Head of Regeneration Strategic Design

Hackney Council is seeking a Head of Regeneration Strategic Design to lead its housing regeneration programmes, delivering approximately 4,000 new homes. The postholder will serve as the Council's principal design authority, custodian of architectural direction, and ambassador for design excellence.

The Council's housing regeneration programmes have won numerous awards, including Regional and National RIBA, Civic Trust, and Neave Brown Awards, with a recent Stirling Prize shortlisting.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage the Regeneration Strategic Design team
• Direct strategic design and technical governance across housing programmes
• Ensure creation of sustainable, exemplary neighbourhoods and infrastructure
• Serve as a Senior Management Team member in Housing Regeneration & Delivery
• Embed design excellence in strategic management decisions
• Articulate design vision to internal teams, consultants, and industry stakeholders
• Exercise high-level design judgement, balancing principles with pragmatism

Hackney is looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• An impressive record of leading architectural design projects
• A track record of developing processes that ensure design and technical excellence
• Deep understanding of housing design, sustainability, building safety, and neighbourhood renewal
• Passion for the borough and the transformative potential of quality housing
• The ability to communicate design concepts effectively to a range of audiences
• Knowledge of the wider regeneration context

To apply, please complete the online application form on Hackney Council's recruitment website. This role uses an anonymous selection process — no CVs or supporting statements are accepted. Candidates complete competency-based questions demonstrating their skills and experience.

The closing date for applications is 5 May 2026 (22:59). Interviews are scheduled for 18 and 22 May 2026.