Director of Development

The Calico Group is seeking an experienced, values-led development leader to join the organisation as Director of Development.

Based in Burnley, Calico brings together housing, construction, support, care, health and wellbeing, skills and employment services. Calico Homes provides around 5,000 homes in Lancashire, and the Group’s purpose is to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Reporting to the Group Deputy Chief Executive, this role offers the opportunity to lead an established development function and shape a sustainable programme of new affordable homes. Calico’s programme is focused, so the quality of each investment decision matters. The successful candidate will balance local housing need, customer insight and social impact with financial viability, risk and long-term sustainability.

About the Role

As Director of Development, you will lead the Group’s development strategy and oversee opportunities from initial appraisal and acquisition through to funding, planning, construction and handover. You will build a viable pipeline of high-quality homes that responds to the needs of customers and local communities, including opportunities for general needs, supported and specialist housing.

You will work closely with Calico Homes, the Group’s construction and maintenance business Ring Stones, Syncora and colleagues across the wider Group. You will also build relationships with Homes England, local authorities, funders and delivery partners, providing clear advice and assurance to Executive Teams, Boards and Committees.

The role calls for a leader who can set direction while remaining close to delivery, supporting the Development Team and making sound decisions about the opportunities Calico should pursue.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and lead the Group Development Strategy, maintaining a viable pipeline aligned with local housing need, organisational priorities and financial plans.
• Lead the appraisal, acquisition, funding, planning and delivery of new affordable homes, ensuring schemes are completed safely, within approved budgets and to agreed quality standards.
• Assess investment opportunities using robust financial modelling, customer insight and evidence of local need, while considering risk, sustainability and long-term asset performance.
• Maximise grant funding and other appropriate external investment, maintaining strong relationships with Homes England and other funding partners.
• Provide clear advice on development priorities, business cases, programme performance and risk to Executive Teams, Boards and Committees.
• Work across Calico Homes, Ring Stones, Syncora and the wider Group to identify opportunities that support customers and create wider community benefits, including employment, skills and social value.
• Build trusted relationships with local authorities, developers, contractors, consultants and other strategic partners.
• Lead and develop the Development Team, building an inclusive, collaborative and accountable culture.

About You

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in affordable housing development, construction, property or a related sector.
• A strong track record of identifying, appraising and delivering housing opportunities from concept through to completion.
• Experience of development appraisal, financial planning, investment decision-making and securing external funding.
• Strong knowledge of affordable housing development, including land acquisition, planning and delivery.
• Experience advising Executive Teams and Boards and working within robust governance and risk management arrangements.
• The ability to build effective relationships with funders, local authorities, delivery partners and colleagues across a Group.
• Sound commercial judgement and the ability to balance development ambition with customer need, social purpose and long-term financial strength.

A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline is essential. The role profile also requires a Level 5 housing-related qualification, or a willingness to work towards one within an agreed timeframe.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

The Calico Group welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The Calico Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people. Candidates will need to demonstrate that their values and behaviours align with Calico’s throughout the recruitment process.

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