At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic asset management and optimise Colchester's property portfolio for community benefit.
- Company: Colchester City Council, committed to innovation and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on delivering high-quality services.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Colchester’s estate and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and significant experience in commercial real estate.
The predicted salary is between 83507 - 83507 £ per year.
Salary: £83,507 per annum
Contractual hours: 37 hours per week (hybrid – typically 1-2 days on-site each week)
Contract type: Permanent
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Asset and Commercial Lead to shape the future of Colchester City Council’s property portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Estates, you will lead a team and consultants on all aspects of strategic asset management, commercial investment, and portfolio optimisation. With responsibility for a diverse estate valued at approximately £260m, this is a pivotal leadership role that will drive income generation, unlock capital value, and support the Council’s long‑term financial sustainability. You will work closely with Members, senior leadership, and partners to deliver innovative solutions that maximise the value of our estate for residents and the wider community.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic asset management agenda, delivering a comprehensive land and property strategy that optimises performance across all asset classes.
- Develop and implement a forward‑looking investment strategy to maximise income, capital receipts, and long‑term value.
- Actively manage the council’s property portfolio, identifying opportunities for disposals, acquisitions, and repositioning to enhance value.
- Continue to develop and progress a disposals program of the land and commercial portfolio to achieve required capital receipts.
- Provide expert advice to Members and senior leaders, ensuring robust governance, effective decision‑making, and strong commercial outcomes.
- Build and lead strategic partnerships, including collaboration with neighbouring authorities and the health sector to deliver efficiencies and improved services.
- Lead and develop a high‑performing team, fostering innovation, continuous improvement, and excellent service delivery.
- Oversee third‑party suppliers and contracts, ensuring high‑quality delivery and value for money.
- Maximise the financial and operational performance of the estate, aligning property use with corporate priorities.
- Monitor and report on investment and portfolio performance, taking corrective action where required to meet targets.
About you
We are looking for a strategic leader with strong commercial acumen and a proven track record in property asset management.
Essential
- Degree‑level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field
- Hold a recognised professional qualification (e.g., RICS, RIBA, CIOB)
- Significant senior‑level experience in commercial real estate or asset management
- Expertise in portfolio optimisation and income generation
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Ability to operate effectively in a complex and politically sensitive environment
You will also bring:
- Strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into delivery
- Strong financial and analytical capability
- Experience in managing partnerships, third‑party contracts, and complex programmes
- A collaborative and resilient leadership style
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping the future of Colchester’s estate, driving innovation, delivering commercial value, and supporting high‑quality services for residents.
For more information regarding this role, please contact Rob Williams at Rob.Williams@colchester.gov.uk.
Colchester City Council has a wide range of services and facilities that can involve dealing with children or vulnerable adults. We treat our obligations for the safety of children and vulnerable adults seriously and expect our staff to be committed to the principles of our published policies and to adhere to the procedures contained within them.
Head of Asset Management & Commercial Property in Colchester employer: Colchester Borough Council
Colchester City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and innovate within the realm of asset management and commercial property. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community. Join us in shaping the future of Colchester's estate while enjoying a supportive environment that values your expertise and contributions.
Contact Details:
Colchester Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Asset Management & Commercial Property in Colchester
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Colchester Borough Council.
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Got your eye on a specific company like Colchester Borough Council? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Colchester Borough Council's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Asset Management & Commercial Property in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Head of Asset Management & Commercial Property role at Colchester Borough Council, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Borough Council
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Colchester Borough Council operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Colchester Borough Council. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Colchester Borough Council.
