Head of Development

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is a housing association which owns and manages around 11,500 homes across Oldham and the surrounding areas. FCHO’s mission is to be a trusted provider of quality homes, deliver excellent landlord and support services, and create thriving and independent communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to join FCHO as their new Head of Development. Reporting to the Director of Development & Asset Strategy, the Head of Development will be responsible for the delivery of the development programme in accordance with the development strategy. This will include the management of a development team, the commissioning and management of professional support and delivery services and the setting and monitoring of financial and performance targets.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage the development team, ensuring alignment with company vision and strategic objectives.
• Spearhead new business development and maintain key stakeholder relationships with local authorities, Homes England, and private sector developers.
• Oversee preparation of funding bids, annual development budgets, and long-term capital expenditure forecasts.
• Identify and secure land supply to meet long-term development program requirements.
• Lead large-scale, mixed-tenure development schemes, ensuring successful marketing and sales strategies.
• Manage development projects from inception to completion, including consultant and contractor appointments.
• Ensure project viability, deliverability, and compliance with financial parameters and regulations.
• Maintain accurate project records and manage development risk registers.
• Lead all aspects of Homes England compliance, including reporting, audits, and grant management.
• Implement effective resident involvement strategies in development projects.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including CDM Regulations.
• Represent the organisation at meetings with statutory bodies and partner consortia.

FCHO is looking to appoint an experienced leader who has the following attributes:

• Degree or equivalent in Housing or Property-related field.
• Professional membership (e.g., RICS/CIOB) or construction-related degree.
• Proven track record in residential development and delivery.
• Significant experience in land acquisition and property development.
• Expertise in managing large, complex new build projects.
• Financial budgeting and monitoring experience.
• Proficiency in development appraisal software.
• Strong ability to identify and secure land and development opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder relationship management skills.
• Understanding of Asset Management and Development interdependence.
• Business acumen for generating new opportunities.
• Strong customer focus and consultation skills.

Eliot Jeffries

Senior Associate

eliotjeffries@neemarsearch.com

Tom Neely

Director

tomneely@neemarsearch.com