Head of Asset Management and Investment

HEAD OF ASSET MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT - SOCIAL HOUSING

Manchester City Council
Location: Blackley, Manchester
Rate: £450-£500 per day, Inside IR35
Contract: 6 Months
Working pattern: Hybrid, with 2-3 days per week on-site

ABOUT THE ROLE

Manchester City Council is seeking an experienced Head of Asset Management and Investment to lead the strategic management of its £1 billion council housing portfolio.

Reporting to the Strategic Lead for Repairs and Assets, you will lead the Council's housing asset and investment strategy. You will use stock-condition data, regulatory requirements and resident priorities to shape long-term investment plans and improve asset performance.

The portfolio also includes approximately 2,500 homes operating under a PFI arrangement. This position requires a senior social housing asset leader who can work effectively with elected members, residents, contractors, senior leaders and partner organisations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Council's housing asset and investment strategy.
• Develop long-term investment plans supporting the 30-year HRA business plan.
• Oversee major capital and planned-investment programmes.
• Ensure stock-condition data is accurate and supports investment decisions.
• Manage budgets, risks, governance and contractor performance.
• Improve compliance with Decent Homes, building safety and housing regulations.
• Lead energy-efficiency, retrofit and decarbonisation programmes.
• Support the management of 2,500 homes operating under a PFI arrangement.
• Monitor asset performance, value for money and resident outcomes.
• Present recommendations to senior leaders, elected members and boards.
• Engage residents regarding investment priorities and major works.
• Lead and influence technical and multidisciplinary teams.

ABOUT YOU

You will have significant senior-level asset management or housing investment experience within a local authority, housing association, registered provider or ALMO.

You should have operated at Head of Service, Assistant Director, Director or a similar level, with responsibility for a large housing portfolio and substantial capital programmes.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

• Senior social housing asset management or investment leadership.
• Developing and delivering asset management strategies.
• Managing significant capital or planned-maintenance programmes.
• Using stock-condition data to develop investment plans.
• HRA business planning or similar housing financial planning.
• Knowledge of Decent Homes, building safety and housing regulation.
• Experience of retrofit, energy efficiency or decarbonisation.
• Strong budget, risk and contractor-management experience.
• Leading teams and engaging senior or political stakeholders.
• Availability to work on-site in Greater Manchester 2-3 days per week.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Experience of 30-year HRA investment planning.
• Knowledge of housing PFI or complex contracts.
• Leadership of whole-stock condition surveys.
• Experience presenting to Cabinet, committees or boards.
• RICS, CIOB, CIH or another relevant professional qualification.

The assignment runs until March 2027, with potential for extension. Applicants should clearly state the size of the portfolios, budgets, programmes and teams they have managed.