Property Director -UHNW Rural Estates and Land in City of London

We are seeking an exceptional Property Director to take strategic and operational responsibility for a substantial and diverse rural property portfolio owned by a high-profile private organisation. This is a senior leadership role offering full oversight of capital development, asset management, and long-term estate strategy across multiple rural estates. The successful candidate will work closely with the Estate Director and lead an in-house professional team, while directing best-in-class external advisers and contractors.

The role offers rare exposure to complex heritage assets, agricultural infrastructure, residential and commercial property, and significant capital projects — with the autonomy to shape outcomes and add long-term value.

• Development & Capital Projects
  • Lead capital expenditure projects across multiple rural estates, managing the full lifecycle from concept and feasibility through design, planning, procurement, delivery, and handover.
  • Define clear project objectives and ensure focus, quality, and value throughout.
  • Oversee tendering processes, including preparation of client briefs, schedules of works, and contractor selection.
  • Manage and administer contracts, with experience of the JCT suite advantageous.
  • Carry out regular site inspections across development projects and the wider portfolio.
• Asset & Estate Management
  • Direct the asset management of a large rural property portfolio (200+ assets), including residential, commercial, agricultural, and mixed-use property.
  • Develop and implement business plans, leasing strategies, refurbishment programmes, and tenant management approaches.
  • Ensure assets are managed proactively, sustainably, and in alignment with long-term estate objectives.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Management
  • Line manage in-house building surveyors and coordinate multidisciplinary external consultant teams.
  • Build strong, trusted relationships with tenants, professional advisers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
  • Encourage innovation, challenge conventional approaches, and foster a collaborative, value-driven culture.
• Financial & Commercial Oversight
  • Monitor and control project and estate budgets to meet cost, value, and performance targets.
  • Interrogate proposals from consultants and contractors to secure optimal commercial and technical outcomes.
  • Track, analyse, and report key project and asset performance metrics.
• Reporting & Governance
  • Prepare and present project updates, financial reports, and risk assessments to the Estate Director.
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of the “how” and “why” behind recommendations, providing concise and confident advice to support decision-making.
  • Share lessons learned across projects and teams to drive continuous improvement.

You will be a commercially astute, highly credible property professional with the gravitas and discretion required for a senior private-estate appointment. You will bring:

• 8+ years’ experience in property development or project management, ideally within a rural estates environment.
• Strong working knowledge of rural property, estate infrastructure, and agricultural contexts (advantageous).
• Demonstrable experience delivering complex capital projects and managing large property portfolios.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. RICS) combined with robust project management expertise.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
• A highly organised, analytical, and financially literate mindset, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A professional, personable, and confident presence, capable of representing a high-profile private organisation.
• The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and handle sensitive matters with absolute discretion.