Head of Strategic Projects

Overview

This role is integral to the London Regional Team, working alongside the Assistant Director for London to facilitate large-scale regeneration efforts aimed at unlocking tens of thousands of homes in well-designed communities. The focus is on complex projects such as New Towns, partnering with local authorities, the Greater London Authority, central Government, and private sector entities. The remit extends beyond London to parts of the East of England including Oxford and Cambridge.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and drive the delivery of 10-15 major projects in London that collectively aim to deliver over 90,000 homes.
• Facilitate partnerships between public and private sectors to ensure the right mix of capital, land, and expertise forms each project’s foundation.
• Provide funding, expertise, and act as liaison with Central Government across projects such as the Docklands Light Railway extension, enabling around 25,000 new homes.
• Accelerate housing delivery while supporting regenerative economic growth through placemaking.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams to address complex issues, fostering collaboration and strategic solutions.
• Engage senior stakeholders effectively and provide clear, concise reports and briefing notes for internal and external audiences.
• Handle politically sensitive dynamics, coordinating stakeholders amidst uncertainties and advocating for the team and London's housing goals.

Candidate Profile & Skills

• Deep understanding of development delivery processes with ability to influence projects at different stages.
• Experience delivering complex regeneration projects and navigating related barriers in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and manage small teams inclusively, while also engaging directly in project details.
• Adept at assessing development appraisals, cash flows, and financial risks, with ability to source supporting market data; ability to build cash flow models from scratch is a plus.
• Knowledge of infrastructure economics and funding, including development finance and large-scale housing infrastructure funding.
• Proficiency in writing strategic reports for senior stakeholders, including government officials and internal decision boards.
• Understanding of government business case frameworks, including strategic rationale and value for money analysis, ideally with familiarity of the Green Book methodology.
• Highly resilient, able to manage senior stakeholder relationships, and comfortable with difficult conversations and critical feedback.
• A degree-level qualification or equivalent experience as a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), Town Planner (RTPI), urban regeneration specialist, or in development finance.

Additional Information

Homes England offers 33 annual leave days in addition to 8 statutory public holidays, flexible working opportunities such as part-time, job share, and compressed hours, health and wellbeing support including health screening and 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, as well as support for professional development including payment for one job-related membership annually. Family friendly benefits are also provided.

Successful candidate must pass disclosure, barring, and baseline personnel security checks. The role is open to UK nationals and certain other nationals with right to work in the UK. Homes England is committed to equal opportunity employment and promotes diversity and fair recruitment practices.