At believe housing, we believe in life without barriers .

As one of the North East's largest housing associations, we manage more than 18,000 homes, support 22,000 customers and employ around 650 colleagues across County Durham and surrounding communities. With a turnover exceeding £91 million, a strong G1/V2 regulatory rating, and a reputation for an outstanding people-centred culture, we are entering an exciting new chapter.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Chief Executive.

This is an opportunity to lead a successful, values-driven organisation that combines commercial strength with a clear social purpose: improving customers' lives through healthy, affordable homes and thriving communities. Over recent years, we have invested significantly in homes, community initiatives, energy efficiency and new housing development. Now, we are embarking on an ambitious transformation programme that will redefine how we deliver services, embrace digital innovation and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Working closely with our Board, Executive Management Team and stakeholders across the region, you will provide strategic leadership and be a visible advocate for believe housing. You will champion our values, drive performance and lead the successful delivery of our new Target Operating Model.

We are looking for an inspiring and authentic leader with a track record of delivering transformation, building high-performing teams and navigating complex stakeholder environments. As an established strategic leader within housing or a comparably regulated and community-focused environment, you will bring commercial acumen, strong governance credentials and a passion for making a positive difference to people's lives.

If you are motivated by our purpose, culture and impact, and excited by the opportunity to shape the future of a leading social housing organisation, then the candidate pack and application details are available by clicking the 'Continue' button below.

For a confidential discussion, please contact our advisers at GatenbySanderson: Nick Roberts on 07393 013697 (nick.roberts@gatenbysanderson.com) or Tim Hills on 07393 011130 (tim.hills@gatenbysanderson.com)

Closing date: 9am on Monday 21 September 2026.

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing Date
9am on Monday 21st September 2026

Longlist Meeting
Early w/c 28th September 2026

Preliminary Interviews with GatenbySanderson
15th and 16th October 2026

Shortlist Meeting
Thursday 22nd October 2026

Psychometric Profiling
w/c 26th October & w/c 2nd November 2026

Final Panel Interview
w/c 9th November 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com