Location
Elgin Ave., London

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week

Salary
£72,840 per annum

About the Role
Do you want to work for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and play a key role in keeping our country safe through caring for the Defence estate and those that depend on it? DIO manages one of the UK’s largest and most diverse property portfolios, enabling the armed forces and Defence civilians to live, work, train and deploy. From net carbon-zero accommodation to runways for the F35 fighter jets, our outputs are unique in the UK and across the globe.

DIO values a diverse workforce that brings different insights, ideas and innovation. We seek people who are curious, collaborative, ambitious, resilient and committed to Defence, empowered to challenge and help shape the organisation’s direction.

The Defence Housing Service (DHS) is a major new programme delivering a step-change in housing for the UK’s Armed Forces and their families. Backed by a £9 billion investment, DHS will modernise tens of thousands of homes, improve maintenance services, and unlock new housing development opportunities on Defence land. This is one of the most ambitious housing transformation programmes in the UK today.

As Deputy Head Sales & Acquisitions, you will be an experienced property and housing professional with a strong track record in residential markets at portfolio level. You will bring expert knowledge of capital markets, private finance, and large-scale sales and acquisition strategies, alongside the ability to negotiate, influence, and secure the best commercial outcomes.

Reporting to the Director Planning & Delivery, you will lead a high-performing team, provide clear strategic direction, and support delivery across the Defence Housing Strategy. You will work confidently with senior stakeholders across Defence, government, and industry, driving collaboration and results.

This is a complex, fast-paced role requiring strategic leadership, risk management, and the ability to deliver at pace. You will contribute to the DHS Business Plan, shape programme direction, and ensure alignment with wider infrastructure priorities.

Key responsibilities include:
- Planning and delivering the housing sales and acquisitions portfolio, ensuring alignment with Defence policies and long-term infrastructure plans
- Liaising with stakeholders to design next-generation sales and acquisition business models
- Generating over £2 billion in receipts and managing associated spend with robust financial controls
- Building and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver the enterprise business plan, managing approximately 10,000 sales and 2,500 acquisitions
- Developing and managing business cases, investment proposals, programme plans, and financial strategies compliant with Treasury and MOD governance
- Overseeing governance and assurance across the delivery lifecycle
- Representing the business in senior leadership discussions with developers, delivery partners, and cross-government bodies
- Chairing programme boards and stakeholder forums, providing strategic advice and decision-making
- Ensuring procurement and contract management align with DHS objectives and deliver value for money

The future delivery model for this team is under review and may change, including potential organisational restructuring or transfer to a different employer. Existing employees transferring with activities will maintain the same or substantially the same terms and conditions of employment.

Experience
- Significant experience in sales and acquisition within residential property environments
- Experience working within infrastructure, estates, or construction programmes/portfolios
- Effective leadership of multi-disciplinary teams engaged in large-scale programmes and projects
- Strong analytical skills with ability to present evidence-based arguments and business cases to influence senior decision-making
- Experience managing strategic budgets and financial data
- Proven ability to deliver outcomes at pace with focus and drive
- Experience managing complex stakeholder networks
- Strong understanding of P3M planning and use of planning tools for delivery

About you
You are a strategic leader with excellent communication and influencing skills, able to work confidently with senior stakeholders across Defence, government, and industry. You thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment and are committed to delivering large-scale housing transformation programmes. You demonstrate resilience, ambition, and a collaborative approach, with a strong commitment to public service values.

Qualifications
- Desirable: GPP Core Accreditation at Chartered, Certified or Fellow grade (e.g. RICS, IWFM, CIOB, CEng, CEnv, RTPI, RIBA)
- Desirable: Project Management Qualification such as MSP, PRINCE2, APM equivalent (e.g. APMP)
- Desirable: Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) or Project Leadership Programme (PLP)

Licences
The role involves regular travel to locations not always accessible by public transport; therefore, a full, valid UK driving licence is required.