the Director of Strategy & Policy in shaping and reviewing the Corporate Plan.
• Engage colleagues, residents and stakeholders through inclusive consultation.

Skills

Strategic planning

Corporate performance management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management skills

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent experience

Job description

Location

High Wycombe & Letchworth / Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office, 3 days from home) Salary: £65,432 per annum.

Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?

At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 27,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.

Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve.

If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the strategic framework, including the Corporate Plan and associated strategies
• Support the Director of Strategy & Policy in shaping and reviewing the Corporate Plan
• Engage colleagues, residents and stakeholders through inclusive consultation
• Ensure alignment between strategic objectives, service design and the change roadmap
• Maintain the three‑year roadmap with the PMO, distinguishing “run the business” vs “change the business” activity
• Prepare high‑quality reports for the Board, Committees and Executive team
• Draft and coordinate the annual ESG report, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Strengthen ESG reporting frameworks and embed ESG into wider strategy updates
• Conduct research into best practice, sector trends and emerging risks
• Provide actionable insights to inform strategic and operational decisions
• Act as a critical friend to senior leaders, supporting translation of strategy into delivery
• Align strategy with KPIs, performance frameworks and financial planning
• Support development of tools and frameworks that embed strategic thinking across the organisation

What We’re Looking For

Must haves:

• Significant experience in strategic planning and corporate performance management
• Proven experience coordinating annual business planning and quarterly reviews
• Strong understanding of corporate planning frameworks, governance and KPIs
• Knowledge of ESG reporting requirements and sustainable finance principles
• Excellent analytical and research skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong facilitation and engagement skills
• Ability to distinguish and plan “run the business” vs “change the business” activity
• High‑level organisational and project management skills
• Degree‑level education or equivalent experience

Nice to haves:

• Experience integrating ESG reporting
• Experience working with PMO and Finance teams
• Understanding of social housing sector context and regulatory environment
• Ability to design and embed strategic frameworks and tools
• Advanced data interpretation and performance analysis skills
• Strategic or service design‑related certification

For added brilliance:

• A collaborative, confident communicator who can challenge constructively
• Passion for improving services and outcomes for residents
• Ability to turn complex information into clear, actionable insight
• Curiosity, creativity and a commitment to continuous improvement

Benefits

At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• Annual salary: £65,432 per annum
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
• Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
• Family‑friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
• Life cover and income protection
• Hybrid working – modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning:

• 30+ qualified Mental Health First Aiders
• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues)
• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
• 3 paid volunteering days
• Peer‑recognition rewards platform
• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Working Hours

• Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
• 09:00 - 17:30 Monday - Thursday, 09:00 - 17:00 on Friday's
• Hybrid working: 2 days per week in the office (with travel to our High Wycombe & Letchworth offices), 3 days from home
• Occasional travel across our operating area

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: Monday, 19th January 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.