Executive Director (Commercial)

Recruitment Pack

July 2021

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (COMMERCIAL) • circa £70k, 12-month contract• Flexible location

The Northern Housing Consortium is an active and influential voice that advocates on behalf of our members to influence housing policy that works for the North. By acting collectively we can have a greater impact, and this is particularly evident in our Consortium Procurement, that enables members to buy goods and services in a highly cost effective way, achieving economies of scale through their collective buying power.

We are now looking for a commercially minded individual, with excellent knowledge of the housing sector to take the strategic lead lead in developing this compelling service offer. You’ll develop and lead on the first stage implementation of a three-to-five-year commercial strategy that aligns our service offering to the needs and priorities of our customers, in turn supporting a successful income stream for NHC.

We’re looking for someone with a sound understanding of social housing providers’ investment strategies and the policy and operational context in which they operate. You’ll be able to demonstrate a clear track record of strategic planning and implementation and evidence of achievement in a commercial context. You should have experience of leading a successful business development team and we expect that you will have the highly developed interpersonal and communication skills that is key to such a role.

For a confidential discussion or more information please contact Anne Elliott at ema on 07875 762029 or email anne.elliott@emaconsultancy.org.uk No agencies please.

Closing date: 9th September (noon)

Why work with us here at the NHC? The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) is the leading not-for-profit membership body for councils and social housing providers across the North of England, with over 40 years expertise and influence. Our members own or manage 9 out of 10 socially rented home in the North. Through our Consortium Procurement brand, we provide procurement solutions for around 450 member organisations across the UK.

We are Member Focused. We are Collaborative. We are Innovative. We are Supportive.

We are a small but dynamic organisation. We are a staff team of 34, and every member of our staff has a unique and important role in our organisation and every staff member is valued as the subject matter expert in their area. We're really keen on supporting your training and development; every member of staff has a bespoke plan and, as a small organisation, we have the agility in many cases to mould the development of roles around career aspirations.

Our workstyle is modern - we are moving our office base into a collaborative hub in Sunderland City Centre however we do have staff who live across the North of England. We recognise that different people work best in different ways. You can choose to work in the hub as and when you want, or you can work from home. We don't work in silos; we have established systems of communicating virtually that keep everyone in touch while keeping staff safe but we're also really keen on getting together face to face when we can and on a regular basis, both in smaller teams and as a full staff supporting each other in our achievements. You will work with your line manager to establish what works best for everyone.

You will be able to work flexibly, for example to fit in a long lunch time walk or gym class or start and finish early so you can pick up the kids from school. For us, it’s the outputs that count not the minutes clocked.

We support Net Zero. One of our big policy focus areas is supporting our members' targets on decarbonisation. We offer members access to procurement solutions that will help them to support their net zero objectives. Our work really matters. Our own carbon footprint is low - we have downsized our office, reduced the commute, and we aim to deliver services virtually where possible reducing the number of miles that our staff have to travel.

We look after our staff mental health and wellbeing. We have a staff wellbeing group where everybody's view counts. We have accredited staff mental health first aiders and have recently trained all our line managers in mental health awareness. We organise social events - in person and online. You can opt-in or opt-out.

We are a great place to work and if you think that this all fits your ethos then we hope you will join our team and think so too.

34

OUR VALUES

1We are

MemberFocused

(our members are at the heartof everything we say and do)

We build positive relationships both internal and external to the NHCWe go ‘above and beyond’ to ensure value for money to our membersand within our own organisation on behalf of our membersWe identify priorities based on understanding member andorganisation needsWe are tenacious in support of our members.

2We areCollaborative

(we work together as a team)

We actively support and contribute to the work of our colleaguesWe help to create a diverse and trusting work environment where

We are approachable, warm and friendlyWe openly share learning and skills across the organisation and our

everyone can be themselves

membership.

We are Innovative

(we are creative and flexible)

We are Supportive

(we help each other to be

stronger and more confident)

We react to new challenges quickly and positivelyWe demonstrate creativity and innovation in our workWe regularly review and improve our products, systems and

We are flexible and willing but also realistic. processes

We empower our people to make decisions and treat each other

We encourage the development of our staffWe recognise and celebrate the success of the organisation, our

We take responsibility and we deliver.

with consideration and respect

teams and individuals

Exec Dir (Comm) - Interim

(new)

Exec Dir (Operations &

Finance) (CW)

Interim role to development strategy of CP as a whole. Oversight of financial element of CP

Support tactical and strategic partnerships, CPC Oversight lead, & of Prosper relationship development Oversight of risk and compliance aspect of CP

Enacting strategy within CP team as a whole (across geography, sector, solution type) Oversight support of financial evaluations within solution development

Interim Reporting on behalf of CP

Risk / Compliance oversight and professional / technical support

Sales, commercial and development oversight

Commercial Director

(North) (JG)

Senior Account Executive

(AM)

Comms & Mkt Mgr -

Interim (new)

Procurement Manager

(ProfSvs) (DF)

Procurement Manager

(FacMgt) (RW)

Account lead for North

Account lead for Midlands, NI, Wales,

Non-housing.

Account Executive (TR)

Project role to plan / enact

strengthen digital presence and

framework level plans/differentiate

our offer

Joint responsibility for solution

development management &

reporting

Joint responsibility for solution

development management &

reporting

Key pin in supporting policy &

strategic level linkages eg decarb,

MMC

Key pin in developing SUPC, NHS

Countess relationships

Account lead for Scotland,

London, SE, SW

Key messaging in bringing CP closer

to policy / strategic level

Development of Professional

Services offering

Development of Facilities

management offering

CPC Operational lead

Responsibility for consultancy

offer

Responsibility for roundtables

engagement

MMC Policy Specialist (JB)

Jnr AE and Sales Support

(new) Marketing Officer (BS)

Procurement Assistant

(new)

Procurement Contracts

Officer (SD)

Procurement Contracts

Officer (RM)

Procurement Support

Officer (NB)

Policy specialist, key link in

crossover messaging Junior role to support lower level opps Day to day marketing lead

Key admin support for post-

award, contract extensions,

product catalogues, etc Call off management Call off management

Key document mgt / admin support

for pre-award / call-off (supports RM

and SD)

Key link in CPC collaboration,

aggregating volumes Succession planning Website, social media, roundtables

Interface to take admin burden

from AEs re extensions, renewals

and in-contract queries

Support with solution

development

Support with solution

development

Contract production, mgt / tracking

of applications and DPS (incl DPS

membership), Contract award

notices

Fulfil sales support / general BusiDev

admin and reporting support

General admin and solutions

mailbox/phone

Roundtable support &

correspondence

Dynamics maintenance and

compliance tracking

Organisational Chart

Job title: Executive Director (Commercial) Responsible to: Chief Executive Responsible for: Commercial Director (North), Senior Account Executive,

Account Executive Background The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) is a membership body whose members, including Registered Providers, Local Authorities and Arm’s Length Management Organisations, own or manage 9 out of 10 socially rented home in the North. Established over forty years ago, we use our collective voice to influence housing policy that works for the North, and we provide outstanding services that support our members to create great places to live. A key element of our service offer is helping members to buy goods and services in a low risk, compliant way that offers excellent value for money. We do this under the brand ‘Consortium Procurement’. * We have developed an impressive customer base and a comprehensive suite of products and services under the categories of professional services and asset management. We are now looking for a strategic lead to help take this service offer to the next level. *organisations from right across the UK have joined us solely to use our procurement offer, and increasingly, we have members from outside of the housing sector too – any sector bound by EU purchasing regulations including NHS trusts, education etc. Context Our members currently face the three competing priorities of maintaining their existing stock (with all that the new building safety requirements entail); readying that stock to achieve net zero targets; and increasing the supply of new affordable homes. In addition to addressing these challenges, as anchor institutions within their local communities, members want to ensure that their organisational spend delivers maximum social value returns for the neighbourhoods they serve. This role is about understanding these challenges and how members plan to address them and developing the role that CP plays in supporting them to do so. Your understanding and insight will inform the development of a strategic plan that links NHC’s influencing work to secure policy and resources with the delivery mechanisms that create tangible outputs. The strategic plan will enable NHC to fully exploit our existing opportunities and explore new models of working. This strategy will, of course, factor in the impact of Brexit and COVID19. Main purpose of the role Research, development, and implementation of a three-to-five-year holistic commercial strategy with the primary aims of delivering excellent services that add value to our members and, in doing so, growing the income return for NHC.

Key tasks and responsibilities Research Collating research that builds intelligence on our members’ investment strategies. What do our members want, both at executive team level (strategic investment plans), and at operational level? (BAU goods and services). Understanding and interpreting the results of Northern member executive level research, wider CP member research, roundtable feedback, Account Executive feedback and conducting any further research, as necessary. Appraisal of funding options (so we can understand how we can shape our offerings to be as accessible as possible to where our members have funding). Review of member investment plans and strategies. Making links between the policy developments that will significantly impact current portfolio and potential areas for solution development. Appraisal of external changes that will impact on the procurement market, notably:

• Brexit

• Covid legacy on buying habits

• Decarbonisation targets and funding

• Digital switchover Appraisal of current collaborations and partnerships, and of opportunities for new or extended partnership opportunities. Review, with support from the Executive Director (Operations & Finance) the current system of membership subscriptions for all affiliates and supply partners in relation to balancing constitution requirements and income generation with risks around competition and around emerging procurement legislation. Perform a holistic review of the CP offer, including appraising differences (in current and potential offerings) between our offer to Northern housing providers and our offer to out-of-area / out-of-sector. Plan Write a three-to-five-year commercial plan with the primary aims of generating an income return for NHC and delivering excellent services that add services for members.

• What will we offer? To whom? Collaborating with whom? How will we promote? How we will we deliver? How will we measure success? What will our income return be? (Financial modelling)? What are our key financial or commercial levers? (what/how can we maximise income return alongside member value?) Future strategy around membership subscriptions (affiliate and supply partners)?

• Consideration of risk across or emanating from the above, and recommendations on which areas to focus on and which areas to drop or collaborate on.

• Design optimal strategies that provide the best offer for both our Full Northern members and our out-of-area / out-of-sector members, noting that the offer might look different to each half, but both offers must seek to achieve our overarching NHC strategic objectives.

• Scope out what resources, tools, and internal processes we need to deliver the strategic plan. To include: Mapping and appraisal of current process flows and who does what. Is it working well?

Are there any gaps? Succession planning and resource ramp up requirements (who and when?),

recognising the increasing breadth of book and number of ‘exceptions’/member flexibility requests. Remuneration / bonus structure?

Note: The plan will need to be developed in tandem with wider NHC strategic planning refresh which will be discussed at the Board of Management in December 2021 and will be effective from April 2022. Implement As this is a fixed term role, the focus is on the development of the plan and early implementation and management stages, ensuring that all necessary resource requirements are in place to ensure successful delivery of the full strategy over time.

• You will have reporting responsibility for the Commercial Director (North), Senior Account Executive and Account Executive and will need to oversee and position the business development function to ensure it is aligned with the strategy.

• You will also oversee the ongoing conduct of the Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) collaboration with LHC; the Commercial Director (North) has responsibility as day-to-day operational lead for NHC.

• You will be asked to support the strategic progression of collaboration opportunities including our emerging relationship with Prosper, and the associated proposed programme of social value return.

• You will have responsibility for reviewing and adapting KPI measures, performance monitoring and reporting criteria, and for subsequent performance reporting to the Board of Directors across the term of the role.

• You will oversee the budget management and forecasting process, with the support and input of the team and Executive Director (Operations & Finance).

• You will also work with the Executive Director (Operations & Finance) to ensure the procurement and contracts function within CP is aligned and geared up to deliver the strategy.

• You will have responsibility for conducting the Board’s Commercial Advisory Group (CAG), who will be able to support you in appraising projects.

Role term and person requirement • 12 month fixed-term contract.

• Ideally someone with sector relevant experience (i.e., an understanding of social housing providers’ investment strategies, operating at a strategic level) and an excellent understanding of the housing landscape.

• Proven track record of strategic planning and implementation.

• High degree of commercial acumen.

• Proven ability to manage and motivate a business development team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Excellent communication & presentation skills.

How to Apply: Executive Director (Commercial)

Thank you for expressing an interest the above position. If you have read the candidate briefing information and you would like to apply, please follow the guidelines below. Application Process Please submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) and covering letter, ensuring that you quote reference ema415. It is important that your CV highlights supporting evidence of how your previous experience and skills relate to the criteria outlined in the role profile and person specification. Within your CV, please supply the following: • Full name and postal address • Work and home telephone number, mobile number and email address (NB most written

communication with you will be electronic) • National Insurance Number • Employment history (explaining any gaps) • Education and dates your qualifications were obtained • Current Memberships of relevant professional associations/Institutes and dates Your covering letter (maximum of 3 pages) should be used to convey why you are attracted to the role describing how your leadership style and skills will help the organisation map out their future purpose, direction and priorities. The covering letter is considered an important aspect of your application and will be used to assess your motivation for the role. An Equality and Diversity Recruitment Monitoring Form can be downloaded. This will assist in monitoring selection decisions to assess whether equality of opportunity is being achieved. Any information collated from the Equality and Diversity Recruitment Monitoring Forms will not be used as part of the selection process and will be treated as strictly confidential. Personal Data In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your sensitive personal data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and / or biometric data) in your CV and application documentation. Following this notice, any inclusion of your sensitive personal data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g., referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion. The timetable for the selection process is included below. In your supporting letter, please advise us if you have any difficultly with the outlined dates and/or any other dates when you are unavailable for assessment. We try to offer flexibility, but it can be difficult to convene the selection panel outside the advertised selection dates due to diary commitments.

Please return your application by the noon, 9 September 2021 (electronic submissions) to our retained consultants at ema consultancy Limited (ema) to responsehandling1@emaconsultancy.org.uk

Your application will be treated with strictest confidence.

Assessment and Selection Process

All applications will be considered and assessed against the requirements of the Person Specification in order to select an initial long list of candidates. If you have been successful at this stage ema will contact, you via telephone/email immediately following the initial longlisting meeting with emh.

Timetable

The information outlined below has been agreed with The Northern Housing Consortium:

Process Date

Closing Date Noon, 9 September 2021

Interviews 17 September 2021 - PM

Contact Details

If you have any queries about the position or the selection process; or if you would like an informal and confidential discussion with our consultant, please do not hesitate to contact Anne Elliott at ema on 07875 762029.

Thank you.

Anne Elliott Managing Director, ema

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY MONITORING We are committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity. The information you provide will be used for statistical purposes to enable us to gain a clear picture of the equality impact of our recruitment and selection policy. This information will be separated from your application as soon as it is received and will be processed in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1988. This information provided in this form is not mandatory. The following characteristics have been identified by NHC as the most likely to result in people being treated unfairly or to require different consideration in how we deliver our services. Wherever possible an option is provided to allow self-description. 1. Age: 16 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65+

2. How would you describe you gender identity? Male Female Non-binary* Prefer not to

say *do not identify as male or female

Self-describe: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3. Do you consider yourself to be a transgender person? Yes No Prefer not to say

4. Disability Status A disability is defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as a “physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities”. Disabilities can be hidden and include long-term conditions which can be controlled through medication, for example, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, diabetes etc. Do you consider yourself to have a disability? Yes No Prefer not to say

Self-describe: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. Sexual Orientation How would you describe your sexual orientation? Heterosexual Gay Woman Prefer not to say

Bisexual Gay Man

Self-describe: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. Religion How would you describe your religion or belief? Christian (all denominations) Hindu Buddhist

Jewish Sikh Muslim

None Prefer not to say

Self-describe: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7. Ethnicity Which section best describes your ethnic group or background?

White Mixed Asian or Asian British

Black or Black British

Chinese or other Ethnic

Group

British

White & Black Caribbean

Indian

Caribbean

Chinese

Scottish White &

Black African

Pakistani

African

Japanese

Welsh White & Asian

Bangladeshi Romany

Northern Irish

Irish Traveller

Irish Gypsy English European

Self-description: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8. What is your marital status? Single Partnered Civil

Partnership Married

Self-description: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. How did you find out about this opportunity?