Interim Head of Asset Management (Property) - Local Authority

As the Head of Property Management Services, you will provide strategic leadership to the Property and Asset Management team, ensuring the efficient management and optimisation of the Council's property portfolio. Working collaboratively with other Heads of Service and Directors, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of Council objectives by overseeing estates planning, asset management, and ensuring all property-related matters are handled in a professional, cost-effective, and compliant manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction of the Property and Asset Management team, ensuring effective delivery of estates planning and management services.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous review of the Council’s corporate property and estate strategy.
• Manage the Council's property portfolio, including acquisitions, disposals, lease renewals, rent reviews, and asset valuations.
• Ensure the Corporate Landlord function is implemented across all Council-owned properties (excluding HRA/Housing assets).
• Provide property-related advice to the Council, ensuring compliance with statutory and professional standards, whether undertaken internally or by external advisers.
• Develop and maintain the Council’s asset management plan, aligning property strategies with the Council’s overall corporate objectives.
• Lead on strategic projects related to property development, disposal, and acquisition, ensuring that governance, business cases, and financial targets are met.
• Monitor and manage departmental budgets, ensuring alignment with forecasted income and operational costs.
• Ensure that all statutory valuations (e.g., Right to Buy, Environmental Health, Housing Stock Assets) are completed in accordance with legislation and agreed timelines.

Corporate Accountabilities:

• Take a “One Council” approach to service delivery, avoiding siloed or single-department methods.
• Lead and model the Council's leadership framework, fostering a high-performance culture across teams.
• Manage staff performance, ensuring compliance with HR policies and the Council’s performance management systems.
• Oversee budgets, providing strategic plans to align with the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
• Ensure the effective management of data and compliance with GDPR, the Freedom of Information Act, and other legal frameworks.
• Participate in cross-organisational risk management and emergency planning activities as needed.

Service Accountabilities:

• Conduct regular reviews of Council-owned assets to assess suitability for disposal and contribute to the achievement of MTFS targets.
• Ensure the Council’s capital receipts programme is aligned with financial goals.
• Manage relationships with external property advisers and legal advisers, ensuring procurement processes support property functions efficiently.
• Ensure corporate properties are fit for purpose and maintained in accordance with the Council’s Property Strategy.

Key Stakeholder Relationships:

• Internal: Councillors, Corporate Leadership Team, Council Directors, Heads of Service.
• External: Government Departments, Strategic Partners, Professional Bodies, Trade Unions, MPs, Commercial Lessees, Property Developers.

Political Restrictions: This post is politically restricted, meaning the postholder cannot have an active political role inside or outside of work.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: Property professional qualification in a property/build environment discipline (e.g., MRICS, RIBA). Detailed working knowledge of property management and legislation, especially within a local authority context.
• Experience: Proven track record in leading strategic teams and delivering property-related services in a local authority or large complex organisation. Experience in managing commercial property portfolios, including lease renewals, acquisitions, disposals, and asset management. Expertise in developing and implementing property and asset management strategies.
• Knowledge and Skills: Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of building relationships at all levels. Leadership skills to inspire, motivate, and build a high-performing team culture. Expertise in data analysis, project management (e.g., PRINCE2), and strategic decision-making. Knowledge of public-private partnership (PPP/PFI) projects and local authority governance structures.

Corporate Values:

• One Team: Collaborate across boundaries to achieve shared goals.
• Proud to Serve: Strive for excellence in service delivery and value for taxpayers’ money.
• Honest and Open: Build trust through transparency and accountability.
• Taking Responsibility: Encourage ownership and recognise contributions.
• Valuing Diversity: Respect and utilise the diverse perspectives across the Council.