Job Description
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to shape the future of housing in Gateshead, delivering new homes, leading regeneration, and driving development that meets the needs of our communities?
If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match.
These roles form part of a wider organisational redesign to ensure the Council is structured to deliver high-quality, efficient and sustainable services for the people of Gateshead. This supports our commitment to modernising how we operate, strengthening accountability and putting residents at the heart of everything we do, ensuring everyone in our borough can thrive.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council, you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises the skills you bring, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work/life balance. With flexible and hybrid working available alongside an excellent range of employee benefits, we’re confident it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Supporting services that make a difference to our communities
Our Housing Development service plays a critical role in ensuring Gateshead has the right homes to meet current and future needs. From delivering affordable housing and specialist accommodation to driving regeneration and securing investment, our work helps shape thriving, inclusive communities.
As Service Manager for Housing Development, you will lead the delivery of our housing development strategy, oversee newbuild programmes, maximise the use of existing housing stock, secure funding, and collaborate with a wide range of partners to deliver high‑quality homes across the borough.
What you will get to do
In this senior leadership role, you will:
- Lead the delivery, monitoring and continuous review of the Council’s Housing Development Strategy and delivery plan, ensuring programmes, targets and outcomes are achieved.
- Identify risks and issues within development programmes and drive timely resolution or mitigation to maintain delivery momentum.
- Lead or support the development and delivery of key housing and regeneration strategies and plans, including the Local Plan, Housing Strategy, Specialist and Supported Housing Strategy and Regeneration Strategy.
- Plan, commission and deliver affordable housing programmes, including HRA‑funded, Section 106, Registered Provider and partnership‑led developments.
- Lead the planning, commissioning and delivery of specialist and supported housing, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and compliance with wider requirements.
- Identify and secure external funding from sources such as Homes England, NECA and central government, ensuring funding conditions and business case requirements are met.
- Support the development of Council capital funding proposals and contribute to the Medium‑Term Financial Strategy and corporate capital programme.
- Undertake research and analysis to maintain a robust understanding of housing need, demand, market conditions and development viability across Gateshead.
- Lead or support housing development programmes, projects and housing‑led regeneration initiatives from concept through to delivery.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, Registered Providers, specialist providers, funders, government bodies and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure effective consultation and communication on housing development proposals, programmes and delivery plans.
What you will bring
We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of housing development, including development finance, viability, risk management, external funding and regulatory standards.
- Experience working in a regulated housing environment, delivering housing development, regeneration or related strategic programmes.
- Proven ability to build and manage effective partnerships with developers, Registered Providers, funders, government bodies and internal teams.
- Strong leadership capability, with experience driving performance, improving services and supporting team development.
- Strong financial awareness, including capital and revenue budget management, cost control and securing external funding.
- An approved Level 4 housing management qualification (e.g. CIH Level 4 Diploma in Housing) or willingness to achieve this within the Competence and Conduct Standard transition period.
- A degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.