He has previously worked as a consultant on projects for central and local government, as well as working directly for housing associations in Manchester and London. During this time, he also gained an MSc in Housing from the London School of Economics and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Housing.

Between 2009 and 2019 Chris has been Chief Executive at Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation, which manages 2,000 homes and estate services on behalf of Leeds City Council. During this period he also spent a year as interim CEO at West North West Homes in Leeds.