Assistant Director for Estate Strategy and Development / Head of Estates

Assistant Director for Estate Strategy and Development / Head of Estates

Assistant Director for Estate Strategy and Development / Head of Estates

An excellent opportunity for a senior property and estates leader to shape a major land and property portfolio, supporting service delivery, regeneration, economic development and long-term value for communities.

If you've also worked in the following roles, we'd also like to hear from you: Assistant Director of Estates, Head of Property, Director of Estates, Estates Director, Head of Asset Management, Property Director, Head of Property Services, Senior Estates Manager, Asset Management Director, Head of Corporate Property

JOB TYPE

Full-Time, Fixed Term Contract (Pending restructure 12 months from start date)

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic opportunity for a strategic and ambitious Head of Estates to join a senior management team on a fixed-term contract, pending restructure.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Property, the Head of Estates will lead the Estate Management and Property Commissioning and Development functions, providing strategic direction and operational leadership across a diverse, high-value property portfolio.

This visible senior leadership role will enable the Head of Estates to ensure land and buildings are fit for purpose, cost-effective and future-focused, while supporting corporate priorities, financial sustainability, service transformation and regeneration.

The post is designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

DUTIES

• Estate Strategy Leadership: Lead the development, implementation and review of asset management strategies, corporate property policies and estate plans
• Portfolio Management: Ensure the land and buildings portfolio supports current and future service delivery in the most effective and efficient way
• Estates Oversight: Oversee estate management activity including valuation, acquisition, disposal, development and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Investment and Rationalisation: Identify and deliver opportunities for investment, portfolio optimisation, income generation, flexible working and regeneration
• Strategic Projects: Sponsor, oversee and lead property projects, change programmes and transformation activity with organisation-wide impact
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with senior leaders, Members, public bodies, external partners and providers to deliver shared asset strategies and joint initiatives
• Financial and Contract Leadership: Manage substantial budgets, resources and priorities, including oversight of the public finance initiative team and contract exit process
• Carbon Reduction: Provide strategic advice on reducing carbon emissions and generating income from the corporate estate in line with climate change objectives

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Significant senior-level experience within estates, property services or asset management in a large or complex organisation
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience
• Corporate membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, CIOB or RIBA
• Proven experience of leading multi-disciplinary property teams and senior property professionals
• Strong experience providing strategic corporate advice on property and estates matters to senior leaders and elected Members
• Experience of leading service improvement, change, transformation and cross-organisational collaboration
• Proven ability to manage substantial budgets, resources, competing priorities and performance frameworks
• Strong financial management, strategic planning, evaluation, influencing and negotiation skills
• In-depth knowledge of property legislation, regulations and best practice relating to strategic estate and asset development
• Understanding of national and local government developments, policy, priorities and emerging trends
• Experience of delivering capital development projects
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners and suppliers
• Evidence of continuing professional, management and leadership development

BENEFITS

• 34 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi-time scheme for many of our roles
• Comprehensive wellbeing support, including occupational health, counselling and physiotherapy services
• Learning and development opportunities, including professional qualifications and career progression
• Access to rewards, offering discounts across travel, tech, groceries and more
• Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice schemes

JOB REF: AWDO-C14989