Max Houseago

Seasoned senior programme manager with 18 years experience leading transformative project initiatives. Proven history of guiding team members through all phases of the planning, development and implementation of complex projects. Adept at revolutionising poorly-performing business units through effective leadership, cost controls, organisational development strategies, and critical business systems. Excellent communicator with a talent for working with customers and stakeholders alike to negotiate agreements, build consensus, and establish strong relationships with a common unified goal.

An accomplished and results-driven Project, Programme, and Development Manager with an extensive track record spanning 19 years. My career has been marked by a consistent history of successful project delivery, encompassing a wide spectrum of capital projects and mixed-tenure housing developments. In addition to my expertise in these areas, I possess a wealth of experience in master planning, infrastructure development, delivery strategies, and departmental change management.

One notable recent achievement I am particularly proud of is the recognition our team received at the 2022 Inside Housing Awards. Our project, which I had the privilege to lead, was honoured with the prestigious award for Best Suburban Development in England. Furthermore, our team was awarded the distinction of Best Housing Development Team in the country at the same ceremony.

Presently, I am spearheading Phase 2 of the Carpenter’s Estate Masterplan in Stratford, London, as a key member of Populo Living, Newham Council's ALMO. This multifaceted endeavour involves the refurbishment of an existing tower block within a larger new build development, resulting in the delivery of 385 homes and commercial units. This intricate project necessitates adept management of various elements, including land assembly, property negotiations, valuation, viability studies, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, community well-being initiatives, specification development, and professional services procurement, encompassing architects and engineers. My responsibilities extend to encompass all programme and project management processes required to ensure the successful execution of this scheme, including the preparation of Cabinet reports for Newham Council Cabinet to secure vital development funding.

During my tenure at Enfield Council, I accomplished the successful realisation of two pivotal projects. The first, a 134-home development in Angel Edmonton, was particularly challenging due to its location in a severely deprived neighbourhood plagued by rampant anti-social behaviour. Despite these challenges, we secured planning permission and initiated construction within an impressive 13-month timeframe. The second project involved the creation of 50 high-quality semi-detached homes, striking a balance between affordability and private sale. After obtaining planning approval in 2017, I successfully revamped the project through a strategic S73 amendment, ultimately leading to the project's recognition as the Best Suburban Development by Inside Housing.

As the Programme Manager for Capita, I played an integral role in a joint public-private partnership with Barnet Council, overseeing one of Europe's largest regeneration programmes. This expansive initiative included the redevelopment of Colindale and Grahame Park, introducing over 10,000 new homes, green spaces, and extensive infrastructure improvements, as well as the transformation of Brent Cross and Thameslink Rail Station. My responsibilities also encompassed collaborating closely with Regeneration and Business Development Managers to optimise revenue generation from development partners and identify essential infrastructure projects to accelerate scheme progress.

I was instrumental in the successful programming and subsequent adoption of the Grahame Park Masterplan for Barnet Council as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Additionally, my role at Southwark Council involved delivering the South Dock Marina and waterfront masterplan proposals, as well as contributing to the impressive £500 million Canada Water regeneration scheme, featuring a public square, state-of-the-art library, new housing, and various commercial and public facilities.

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated expertise in scheme viability analysis. After completing RIBA Stage 2, I employ a range of approaches and property viability software to assess scheme viability. I meticulously consider unit numbers, tenure types, local planning policies, site conditions, and constraints, with consultant cost estimates and property valuation inputs shaping the Gross Development Value (GDV). My ability to secure funding from GLA/Homes England plays a pivotal role in determining overall viability.

Furthermore, I possess extensive experience in conducting public consultations for major regeneration schemes and social/environmental improvement projects. My confident and effective communication skills enable me to present complex ideas to diverse audiences, from community meetings and public consultations to executive members and external partners. I have a proven track record of establishing collaborative multi-agency forums where collective decision-making thrives.

My adeptness in written, oral, and presentation skills has enabled me to interpret and analyse incoming information from diverse sources with precision. I am well-versed in conducting in-depth research and statistical analysis to prepare intricate reports.

I possess a comprehensive understanding of the local planning process, regularly negotiating specifications and presenting at planning committees to secure approvals. My experience extends to efficiently discharging pre-construction conditions and negotiating and finalising Section 106 agreements. During my tenure as the lead for affordable housing delivery at St Albans District Council, I engaged in successful negotiations with Homes England to secure funding. I consistently manage projects from inception to completion, ensuring regular progress reporting, budget adherence, program management, risk mitigation, and issue resolution. Any significant changes are subject to approval at the Cabinet or Committee level.

My proficiency extends to procuring consultant services and contractors within both the public and private sectors. I have presented strategies to boards and Cabinets, seeking delegated authority to expedite appointments efficiently. Two-stage procurements with PCSA have been a valuable tool in my procurement approach.

Collaborating closely with internal departments, contractors, and architects, I prioritise the clarity of building FF&E and fire safety specifications and installations. Onsite, I conduct rigorous inspections alongside appointed Clerk of Works, Principal Designer, and Client-side Design Adviser to ensure full compliance and high-quality outcomes. I adhere to all relevant handover procedures at Practical Completion, confirming the correctness of M&E installations and commissioning. My oversight extends to approving PPM and repairs and maintenance regimes in accordance with the respective team's requirements and budget constraints over an agreed-upon period.

In essence, I am deeply committed to organisational development and the continual improvement of processes and systems. My leadership style inspires team members to embrace change, enhance productivity, and elevate morale. I am an adept team and partnership builder, skilled negotiator, and proficient at persuading others to support innovative ideas. My talent for cultivating strong relationships with customers and stakeholders alike, while skilfully negotiating agreements and building consensus, has consistently delivered results aligned with common unified goals.

MSc Environmental Technology from Imperial College