Location:
Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2QY
Contract:
Permanent
Working Pattern:
Full Time
Hours:
37 hours per week.
DBS Check:
Yes
Closing Date:
11/11/2026 at 23:59
Reference:
H&O/26/347360
We are seeking a strategic, commercially minded Head of Estates & Assets to lead our Estates, Assets, Engineering, Buildings and Maintenance functions, and ensure our diverse portfolio delivers lasting value for our communities.
Ranked in the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit in the world, Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit.
Based in our offices in the heart of Folkestone, you’ll have easy access to transport links including HS1, Folkestone’s regenerated town centre, the seafront and old town creative quarter, and our extraordinary and vibrant landscapes and communities.
Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a real focus on supporting career development, wellbeing and family friendly initiatives, and a hybrid agile working culture that enables flexible and remote/home working.
You can also expect an excellent benefits package that includes corporate memberships, discount and salary sacrifice schemes, reimbursement of professional membership fees, up to 31 days holiday and Christmas closure, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and much, much more.
You will provide functional and operational leadership across the service areas, developing and delivering strategies, plans and programmes that support the delivery of corporate priorities, identify opportunities to maximise revenue and deliver best value, and ensure efficient and effective management of the council’s operational, commercial and open space assets.
You will bring significant senior level experience in estates, property or asset management within a public sector setting, together with a strong understanding of corporate real estate management and related statutory responsibilities. You will need to have excellent analytical, communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, sound commercial judgement, and the ability to confidently manage diverse and complex stakeholder relationships in politically sensitive environments.
Further information about the role can be found on the accompanying job description.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Estates & Assets in Bourne employer: Folkestone Hythe
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional development. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and opportunities for growth within the finance team, making it a rewarding place to contribute to local governance and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates & Assets in Bourne
✨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 Folkestone Hythe.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Folkestone Hythe? 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 Folkestone Hythe's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
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 Estates & Assets role at Folkestone Hythe, 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 Folkestone Hythe
✨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 Folkestone Hythe 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 Folkestone Hythe. 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 Folkestone Hythe.
