Bristol Somali Resource Centre | BSRC | Help & Advice

Job Title: Project Manager – Community-Led Housing Development
Reporting to: Board of Trustees / BSRC Director
Location: BSRC – Ducie Road Barton Hill
Contract: Part-time (10 hours per week) | Fixed term until project completion
Fee: £300 consultancy fee per week
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About the Role
We are a small, values-driven charity seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to represent the interests of Bristol Somali Resource Centre (BSRC) during the development of a community-led housing project, including a community centre which BSRC will run. The project is to be delivered in partnership with a housing association, who will be taking full responsibility for the design and delivery from RIBA Stage 3.
This role will protect and advance the charity’s interests as leaseholder of the land, ensuring the development delivers long-term social value and aligns with our charitable objectives. Alongside oversight of the housing scheme, the Project Manager will lead the completion and operational readiness of a new community centre. The housing association will fund, develop and oversee the development and management of the social housing within the project. BSRC, on the other hand, will be responsible for the management of the community centre following completion of the development.

Working two days per week, the postholder will act as the charity’s lead client representative, ensuring effective governance, financial stewardship of BSRC’s contribution, and successful project delivery.
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Key Responsibilities
1. Client Representation & Governance
• Act as the charity’s primary representative in all development matters.
• Safeguard the charity’s interests as land leaseholder.
• Ensure compliance with development agreements and legal obligations.
• Provide regular progress reports to the Director and Board of Trustees, including risks, finances, and key decisions.
• Support Director and trustees with clear analysis and recommendations to inform strategic decisions.

2. Partnership & Stakeholder Management
• Work collaboratively with the appointed development partner and their architect to deliver the housing scheme.
• Liaise with funders and community stakeholders.
• Provide regular reports to the landowner, Bristol City Council.
• Ensure community priorities remain central throughout the development process.

3. Business Planning & Financial Oversight of the Community Centre
• Lead the development and refinement of a robust business plan for the overall scheme and community centre.
• Develop and manage project budgets and cashflow forecasts.
• Monitor expenditure and maintain strong financial controls.
• Support funding applications and identify additional funding opportunities.
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability of the community centre and associated assets.

4. Project & Build Oversight
• Ensure the interests of the community and local people are safeguarded throughout the development of the project.
• Directly oversee completion of the community centre from design through to handover.
• Liaise with the architect and consultants appointed by the housing association.
• Monitor programme milestones and address delays or delivery risks.
• Work with housing provider to ensure compliance with planning conditions and statutory requirements.

5. Risk & Compliance Management
• Develop and maintain the project risk register.
• Identify and mitigate financial, legal, operational, and reputational risks.
• Ensure BRCS’s appropriate insurances, warranties, and contractual protections are in place.
• Work with the housing association to ensure health and safety compliance and CDM requirements are met.

6. Community Centre Completion & Activation
• Lead delivery and fit-out of the community centre.
• Develop operational readiness plans, policies, and governance arrangements.
• Support the establishment of sustainable management and programming.
• Ensure the facility is ready for successful launch and ongoing community use.
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Person Specification
Essential:
• Experience managing property, construction, housing, or regeneration projects.
• Experience acting as a client representative in development projects.
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting and monitoring.
• Experience developing business plans and financial models.
• Experience managing risk registers and governance reporting.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with trustees and community stakeholders.
• Understanding of working in an anti-racist and culturally competent manner.

Desirable:
• Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of community-led housing models.
• Knowledge of construction processes and consultant management.
• Understanding of leaseholder responsibilities and development agreements.
• Professional qualification (e.g., RICS, CIOB, APM, PRINCE2) or equivalent experience.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual setting.
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Personal Attributes
• Strategic and solution-focused thinker.
• Collaborative and diplomatic, with confidence to protect organisational interests.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Committed to community empowerment and social impact.
• Able to manage complex projects within limited time allocation.
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Working Pattern

This role is 2 days per week, with flexibility around working hours. Some evening meetings may be required to attend trustee or community meetings.
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Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to help deliver a transformative housing and community facility that will benefit local people for generations. You will play a central role in ensuring the development delivers lasting social, financial, and community value.
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If you would like to apply, please send a CV and covering letter to BSRC’s Operations Manager Rob Colborn (rob.colborn@somalicentre.org.uk) by Friday 12 June.