Principal Asset Manager

We’re looking for an experienced Principal Asset Manager to help us optimise Enfield’s diverse commercial estate and support the delivery of excellent services for our residents. You’ll play a key role in managing and maximising income from a substantial commercial portfolio (part of a wider non‑housing portfolio of over 1,100 assets, including c.625 commercial properties and a commercial investment portfolio currently generating around £8m p.a.). Reporting to the Head of Estates, you’ll lead on complex commercial asset management work, provide expert professional advice, and help shape and implement our Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) and Commercial Asset Strategy.

About the role:

• Proactively manage a defined commercial asset portfolio (e.g. retail, industrial, rural or mixed‑use), ensuring it is fully occupied, well-balanced and delivering optimal return.
• Lead and manage a wide range of commercial property transactions, including lettings, lease renewals, rent reviews, service charges, landlord consents, dilapidations, breaches of covenant and income/debt management.
• Identify opportunities to increase income, reduce voids and manage risk, ensuring full market rent is achieved wherever appropriate.
• Support and challenge colleagues to develop innovative approaches to the use and optimisation of assets, including re‑purposing assets and creating new income streams.
• Work closely with the Head of Estates and Head of Disposals on option appraisals, disposals, acquisitions, development agreements and joint ventures, including business plans for vacant, surplus and retained assets.
• Contribute to annual asset valuations and ensure compliance with RICS and CIPFA guidance, working closely with Finance on capital accounting requirements.
• Provide specialist property advice to senior officers and Members, and support major regeneration and development schemes in the borough.
• Represent the Head of Estates and deputise when required, including attending internal and external meetings, committees and partnerships.
• Help champion our corporate values and behaviours within Property Services – building a culture of trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and high performance.

About you:

• We’re looking for someone who can combine strong technical expertise with confident leadership and excellent stakeholder skills.
• Extensive experience in asset/estate management and commercial/public sector surveying, including valuations, acquisitions and disposals, rent reviews, lease renewals, ratings, compensation and estate management across a diverse commercial or mixed‑use portfolio.
• A proven track record of managing large commercial/investment portfolios to generate growth, maximise income and realise commercial potential.
• Experience of successfully delivering projects and programmes to time and budget, managing competing demands and external consultants where required.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills – able to interpret complex data, see the bigger picture and make informed decisions.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, report‑writing and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex property issues clearly to a range of audiences, including senior officers, Members, partners and tenants.
• A good understanding of relevant legislation (e.g. Local Government Act, Landlord and Tenant Act, Health & Safety legislation) and sound commercial and financial acumen.
• The ability to engage, coach and motivate others, setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback.
• Experience of working collaboratively across services and with external partners, and an understanding of the political context and role of elected Members.

Qualifications:

• Member or Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS or FRICS) with several years’ post‑qualification experience.
• A relevant RICS‑approved property‑related degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• A clean UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or suitable alternative travel arrangements) for site visits.

Benefits:

• An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Up to 32 days annual leave depending on grade and length of service.
• You will also get eight public holidays per year and an extra day off at Christmas.
• A blend of remote and office based working for most roles.
• Interest free season ticket loan repayable over three or ten months.
• Career development and learning experiences from a range of training courses and learning methods.
• Employee Assistance Programme to provide advice and counselling services.
• Health and leisure discounts and tax‑free bikes for work.
• 1 month’s paid sabbatical for registered Social Workers working in Children’s Social Care.