Strategic Director Housing and Communities

The New Forest stands at a defining moment in its journey. As one of England’s most distinctive districts, it combines the beauty of ancient woodland and coastline with proud, close-knit communities and a deep sense of place. It is a district where natural heritage and modern ambition meet, where protecting what makes this area special goes hand in hand with creating vibrant, sustainable, and connected communities.

For New Forest District Council, this is a period of transformation and opportunity. Local Government Reorganisation offers a once-in-a-generation chance to help shape the next chapter of local leadership, reimagining how services are delivered, how communities are supported, and how local identity thrives. We are a council that is ambitious, adaptable, and deeply rooted in partnership working. Our housing and community services sit at the heart of that ambition.

This is a unique leadership opportunity for a strategic yet hands-on leader, someone who can bring clarity, confidence, and connection across a complex portfolio. As Strategic Director of Housing and Communities, you will play a central role in leading a wide-reaching agenda that spans housing, community development, and transformation. You will be central to preparing for and navigating the Housing Regulator’s inspection, ensuring our services are not only compliant but exemplary. You will deliver a transformation programme that modernises systems, strengthens digital delivery, and embeds our new LEAF values across the organisation. You will build meaningful relationships with 37 town and parish councils, strengthening our community fabric and ensuring local voices remain central through change. Above all, you will balance ambition with realism, driving improvement while protecting our people, finances, and services through a period of transition.

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with practical delivery. You will understand the dynamics of housing and community services, whether from within the sector or from a related field, and bring the judgement, communication skills, and political acumen to work confidently with members, partners, and residents. You will be visible, supportive, and demanding in equal measure, a mentor and enabler who knows when to guide and when to be hands-on. This is a council where senior leaders are close to the action, one day strategic, the next operational, and that adaptability will be key to your success.

You will join a high-performing, open, and collaborative leadership team that values honesty, learning, and pace. Our Chief Executive and elected members share a strong sense of purpose and trust, fostering a culture where transparency and shared ambition define how we work.

This is a role for someone ready to step up, to shape services, influence the future structure of local government, and leave a legacy that is both lasting and visible across the district.

If you are excited by transformation, motivated by community impact, and ready to help define the New Forest’s next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

• Closing date: 5th December 2025
• Preliminary interviews: w/c 15th December 2025
• Final interview: 12th January 2026

To apply: 

To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact rebecca.keen@tile-hill.co.uk.

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.