Let’s build a better Oxford
We’re hiring a Head of Development

We want everyone in Oxford to live in a home they’re proud of, whether that’s through renting, ownership or shared ownership. For us, that starts with genuinely affordable housing that’s built to last – and we need a brilliant Head of Development to help take this forward.

This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to shape Oxford’s housing provision, and make a real difference to the people living and working in one of the UK’s most loved and celebrated cities. As our new Head of Development, you’ll take charge of delivering existing programmes on-budget and on-time. In the current climate of inflation, cost-of-living and austerity measures, this is no mean feat – so we’re looking for someone with boundless ambition, passion and energy who can take this in their stride. You’ll also have the opportunity to identify and develop new home building programmes, showing vision and leadership as you usher in the next generation of affordable housing schemes. And you’ll shape a team of dynamic and dedicated individuals from early careers to management level, getting the best out of them through thoughtful guidance, direction and mentorship.

As well as grasping the day-to-day needs of the job, our new Head of Development must be politically savvy and commercially astute – navigating complex but productive relationships with Oxford City Council’s planning department, housing enabling team and regeneration team, as well as local and national leaders from across the housing sector. You’ll need a real understanding of our commercial needs. Our shareholder Oxford City Council requires us to deliver affordable homes while also providing a return to the council – we need to demonstrate that our approach not only offers value for the environment and the community, it offers real value for money.

You’ll have a wealth of experience and expertise delivering complex, large-scale projects that benefit local communities. We’re open to candidates from different sectors but one thing’s for certain: you care deeply about tackling Oxford’s housing crisis and building homes that are fit for the future. With plans to achieve net-zero by 2030, we take environmental sustainability seriously – and Oxford City Council is a leading local authority in this area. OX Place is building more than 2,500 low carbon homes across Oxfordshire over the next ten years, so you’ll have excellent environmental credentials, alongside a real understanding of design and quality. To balance these complementary but at times, competing, demands, we’re looking for someone who loves an intellectual challenge – and is ready to explore creative solutions to progress the development agenda in Oxford.

It’s a hugely exciting time to join us. With support from the government, Oxford is driving sustainable, economic growth in the region with innovative infrastructure projects such as the Oxford-Cambridge Arc – and there’s real momentum to invest in high-quality, affordable and energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of this brilliant community.

To find out more visit: https://oxplace.co.uk/about-us/ox-place-job-roles/head-of-development/ or to arrange a confidential discussion with our recruitment partner, Tile Hill, please get in touch with:

Clare Connor on 0161 4080703 | clare.connor@tile-hill.co.uk or
Maud Hollis 07444 696659 | maud.hollis@tile-hill.co.uk.

Closing Date: Midnight Thursday 23rd November

To apply:

To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (four sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact Ella.vanderhook@tile-hill.co.uk

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your current salary and notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

Timeline:

• Longlist Meeting – Friday 1st December 2023 (no candidate involvement)
• Technical Interviews – Tuesday 5th December 2023 (virtual)
• Shortlist Meeting – Friday 8th December 2023 (no candidate involvement)
• Final Interviews – Friday 15th December 2023 (in person)

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.