At One YMCA, we're on an exciting journey of growth and transformation. With over 750 colleagues, 160 sites, and a turnover exceeding £40 million, we deliver vital services across housing, family support, youth work, early years education, and specialist therapeutic services.
We're looking for an experienced and ambitious Associate Director of Place & Environment to lead the strategic development and operational delivery of our property, asset management, compliance, health and safety, and capital investment programmes.
This is a key senior leadership role that will ensure our properties remain safe, compliant, sustainable, and fit for purpose, while supporting our ambitious growth plans and making a lasting difference to the communities we serve.
As Associate Director of Place & Environment, you will:
- Lead the strategic management of a diverse portfolio of over 160 properties.
- Oversee responsive repairs, planned maintenance, facilities management, health and safety, fire safety, and compliance.
- Manage capital investment programmes valued between £2m–£5m annually.
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and best value across all property and facilities functions.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including Building Safety, Fire Safety, CDM Regulations, and Health & Safety requirements.
- Build strong relationships with regulators, contractors, funders, local authorities, and other key stakeholders.
- Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team, helping to shape and deliver organisational strategy.
We're looking for someone who brings:
- Significant experience within Asset Management, Property, Facilities Management, Construction, or a related field.
- Experience leading diverse property portfolios, ideally within housing, charity, social housing, or a similar environment.
- Strong knowledge of compliance, building safety, fire safety, and health and safety legislation.
- Proven experience managing capital projects, budgets, contractors, and supply chains.
- Outstanding leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and motivate teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- A strategic mindset combined with a practical, solution-focused approach.
- Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
Why Join One YMCA? At One YMCA, our mission is to help people belong, contribute, and thrive within their communities. We are committed to creating positive social impact and providing opportunities for people to reach their full potential.
In return, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Play a key role in a growing and ambitious organisation.
- Influence strategic decisions at senior leadership level.
- Lead major property and compliance initiatives.
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.
- Work within an organisation that values Respect, Compassion, and Growth.
If you're a strategic property and compliance leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while leading a significant portfolio and team, we'd love to hear from you!
Important Information: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role. This position may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
At One YMCA, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
One YMCA and its subsidiaries, the Early Childhood Partnership (ECP) and Signpost are on an exciting journey to double our impact by 2025. We are over half way through an exciting new strategy launched in the first hour of the new decade, via email where all staff and volunteers were invited to put themselves forward to apply and attend an intensive, three-day Kickstarter Event.
By the end of these three days, there was a brilliantly multi-faceted set of themes and ideas, which formed the starting point for the rest of the Mission 25 process to build on. The aim of Mission 25 is to give every staff member and volunteer the opportunity to play their part in shaping the strategy to do “more and better, together” so that we double our impact by 2025. We deliver a vast array of services across Herts, Beds and Bucks that reach over 135,000 individuals annually.
