The organisation
Haven Home Safe (HHS) is a leading Victorian community housing provider delivering integrated housing and support services across metropolitan and regional communities. Its diverse portfolio spans social and affordable housing, Specialist Disability Accommodation, Transitional Housing Management, and comprehensive tenancy and property services. With more than 2000 homes and an asset base of over $600 million, HHS plays a vital role in delivering housing justice and addressing homelessness across the state.
Operating from Preston, Geelong, Bendigo and Mildura, HHS is proudly regionally focused and one of the largest employers in its communities. Guided by Strategy 2040, the organisation is committed to trauma-informed, culturally safe and person-centred practice. Its values emphasise inclusion, belonging, collective impact and empowering leadership, supported by strong employee engagement and high retention.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Housing Officer leads the strategic and operational direction of all housing, tenancy and asset management functions at Haven Home Safe. This executive role oversees a broad and complex portfolio, including owned and managed housing, general and head lease arrangements, SDA properties and Transitional Housing Management programs.
The position carries responsibility for operational excellence across tenancy services, allocations, rental management, property services, maintenance programs, and ensuring regulatory compliance obligations are adhered to. You will embed consistent policies and processes, strengthen performance across multiple sites and ensure that services meet all requirements under the Housing Act, Residential Tenancies Act, the Registrar of Housing standards and key government contracts.
A major focus of the role is strengthening commercial discipline and operational sustainability. You will lead strategic asset management, guide portfolio planning and valuation inputs, ensure sustainable revenue settings and contribute to long-term growth by working closely with developers, councils, Aboriginal organisations and government partners and other stakeholders to expand and diversify housing supply.
As a member of the executive leadership team, you will contribute to Strategy 2040, digital uplift and system improvement initiatives across housing operations. The role also represents HHS at state and national levels, maintaining strong relationships with Homes Victoria, DFFH, NDIA, local government and sector partners to drive reform, influence policy and advocate for the communities HHS serves.
About you
You are an experienced executive leader in housing or property operations, with the capability to lead complex portfolios and navigate changing regulatory and funding landscapes. You bring deep knowledge of housing legislation, tenancy management and community housing regulation, coupled with strong financial acumen and experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and asset life cycles. The successful candidate will have proven experience across SDA, THM, leased and owned portfolios with strong capability in government contract management and regulatory compliance.
You have a track record of leading high-performing, geographically dispersed teams in a collaborative manner through transformation, lifting performance, embedding consistent practice and ensuring compliance. You balance commercial discipline with a strong commitment to housing justice, cultural safety and person-centred service delivery. You excel at building trusted relationships across government, sector partners and local communities.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Jessica Gough or Simon Wybenga of The Orchard Talent Group at HHS@orchardtalent.com.au
To apply, please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your motivation and the skills you would bring to Haven Home Safe via email. Please note applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
Applications close Midnight 28 December 2025 (noting this is an active recruitment campaign where the role may close earlier upon the identification of a suitably qualified applicant).
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Chief Housing Officer
Contract Type:
Full Time
Location:
Preston
Industry:
Community Services & Development
Contact Name:
Jessica Gough
Contact Email:
jessica.gough@orchardtalent.com.au
Contact Phone:
02 9157 6222
Date Published:
02.12.2025