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Job Title
Head of Repairs and Estates
Organisation
Orwell Housing Association
Job Description
Head of Repairs and Estates

£64,542.00 per year
Car Allowance (subject to eligibility criteria)
37 hours per week; Permanent
Monday – Friday
Ipswich/ Hybrid
Ref: IP375

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for delivering high-quality Repairs and Estate Services that make a difference to our customers?

We’re looking for an experienced and customer-focused Head of Repairs and Estates to join our dedicated team ensuring our residents live in safe, well-maintained, thriving homes and communities.

At Orwell, people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to be a values‑driven organisation, and we’re looking for a Head of Repairs & Estates who shares our passion for delivering safe homes, exceptional services and stronger communities. If you’re a leader who inspires confidence, champions innovation and thrives on collaboration, this could be your next chapter.

Why Orwell?
Because at Orwell, your work genuinely matters. You’ll be part of a supportive, ambitious organisation that invests in its people, celebrates diversity and encourages new ideas.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape services that directly improve lives - and you’ll do it alongside colleagues who care as much as you do.

If you’re ready to lead with heart, drive meaningful change and help us build communities where people feel safe, valued and at home, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:
As part of this role, the Head of Repairs and Estate Services key responsibilities include…

  • Providing operational management and leadership for the repairs & maintenance and estates services teams, placing the needs of our customers at the heart of our activities ensuring a sector leading service.
  • Working alongside the Assistant Director of Property Services to formulate and implement strategies and policies, including responding to and effectively implementing any new legislation or government policy which is introduced.
  • Overseeing our Housing and Estate assets, ensuring they are managed efficiently and effectively, meeting all aspects of statutory and regulatory compliance.
  • Supporting our environmental and sustainability agenda and ensuring implementation of all property and estate related aspects of the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards.

    About you:

    We are looking for a leader with…

  • Significant experience in repairs, ideally within social housing
  • Strong technical knowledge of building safety, regulations and compliance
  • Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop teams
  • Confidence managing substantial budgets and making informed financial decisions
  • Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills
  • A collaborative, resilient and values‑driven approach

    Person Specification…

  • RICS qualification or qualified through experience is essential.
  • Membership of relevant professional body with a relevant professional qualification- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveys (RICS) or HND/HNC in Building or facilities management.
  • Leadership qualification or willingness to study through our Building Leaders Programme and/or gain a qualification.

    Please note a full driving licence is essential for this role.

    Why Join Orwell?
    As well as our inclusive culture and passion for our PACE values, we offer a broad range of benefits including:

  • 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
  • Company car allowance (subject to eligibility criteria)
  • Reward and recognition awards
  • Ongoing training and development & opportunities to progress in your role through the Orwell Academy
  • Wellbeing programme
  • Cashback Health plan
  • Access to Blue Light Card – membership fees apply.

    Closing dates for applications: 20 February 2026

    Interview Dates:

  • 1st Interviews – 26 February 2026
  • 2nd Interviews – 3 March 2026

    Before applying…

    Orwell is committed to safeguarding and safer employment and the principles of empowerment.

    Please notice Orwell Housing Association does not provide visa sponsorship. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply. You will be required to provide the relevant right to work documentation if successfully appointed to the role.

    This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.  All new arrivals to the UK must also provide a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC).

    The definition of new arrival is an applicant who has worked or been resident overseas in the previous five years and this includes citizens of the UK who have worked or lived overseas for a continuous period of six months or more.

    Apply with Confidence

    Orwell is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We believe in creating an accessible and supportive environment, where every team member can thrive and contribute.

    Join us in our commitment to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers all individuals to reach their full potential. We actively welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure equal access and opportunity for all.

    We know that diverse teams drive innovation and deliver better outcomes. Research shows that people from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet every requirement. If you’re excited about this opportunity but don’t meet every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply anyway. Your unique experiences, perspectives, skills and most importantly your alignment with our culture and values could be exactly what we’re looking for.

    We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to succeed.

    If there is anything that might prevent you from applying for one of our roles, we want to help remove that barrier. Please contact our Talent team by calling 01473 228782 or emailing work@orwell-housing.co.uk.

    Orwell Housing Association Limited collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.  Please see the Privacy Notice - https://www.orwell-housing.co.uk/about-us/privacy-policy/

    By applying to this job you agree you have read, understand and accept the content of the Privacy Notice – https://www.orwell-housing.co.uk/about-us/privacy-policy/consent to the processing of your data as part of this application.

    For additional recruitment documents, policies and career guidance, check our career hub - Career Hub | Orwell Housing

    For more info and to apply, visit our Careers site.

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