Housing Growth and Affordable Housing Manager

Shape the Future of Housing in Wakefield District

Are you ready to lead transformative housing projects that will make a lasting difference to communities across Wakefield District?

Wakefield Council is seeking an ambitious and inspirational Housing Growth & Affordable Housing Manager to drive the delivery of new homes, unlock investment opportunities and help create thriving, sustainable communities. This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering the Council's housing ambitions and ensuring more residents can access high-quality, affordable homes.

Reporting to the Service Manager - Strategic Housing & Regeneration, you will be at the forefront of housing growth, leading innovative projects and working with influential partners to secure investment, accelerate delivery and shape the future of housing across the district.

Working alongside organisations such as Homes England, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Registered Providers, developers, investors and landowners, you will help turn ambitious plans into reality while ensuring the Council remains responsive to emerging housing needs, policy changes and legislative reform.

What You'll Be Leading

As Housing Growth & Affordable Housing Manager, you will:

• Lead and inspire the Housing Growth & Affordable Housing Team, creating a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration.
• Drive the delivery of housing growth and affordable housing programmes that make a tangible difference to residents and communities.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, managing significant investment programmes and grant-funded projects.
• Build influential partnerships with developers, Registered Providers, investors, landowners and key stakeholders to unlock housing opportunities.
• Commission and oversee consultants, contractors and development partners to ensure successful project delivery.
• Manage significant capital and revenue budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest standards.
• Act as the Council's expert lead on housing growth and affordable housing, providing strategic advice to senior leaders, elected members and partners.
• Maintain oversight of emerging housing legislation, regulatory changes, Government policy and funding programmes, ensuring the Council remains well positioned to respond to reform and maximise opportunities for investment and growth.
• Lead, contribute to and inform the development, implementation and review of the Council's housing-related strategies, policies and action plans, ensuring they reflect local housing needs, support corporate priorities and promote sustainable communities.
• Provide strategic housing intelligence and evidence to support business cases, funding bids, investment decisions and policy development.
• Represent the Council at local, regional and national forums, influencing housing policy and developing partnerships that support delivery of the Council's housing ambitions.

About You

We're looking for a dynamic and highly motivated housing professional who can bring vision, leadership and expertise to this important role.

You'll be able to demonstrate:

• A strong track record in affordable housing delivery, housing growth programmes, housing development or regeneration projects.
• Experience of working collaboratively with Registered Providers, developers, Homes England and other strategic partners.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify and maximise development opportunities.
• The confidence to influence at senior levels and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• A strong understanding of housing policy, affordable housing funding programmes, housing legislation, planning and emerging sector reforms.
• Experience of leading or contributing to the development of housing strategies, policy frameworks or investment plans.
• Strong programme and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex and competing priorities.
• A passion for creating places where people and communities can thrive.

Why Join Wakefield Council?

This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to shape the future of housing across one of the region's most ambitious districts and leave a lasting legacy for local communities.

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.

Name: Rachael Allington

Tel: 07350371994

E-mail: rallington@wakefield.gov.uk

Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!

Safeguarding

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

Probation

In accordance with the Council Probation Procedure, this post is subject to a 6-month Probationary Period.

Fluency Duty

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), public facing roles will be subject to the Fluency Duty.

Diversity

Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.

Why Wakefield

To find out more about the benefits of working at Wakefield Council, click here.