As our Planned Works Manager for Cyclical Decorations, you’ll take the lead in delivering a multi‑million‑pound decoration programme that directly shapes the quality, safety and long‑term condition of our homes. Managing a £2.5m annual budget, you’ll oversee both internal teams and external contractors to ensure high‑quality, compliant and cost‑effective decoration works that enhance the appearance and value of our housing stock.

This is a strategic and operational leadership role where you’ll align decoration programmes with our wider asset investment strategy, drive performance across key indicators, and champion a culture of continuous improvement. Working closely with colleagues across Property Services, Asset Management, Neighbourhoods and Customer Services, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering an outstanding resident experience and ensuring our homes remain safe, well‑maintained and places people are proud to live in.

Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?

At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 27,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.

Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve

If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our Planned Programmes team and lead the delivery of our cyclical decorations programme. You’ll manage a team of directly employed technicians, a Senior Lead Technician and a network of subcontractors and suppliers to deliver high‑quality internal and external decoration works across our housing portfolio.

You’ll be responsible for planning multi‑year programmes, coordinating with asset managers, ensuring compliance with legislation and driving performance across quality, safety, resident satisfaction and financial control. This role is central to maintaining the long‑term value of our homes and ensuring residents receive a consistently excellent service.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver multi‑year cyclical decoration programme plans

• Coordinate with asset managers to identify properties requiring decoration

• Align decoration works with other planned maintenance activities

• Lead, support and develop technicians, supervisors and contractors

• Recruit and manage a high‑performing team

• Provide training and ensure compliance with policies and procedures

• Monitor programme progress, budgets and contractor performance

• Identify trends, risks and opportunities for innovation

• Produce performance reports and support strategic planning

• Build strong relationships with suppliers and contractors

• Ensure compliance with SLAs, budgets and quality standards

• Promote safe working practices and ensure statutory compliance

• Maintain accurate records for governance and audit purposes

• Lead resident consultation and engagement activities

• Communicate programme timelines and respond to resident feedback

• Use asset management and project tracking systems effectively

• Support digital transformation within the Property Directorate

• Represent the directorate at internal and external meetings

• Contribute to policy development, business planning and corporate working groups

What We’re Looking For

Must haves:

• Proven experience managing directly employed labour and subcontractors

• Strong technical knowledge of decoration works (internal/external painting, surface prep, finishing, minor repairs, working at height)

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong IT skills, including Word and Excel

• Analytical skills with the ability to produce clear performance reports

• Ability to lead, motivate and supervise teams

• Commercial awareness and budget management experience

• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise under pressure

• Innovative approach to service delivery and problem‑solving

• Commitment to excellent customer service and resident engagement

• Sound awareness of health & safety legislation

Nice to haves:

• Professional qualification (e.g., CIOB or equivalent)

• Experience in the social housing sector

• Knowledge of building safety, environmental legislation and hazard identification

• CITB‑standard health & safety training

• NEBOSH General or Environmental Certificate

For added brilliance:

• A collaborative, proactive leadership style

• Ability to drive continuous improvement and value for money

• Confidence representing the service at senior and external forums

Benefits

At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• Annual salary: £52,028 per annum

• 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options

• Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice

• Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

• Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)

• Life cover and income protection

• Flexible working – modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:

• 30+ qualified Mental Health First Aiders

• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues)

• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships

• 3 paid volunteering days

• Peer‑recognition rewards platform

• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Working Hours

• Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday

  • Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:30

  • Friday: 09:00 – 17:00

• This role will require travel across our property portfolio, due to this the successful applicant MUST have a full driving licence and access to a car for buisness-usuage.

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: 22/01/2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.