Technical Standards Manager – Belfast.

The Technical Standards Manager will support the Head of Development Services and work within the Development Programme Group. The role involves:

• Providing technical support on general needs and supported housing schemes
• Ensuring schemes meet the Housing Association Guide
• Overseeing the assessment and development of design proposals
• Contributing to the wider management and improvement of the team

You will act as a senior professional and may work across different disciplines to support the overall programme.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the technical appraisal of scheme proposals to ensure they meet Housing Association Guide design standards.
2. Evaluate schemes at and above TCI levels to ensure delivery against programme targets.
3. Assess technical content at all development stages to ensure value for money and compliance with procurement requirements.
4. Contribute to design standards, lifetime homes requirements, energy efficiency and sustainability matters, representing NIHE as needed.
5. Provide advice on standards, policies, procedures and Housing Association Guide requirements.
6. Be fully familiar with design standards for new build and other scheme types.
7. Supervise and manage technical, professional and administrative staff to ensure successful and timely delivery.
8. Support the introduction of new technology, systems and staff training.
9. Analyse scheme data to support policy and procedural updates for the Housing Association Guide.
10. Represent the team at meetings and support wider business objectives.

General Duties

11. Prepare business cases, tenders and quotations in line with procurement and financial rules.
12. Deliver high‑quality internal and external customer service, including resolving complaints.
13. Maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders (DfC, NIHE Board, Executive Team, etc.).
14. Represent the Head of Development Services when required.
15. Protect and enhance NIHE’s reputation and public profile.
16. Comply with and uphold all NIHE frameworks, policies and legal requirements.
17. Direct and signpost staff to appropriate support where issues fall outside the remit of this post.
18. Complete project work in line with NIHE project management methods.
19. Participate in resourcing activities and manage staff performance in line with NIHE frameworks.
20. Undertake any other reasonable duties needed to support organisational goals.

Essential Criteria

1. Qualifications and Experience

You must meet one of the following:

✔ Degree or Level 6 qualification + minimum 3 years relevant experience
OR
✔ Architect qualification + minimum 3 years post‑qualification experience
OR
✔ Equivalent CPD/experiential learning + minimum 5 years relevant experience

Relevant experience will be assessed based on the duties and responsibilities set out for this role.

2. Demonstrated Competence (with examples)

You must show experience in all of the following areas:

i. Managing large‑scale, complex development schemes
ii. Working effectively with internal and external stakeholders to solve complex issues
iii. Analysing data, interpreting information and using it to improve service delivery

3. Additional Requirements (assessed at interview)

• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Strong leadership abilities
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and manage multiple deadlines

4. Driving Requirement

• Must have a valid driving licence, OR
• Access to transport that allows you to meet the full requirements of the role

Access NI check will be required.