Head of Property and Assets Role

The Corporate Property Assets service is the Council's in-house property consultancy. We manage a multi-million portfolio of properties through a Corporate Landlord model, ensuring that the portfolio is fit for purpose and supports the delivery of the Cumberland Council plan.

This is a pivotal leadership position that requires a strategic thinker and operational leader with a strong financial acumen. As Head of Property and Assets, you will provide strategic direction, operational management, and financial control for the service. You will lead a team responsible for:

• Managing a Diverse Property Portfolio: The portfolio includes properties that provide accommodation for front-line service delivery, generate income through an investment portfolio, and support regeneration initiatives.
• Delivering High Quality Services: You will be accountable for the performance of the service and ensure the delivery of high-quality strategic aims.
• Building a Cohesive Team: You will bring together the former county and district council property teams, creating a unified and customer-focused culture.
• Negotiating Complex Transactions: You will act as the Council's lead property negotiator for complex transactions.
• Financial Management: You will manage significant property-related budgets, ensuring delivery against financial responsibilities and adhering to financial regulations.
• Strategic Leadership: You will be a key contributor to the development and implementation of the Council's Corporate Property Strategy, ensuring the property estate is safe, fit for purpose, and aligned with the Council's overall vision.
• Embracing Innovation: You will champion the use of new technology to improve service delivery and generate cost savings.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Corporate Property Assets service, ensuring alignment with the Council's strategic objectives.
• Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the service, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Financial Control: Manage property-related budgets, ensuring financial accountability and achieving cost-effective outcomes.
• Team Leadership: Build a high-performing and customer-focused team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and joint working.
• Property Transactions: Lead on complex property transactions, ensuring value for money and alignment with the Council's strategic objectives.
• Corporate Landlord Model: Lead the development and implementation of the Council's Corporate Landlord approach, ensuring centralised and effective management of property transactions.
• Property Strategy: Lead the development and implementation of the Council's Corporate Property Strategy, ensuring the property estate is safe, fit for purpose, and a clear direction of travel is established for all assets.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Qualified to degree level with considerable experience of managing a diverse property service in a large public and/or private sector organisation, managing strategy development in a high-profile service, subject to scrutiny by local communities, the media, and politicians.
• Recognised management qualification or extensive experience.
• A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS or FRICS).
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development.
• Proven track record of success in leading and managing a large property portfolio.
• Extensive experience in property transactions, including acquisition, disposal, and lease negotiations.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget control, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality services and achieving organizational objectives.
• Experience in the public sector, particularly in local government.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices in property management.