Principal Strategic Asset Manager

Hackney Council needs to rebalance its portfolio of temporary accommodation (TA). The cost of spot purchased (nightly let) has increased substantially in recent years, significantly contributing to the overspend in the TA budget. This financial strain is unsustainable, placing immense pressure on the Council’s finances. As part of the Council’s comprehensive strategy to address the increasing cost of temporary accommodation, we are seeking a Principal Strategic Asset Manager to play a pivotal role in sourcing and acquiring new TA to meet this critical need and secure long-term, cost-effective TA solutions.

Hackney Council is working on various mitigation strategies, including the acquisition of new hostels and houses/flats, lease agreements including pre-lets, and exploring grant opportunities to support these supply initiatives. The key to achieving sustainable, long-term solutions lies in the proactive expansion of Hackney’s temporary accommodation stock. The Principal Strategic Asset Manager will support the existing small team in its proactive acquisition at scale of additional TA accommodation and the management of existing programmes of delivery and negotiations.

You will be responsible for the successful delivery of the business objectives of the Benefits and Homeless Prevention team in order to contribute to the achievement of the Mayor’s priorities and the Council’s corporate objectives while working within the scope of the Council’s Strategic Asset Management governance. This role will involve building and supporting relationships with agents, developers, and investors to position Hackney as a serious, reliable acquirer in the property market. By being part of the Strategic Asset Management Team dedicated to TA, the postholder will ensure the Council is well‑equipped to meet the property needs of its homeless residents while reducing the financial burden on the Council.

• The strategy and execution of property acquisitions (freehold and leasehold) to meet temporary accommodation needs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including property agents, developers, and investors.
• Expand and support the pipeline of property acquisitions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to explore and implement building and construction initiatives for additional TA stock.
• Contribute to the broader homelessness strategy by providing insight into market trends and identifying cost‑saving opportunities.
• Help the Council achieve its goal of reducing reliance on high‑cost nightly accommodation by acquiring new properties for TA.

The ideal candidate will have experience in residential property acquisition, with a strong track record in negotiating deals and securing property in a competitive market. A strategic thinker, the Principal Strategic Asset Manager will need to have a good understanding of the property market, especially in London. Knowledge of the TA sector would be beneficial but is not essential. Strong relationship‑building skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to navigate complex financial and legal frameworks are also essential.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency-based questions.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Prior to applying for a vacancy for a secondment opportunity, please liaise with your line manager and inform them of your interest in applying for the role.

Closing date for applications: 25 January 2025 (22:59)

Interview date: 03 February 2026

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently underrepresented in our workforce.

Hackney Works is a dedicated employment support service that offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team for support: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk