Job Description
Cobalt Housing is a registered housing association based in North Liverpool. Cobalt was formed in February 2003 following the transfer of our homes from Liverpool City Council. The organisation manages and maintains around 6000 affordable homes in the Fazakerley & Sparrow Hall, Croxteth and Norris Green areas of North Liverpool.
As the majority landlord in the area, Cobalt is actively engaged in a wide range of economic, neighbourhood and community regeneration activities in the area they serve. By providing quality places to live and support to those who need it, Cobalt plays a massive part in developing thriving communities where people are proud to live and can be their best.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Cobalt as Chief Financial Officer. Working with the CEO, Board and SMT colleagues, the role holder will have executive responsibility for leading on strategic and operational financial, treasury, value for money and procurement activities across the Finance and Procurement Directorate. The successful candidate will also be a key contributor to long term strategic decision making and the achievement of Cobalt’s corporate objectives.
Some responsibilities include:
* Lead the Finance and Procurement directorate, shaping financial strategies to support corporate objectives, deliver value for money and ensure financial sustainability.
* Develop and manage strategic financial planning, budgeting and reporting systems to safeguard financial stability and ensure robust financial management.
* Oversee treasury functions to secure funding aligned with corporate priorities, while effectively managing financial risks.
* Drive performance excellence across the directorate and organisation through effective reporting, analysis and a customer-focused approach.
* Lead the procurement function to deliver value for money, ensure compliance and support strategic sourcing aligned with organisational goals.
* Ensure adherence to all regulatory, statutory and legislative requirements, supporting effective governance and comprehensive risk management.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including Board, funders and the Regulator of Social Housing, providing clear and meaningful financial insights.
* Inspire, support and develop staff within the directorate, driving a culture of performance, accountability and succession planning.
* Work across teams to ensure efficient use of assets and resources.
* As part of the Senior Management Team, contribute to the development and implementation of organisational strategies and the Business Plan.
Cobalt is looking to appoint an executive leader who has the following attributes:
* Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CIMA/CIPFA) and significant experience in financial management and strategy development.
* Expertise in procurement, risk management and regulatory compliance.
* Experience in providing expert advice to senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making at an executive level.
* Forward thinking, values-led leader, keen to work as part of a collaborative Senior Team.
* Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
* Proven experience of delivering high-performing services and managing the integration of new financial systems.
* The ability to balance ambition with practicality, ensuring the organisation stays financially secure and sustainable while pursuing ambitious strategic objectives.
* Strong personal organisation skills, including the ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload within a constantly changing environment.
* Proven technical ability to diagnose problems, identify solutions and ensure resolution.
If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please get in touch with one of our consultants at Neemar Search.
Eliot Jeffries
Senior Associate
07985 791149 – eliotjeffries@neemarsearch.com
Tom Neely
Director
tomneely@neemarsearch.com