Core Systems Development Manager

Housing Diversity Network; North Tyneside, Stanley; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing organization is seeking a Core Systems Development Manager to lead the development team within the ICT & Digital Transformation department. The successful candidate will oversee housing and finance management systems and drive innovation in software solutions. This role requires proven experience in housing systems, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of agile methodologies. The position requires a presence in the office and offers competitive benefits like 26 days of annual leave and a pension plan.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Birthday leave

Occupational pension

Health cash plan

Flexible benefits pot

Funding for qualifications

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams managing housing systems.
• Understanding of housing sector processes and trends.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Core Systems Development team.
• Design, develop, and deliver innovative software solutions.
• Make key project decisions to ensure clarity and focus.

Skills

Leading teams

Collaboration

Agile development

Open Housing knowledge

SQL

Tools

DRS

Total Mobile

Open Accounts

iTrent

Job description

Come and make a difference at Karbon as a Core Systems Development Manager

We’re looking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced individual for the role of Core Systems Development Manager in the ICT & Digital Transformation Team. The ICT & Digital Transformation team mission is to provide digital systems that are customer focused, easy to use, reliable, flexible, and meet the needs of all our stakeholders.

About The Role

The successful candidate will lead the Core Systems Development team in the ICT & Digital Transformation department, taking overall responsibility for Housing and Finance Management, Payroll and Personnel and Job scheduling systems. Key responsibilities include:

• Take charge of a highly experienced core system development function, leading hybrid‑working teams and fostering collaboration.
• Work closely with the architecture team to help design, develop and deliver innovative software solutions to meet business needs.
• Make key project decisions to set clarity and focus for the team.
• Support the development of solutions where necessary to ensure development stays on track.
• Work as part of a management team that designs and executes department strategy, providing effective leadership and acting as a role model for the department and the Karbon group.

About You

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading teams responsible for managing and maintaining housing systems.
• Experience and an understanding of housing sector processes and trends.
• A proven record of collaboration and communication to develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills to develop a highly performing and motivated team.
• Knowledge of Open Housing, with the following technologies also desirable: DRS, Total Mobile, Open Accounts, iTrent, SQL.
• Ability to collaborate with suppliers where necessary to drive change.
• Use of an agile approach to product development, engaging with relevant stakeholders in planning and requirement stages and documenting hand‑over to support.

Working With us

The successful candidate will work in our ICT & Digital Transformation management team and will report into the Head of ICT & Digital Services, led by Alex Westwood. If you require further information about the role, please contact Alex on 0191 223 8452.

Key Details

• Role: Core Systems Development Manager – Permanent
• Salary: £62,100 per annum
• Location: Contractual location to be agreed with the candidate at one of our main offices in Gosforth (NE12 8EG) or Stanley (DH9 7YE). Office presence is required throughout the week; successful candidates must live within commutable distance.
• Hours: 37 hours per week with agile working.
• Travel: Regular travel to other offices across the North East will also be required.
• EEO: We recognise the contribution people with criminal records can make as colleagues and we welcome all applications. A criminal record will not exclude a candidate from being appointed because of offences that are irrelevant to the role.
• ROA: The role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). Successful candidates will be asked to submit a basic disclosure and barring check application during pre‑employment checks.

Why Join Us?

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 3 years)
• Birthday leave
• Occupational pension
• Health cash plan
• Flexible benefits pot
• Access to funding for qualifications, conferences, and learning events

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the role for you, apply now via our website: https://www.karbonhomes.co.uk/careers/

We love seeing the real you in your application. It’s fine to use AI tools for polishing grammar or improving formatting—but your CV and supporting statement should still reflect your own skills, experience, and personality, so we do not accept fully AI‑generated applications without your own input.

Key Dates

• Closing date for applications: Tuesday 6 January 2026
• Interview date: Week commencing 19 January 2026
• Christmas closure: Closed from Wednesday 24 December 2025, back in the office on Friday 2 January 2026

We’re Inclusive

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you’ll be guaranteed an interview. Need a reasonable adjustment to apply? Contact us at [e-mail].