Senior Development & Sustainability Lead - 4 Day Week

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

CARE pension

25 days annual leave

13 public holidays

Job summary

Melville Housing in Dalkeith, Midlothian, is recruiting a Senior Development Officer to lead new homes delivery, regeneration projects and sustainability initiatives. You’ll oversee the strategic development pipeline, manage relationships with local authorities, government bodies, developers and landowners, and ensure projects are viable and compliant.

This role requires hands-on project oversight and end-to-end delivery, monitoring progress, budgets and grants.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation’s strategic development pipeline, including social rent, mid‑market rent (MMR), SHIP and early‑stage opportunities. Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, the Scottish Government, developers, consultants, and landowners. Support feasibility work, viability assessments, and investment decision‑making, and represent the organisation in key strategic forums.
• Oversee all pre‑contract activity from feasibility through to contract award, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and internal policies. Manage consultant and contractor appointments, lead early engagement with stakeholders, and ensure completed projects meet Secure by Design and Housing for Varying Needs standards.
• Providing end‑to‑end oversight of live development projects, you will ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to high quality standards. You will monitor performance, milestones, and expenditure, maintaining robust financial control and cross‑departmental coordination.
• You will lead on funding applications, grant submissions, and drawdowns, ensuring full compliance with AHSP requirements, grant conditions, and audit processes. A working knowledge of the Scottish Government HARP system is essential. You will also contribute to statutory reporting and community benefit delivery.
• You will lead the organisation’s sustainability and investment programmes, including planned maintenance, retrofit, and decarbonisation initiatives. Ensure compliance with SHQS, EESSH, and building standards, while driving progress towards net zero ambitions. Oversee contractor performance, technical specifications, value‑for‑money analysis, and asset data reporting.

Job description

Melville Housing in Dalkeith, Midlothian, is recruiting a Senior Development Officer to lead new homes delivery, regeneration projects and sustainability initiatives. You’ll oversee the strategic development pipeline, manage relationships with local authorities, government bodies, developers and landowners, and ensure projects are viable and compliant.

This role requires hands-on project oversight and end-to-end delivery, monitoring progress, budgets and grants.