Job Description
Chief Operating Officer Recruitment Pack Welcome to our organisation I am so pleased you are taking a closer look at this opportunity to join the leadership team at North and East Housing Association (NEHA). We have created this new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to bring some much-needed senior capacity to our organisation. As the very first postholder in this role, you will be highly influential in helping us shape strategy and deliver the high-quality homes and services that we remain hugely committed to. We are very much rooted in our community and have always taken a tenant-centred approach. It is one of our values and runs through all that we do. We anticipate that our new COO will also hold a strong belief that being tenant-centred is crucial when working within social housing. This approach keeps us grounded and ensures that what we do is having the right impact. This new leadership role is key to ensuring we take a joined approach. Therefore, our COO will bring together our thinking, planning, and delivery across our housing and property services. You will be leading a great team who will welcome your oversight on how we can be more efficient, agile, and adaptable without losing the essence of who we are. The operating environment is challenging, but at NEHA, we welcome the added scrutiny that goes with raising standards. We will value the skills and experience you bring to this role. Your creativity and insights will help us to review and reset as needed. You will be part of a small executive team taking collective responsibility to support the setting of our strategic direction and ensure we are well-positioned for that journey. Our legacy of thirty years is anchored in a commitment to ensure that our tenants live in homes and communities to be proud of. Our future is about considering both proven and innovative approaches that are in the interests of our tenants. I hope you will read on to find out more about this unique leadership opportunity to be a part of our future. Kind regards, Vincent Keenan | Chief Executive About NEHA NEHA exists to provide high-quality, secure, and affordable housing appropriate to the needs of families and individuals in the northern and eastern regions of Ireland. We support thriving communities through quality housing and continuing support for our tenants. As a values-based, not-for-profit organisation with social objectives, all our resources are reinvested in providing homes for those in need. We manage around 800 homes and have a strong pipeline of delivery. We provide housing management and tenant support services across twenty-six locations in eleven local authority jurisdictions. Primarily a general needs Approved Housing Body (AHB), NEHA also partners with other organisations to provide housing for people with specific needs. Our vision is to provide high-quality, secure, and affordable housing appropriate to the needs of families and individuals. This vision is underpinned by three core values: Role Profile Line Manager: Chief Executive Line Manages: Assets & Facilities Manager Tenant Services & Engagement Manager Role Purpose: Act as the strategic lead across tenant housing and property services. Collaborate across the organisation to ensure delivery of NEHAs vision, values, and strategic objectives. Contribute to the shaping and delivery of the Strategic Plan and be accountable for high-profile operational initiatives. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Input: Work with the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer to establish strategies for housing, repairs, tenant services, and asset management. Lead with innovation, having executive-level experience in driving strategic operations and cultural improvements. Advise on tenant service and engagement strategies using intelligence and professional knowledge. Maintain NEHAs recognition as a leader and partner. Leadership: Provide leadership in NEHAs growth programme, aligning with the governments housing strategies. Lead and support managers and staff in achieving business objectives. Drive change management and continuous service improvement. Lead teams to deliver on NEHAs strategic objectives. Delivery and Impact: Develop operational objectives for the Strategic Plan. Ensure strategies are delivered within financial parameters and regulatory frameworks. Enhance the customer experience through tenant services such as rent collection, repairs, and community engagement. Work towards energy and environmental sustainability in property and asset management. Collaborate with the Digital Services Manager to improve digital engagement. Compliance and Control: Provide leadership and oversight on risk management. Ensure compliance with regulatory and financial control requirements. Comply with key policies such as health and safety, equality and diversity, and data protection. Performance Management: Develop a strong performance culture focused on customer satisfaction. Support the Directorate Team in delivering NEHAs strategic objectives. Use customer feedback to influence strategy and delivery plans. External Relationships: Develop effective professional networks and partnerships to achieve business objectives. Manage relationships with regulators and external agencies, protecting NEHAs reputation. Influence sector debate on housing and property-related issues. Person Specification Qualifications, Experience, and Knowledge: Relevant professional accreditation (e.g., CiH or RICS). Significant senior operations experience in housing or property services. Understanding of the AHB regulatory and compliance framework. Financial acumen and budget monitoring experience. Proven track record in motivating teams to deliver strategic objectives. Experience in change management and service improvement. Customer service expertise. Experience advising at Board level. Skills and Abilities: Passionate about affordable housing and its impact on people and places. An effective leader, able to motivate and inspire teams. Strong judgment, communication, and interpersonal skills. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Risk-aware but not risk-averse. Ability to champion IT and technology improvements. Valuing tenant, community, and staff feedback. Personal Attributes: Passionate about service quality. Champions tenants rights. Leads with integrity, openness, and transparency. Collaborative style with a focus on positive relationships. Resilient, tenacious, and committed to learning and adaptability. Key Terms & Conditions Salary: €80,000 to €103,250 per annum, depending on experience. Location: Head office in Blanchardstown, D15. Hybrid working is possible after three months. However, visibility in this leadership role is essential. Probation and Notice Period: Probation: 6 months Notice period: 3 months Additional Benefits: CIH membership Free parking 25 days annual leave, plus company days Individual training and development programme Employee assistance programme PRSA pension scheme Enhanced maternity & paternity benefits Travel & subsistence allowance Death in service benefit How to Apply and Key Dates To apply for this role, please send CV and view the full recruitment pack on our website. Key Dates: Closes: Thursday, 17th October 2024, at 17:00 Queries: For questions or informal discussions, please contact our Executive Officer at NEHA via our website.