Head of Commercial

• Be the driving force in the delivery of housing investment strategies
• Full time fixed term role based in Melbourne, Vic
• Salary Packaging options to increase your take-home pay

About Us

Community Housing Limited (CHL) is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making a positive impact in the housing sector. We are committed to addressing housing issues and supporting vulnerable populations by offering affordable and sustainable housing solutions to individuals and families in need.

At CHL, our primary goal is to create safe, secure, and affordable housing options that empower individuals and families to thrive. With a focus on delivering high-quality service and outcomes, we manage over 11,000 new and existing properties across various communities. CHL is driven by a collaborative team culture where every member plays a vital role in achieving our mission.

The Role

As Head of Commercial, you will lead CHL’s commercial function, driving housing investment strategies, capital structuring, and innovative funding models to enable the sustainable growth of social and affordable housing. Reporting to the Chief Homes Officer, you will oversee a high-performing team and provide expert commercial advice to executive leadership and the Board. With a focus on strong governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, this role is critical in positioning CHL to scale its housing impact through disciplined investment decisions and strategic partnerships.

About you

You are a strategic and influential leader with deep experience in housing, property development, or finance. You bring a proven track record in commercial structuring, capital strategy, and large-scale project execution, supported by strong financial acumen and a collaborative leadership style. You thrive in complex policy environments, confidently engage with government, lenders, and industry partners, and are passionate about using your expertise to drive impactful housing outcomes aligned with social purpose.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a high-performing Commercial team, fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and strategic focus.
• Oversee CHL’s Investment Framework to ensure decisions are based on robust analysis, strong governance, and risk alignment.
• Drive capital strategy and financial structuring across CHL’s housing pipeline, sourcing funding from government, banks, and private partners.
• Identify and pursue innovative opportunities by monitoring market and policy trends to scale housing delivery.
• Manage commercial due diligence, ensuring quality investment decisions through sound analysis and risk evaluation.
• Provide expert advice and present recommendations to the Executive and Board, aligning proposals with CHL’s objectives and values.
• Represent CHL in key commercial negotiations and foster strong relationships with government, financiers, and sector partners.
• Proactively identify and manage commercial and financial risks across projects.
• Oversee capital and financing arrangements during project delivery, ensuring alignment with budget and performance goals.

Essential Criteria

To be successful in this role, you will have the following:

• 10 years experience in housing, finance, or property development.
• Bachelors degree in related discipline.
• Post Graduate qualification in related discipline highly regarded
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale housing projects, including investment structuring and development.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex capital projects,
• Strong understanding of affordable and social housing policy, funding frameworks (e.g. HAFF), and regulatory environments.
• Experience in organisational planning, investment analysis, and risk-informed decision-making.
• Commercial acumen with expertise in capital structuring, contract negotiation, and portfolio performance management.
• Ability to navigate complex policy and funding environments and translate into operational implementation

Please note that satisfactory police check is required for all staff and those with client related responsibilities are required to provide a NDIS and Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Why Join Us?

At CHL, we’re more than just a workplace, we’re a community dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for our staff and the people we serve. You’ll be part of a passionate, mission-driven team where your contribution makes a real difference every day.

As an equal opportunity employer, CHL values and celebrates diversity and works closely with people from a wide range of cultural, social, and professional backgrounds.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, recognising their enduring connection to land, culture, and community.

Ready to bring your expertise to our team? Click the link to apply now and let’s make a difference together.

To apply online, please click on “Apply” below.

To be considered applicants must respond to the application questions and submit a cover letter and resume. For a confidential conversation about the position please contact Emma Spano, Chief Investment Officer at emma.spano@chl.org.au or 03 9978 9090.