Jobs for the Housing and Homelessness sector in st albans

East End Homes is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Senior Finance Business Partner.

East End Homes is a leading housing provider dedicated to building sustainable communities through high-quality homes, exceptional services, and operational excellence. Every member of the team shares a common mission: to improve lives through quality housing and outstanding support. Their strategic vision focuses on developing sustainable communities, increasing operational efficiency, and fostering innovation and community engagement.

They are now seeking an experienced Senior Finance Business Partner to take full accountability for delivering strategic financial insights and support across the organisation. This pivotal leadership role will enable the Financial Controller to focus on broader strategic priorities, while ensuring robust financial management, insightful analysis, and effective governance throughout the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partnering with budget holders across the organisation to develop budgets, forecasts, and reports that inform strategic decision-making.
• Enhancing the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of financial data to create a more forward-looking, insight-driven finance function.
• Lead on the production of end-to-end management accounting.
• Leading ongoing improvements in financial systems, processes, and reporting to drive efficiencies and foster better collaboration.
• Providing financial leadership during key projects, including refining forecasting accuracy and streamlining year-end procedures.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to the senior leadership team, clearly communicating financial risks, opportunities, and insights.

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate:

• Proven experience working directly with budget holders and engaging senior stakeholders.
• Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning & analysis
• The ability to manage and develop a finance team, with a focus on process improvements.
• Experience in the social housing sector
• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• A collaborative, proactive approach with the resilience to work effectively under pressure.

The role offers a generous 33 days on annual leave, highly competitive pension and a flexible hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days per week at the head office located at 3 Resolution Plaza, London E1 6PS.

The closing date for applications is 7th December, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - early submission is highly recommended.

Please submit your CV to Robertson Bell, East End Homes’ exclusive recruitment partner.

Our Young People’s Supported Housing Service is funded by Southwark Council to provide supported accommodation to care experienced young people (with the status as looked after children or care leavers), and/or young people at risk of homelessness within the North of the Borough:

• A 24-7 staffed 16 bed Ofsted registered supported housing project for young women aged 16-21.
• 40 bedspaces of accommodation across 10 properties, for young people aged 18-21 with visiting support.

Our properties are places of safety, Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE), from which we work with children and young people using person-led, holistic, trauma-informed and solution-focused approaches. We aim to provide accommodation and support that helps children and young people find self-worth and the belief that they deserve a better future, supporting them in safe, positive transitions including, where relevant, from care into more independent accommodation, and from childhood to adulthood; providing holistic support to gain essential life skills, achieve health outcomes, to realise and achieve their aspirations, and reach their full potential.

To join us you will need to demonstrate experience and understanding of the needs of children and young people, especially those leaving the care system and experiencing homelessness, including related issues of mental ill-health, trauma, abuse, alcohol and substance use and offending. You will have excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to build effective professional relationships of trust with young people and professionals, and de-escalate potential situations of conflict. You will be able to provide holistic support to young people, including co-producing support and safety plans, and engaging in multi-disciplinary approaches. You will be able to lone work effectively, use your initiative and work flexibly in a demanding environment, including while on site overnight in our Ofsted registered service.

In return, you will benefit from a supportive, creative environment and have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. We are a growing charity, and we believe staff are the foundation stone to the success of the charity and so we do everything we can to make sure they feel valued, supported, engaged and developed. 

Oasis Community Housing is a Christian response to homelessness and disadvantage, providing housing, support and other specialised services. Our vision is for everyone to be part of a community where they are included, belong and have what they need to reach their God-given potential. As part of our strategy for growth and development, we are embarking on an ambitious journey to develop our culture of co-production. We want to share power and responsibility with those accessing our services in meaningful, safe and accessible ways, and to create an environment where everyone can contribute.

Purpose

We are looking for a proactive and organised individual ensuring that all of Ella’s premises,  including the office, community hub, and safe houses,  are safe, compliant, well-maintained, and a welcoming environment for staff and service users. This role combines practical facilities work with proactive oversight of supplier management and property maintenance systems.

You will play a key role in maintaining the smooth daily running of our operations, managing contractors and compliance records, and supporting Ella's growth and improvement in facilities management.

Facilities management

• Oversee the maintenance and smooth operation of Ella’s office, community hub, and supported accommodation.

• Manage supplier and contractor relationships, including procurement, tendering, and ongoing performance monitoring.

• Coordinate and oversee maintenance, repairs, and refurbishments across all properties, ensuring work is completed safely and to a high standard.

• Maintain clear records of repairs, inspections, and contracts in the central facilities log.

• Ensure the office and community hub are fully equipped, stocked, and operational, maintaining an organised and professional environment.

• Ensure accurate stock records are maintained and inventories are completed across all sites.

Property inspections and maintenance

• Conduct regular inspections of all Ella’s properties to identify and address maintenance and safety issues.

• Manage the safehouse repairs and maintenance log, ensuring timely responses and communication with caseworkers and residents.

• Carry out minor maintenance and repairs directly where appropriate (e.g. light bulbs, fixtures, storage organisation).

• Liaise with landlords and external providers on significant property issues, ensuring clear communication and accountability.
   

Health, safety, and compliance

• Act as the main point of contact for health and safety matters in the Operations Manager’s absence. 

• Ensure that all properties comply with statutory safety and maintenance requirements, including fire safety, gas, and electrical checks.

• Support in maintaining and updating compliance documentation, certificates, and maintenance schedules.

• Conduct regular health and safety audits and risk assessments, escalating issues to the Operations Manager as needed.

• Lead or support fire drills, first aid provision, and emergency preparedness planning.
   

Systems and administration

• Develop and maintain efficient systems for facilities management, including logs, checklists, and compliance trackers.

• Support the Operations Manager in reviewing policies and procedures related to facilities, health and safety, and risk management.

• Coordinate staff communications about ongoing facilities work or planned maintenance.

• Oversee inventory management, purchasing, and deliveries for office and property supplies.
   

Team and organisational support

• Contribute to creating a trauma-informed, safe, and welcoming environment across all Ella’s spaces.

• Support the smooth running of events or community activities at the hub, ensuring facilities are ready and accessible.

• Build strong working relationships with staff, residents, and suppliers to ensure responsive and effective facilities support.

Person specification

Essential

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

• Keen eye for detail 

• Ability to put effective processes and procedures in place 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and work independently.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Basic understanding of health and safety requirements.

• Comfortable liaising with contractors and overseeing on-site work.

• Willingness to travel locally between Ella’s office and safe homes.

• A proactive and practical approach to problem-solving.

Desirable

• Experience in facilities or property management.

• Experience working with suppliers and contractors. 

• Familiarity with trauma-informed environments or working in the charity sector.

• Basic maintenance skills (e.g., DIY tasks).

More about Ella’s 

Ella’s is a London-based organisation working with women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. Our mission is to do everything we can to ensure survivors have all they need to recover and build lives that are safe and free. 

Here is a summary of our main activities:

• We run six safe houses. This supported accommodation is crucial for survivors, until they are ready and able to live independently. 

• We provide regular support for women and families in neighbourhoods across London, and many more further afield when they need us. 

• We speak out on issues affecting the women we work with. We care deeply about survivors of trafficking and exploitation and want to see a world where these crimes are not tolerated. 

Ella’s is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, as we believe having a diverse team adds value and positively impacts our service. We actively encourage applicants from BAME backgrounds, LGBTQ+ applicants and those with disabilities. We are committed to equality and diversity within our organisation.

Ella’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.