OX Place Job Role

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, and there’s real momentum to invest in high quality, affordable and energy efficient homes that meet the needs of this brilliant community.

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
Maud Hollis 07444 696659 | maud.hollis@tile-hill.co.uk

Employed by Oxford City Council.