At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse property portfolio and drive strategic asset management for Ipswich Borough Council.
- Company: Join Ipswich Borough Council, a forward-thinking organisation focused on growth and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, hybrid working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while managing a significant property portfolio.
- Qualifications: MRICS qualified with experience in property management and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 56233 - 60010 £ per year.
About Ipswich
Ipswich is one of England's fastest-growing regional centres, combining a rich heritage with ambitious plans for the future.
With major regeneration initiatives, significant external investment and a strong focus on economic growth, housing delivery and sustainability, there has never been a more exciting time to join the Council.
The Council's property strategy is centred on the optimisation of assets, delivery of income growth, regeneration and investment opportunities, ensuring the estate plays a central role in supporting the Borough's long-term ambitions.
Your new company
I'm pleased to be partnering exclusively with Ipswich Borough Council, who are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded property professional to join its senior leadership team as Head of Estates and Facilities.
This is a rare opportunity to take strategic ownership of a diverse and high-profile property portfolio comprising approximately 500 assets valued at £110 million, generating around £3.3 million in annual income.
The team manage a diverse portfolio which includes commercial offices, retail and industrial assets, parks, farmland, churches, marinas, community facilities, operational buildings, heritage assets and other unique property holdings across the Borough.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Place, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 27 estates, property, facilities management and maintenance professionals, ensuring the Council's assets support service delivery, drive regeneration, maximise income and create lasting value for residents, businesses and communities.
Your new role
As Head of Estates and Facilities, you will act as the Council's senior property professional and Corporate Property Officer, providing strategic advice to senior officers and elected members on all matters relating to the Council's estate.
You will be responsible for ensuring that the Council's property portfolio is managed effectively, efficiently and commercially whilst supporting wider corporate and community objectives.
You will lead on
- Strategic asset management and estate optimisation
- Commercial portfolio management, including lettings, rent reviews, lease renewals and disposals
- Facilities Management across the Council's headquarters and operational estate
- Repairs and maintenance delivery across the corporate portfolio
- Asset valuation, acquisitions and disposals
- Capital programme and investment planning
- Property-related compliance, governance and risk management
- Development and implementation of the Council's Asset Management Strategy
- Identifying opportunities for income growth, regeneration and service improvement
- Building and leading a high-performing, customer-focused property service
- What you'll need to succeed
We are looking for a highly credible property leader who can combine commercial acumen with strong public sector values. You will be:
- MRICS qualified with a strong commitment to continuing professional development
- An experienced property professional with significant post-qualification experience
- An accomplished leader with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex property portfolios
- Comfortable operating within a politically sensitive environment and engaging with senior stakeholders
- Experienced in asset management, landlord and tenant matters, acquisitions, disposals and strategic estate planning
- Experience in delivering income generation, cost reduction and service transformation programmes
- Skilled in developing asset management strategies, capital programmes and business case
- A confident communicator capable of influencing senior leaders, elected members and external partners
- Passionate about developing teams, driving performance and fostering a collaborative culture Experience within local government or a similar complex public sector environment would be highly advantageous.
- What you'll get in return
This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future of Ipswich, influencing how a significant and varied estate is utilised to generate income, support communities, facilitate regeneration and deliver excellent public services.
You'll join an ambitious organisation with a clear vision for growth and a commitment to maximising the value of its assets whilst creating positive outcomes for residents and businesses alike.
Benefits include
- Salary up to £82,500
- 37 hours per week
- Entrance to the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 31 after 5 years' service
- Hybrid working available
- Subsidised car parking
- A relocation package up to £8,000 for an owner occupier is available (terms apply)
- Discounted public transport season tickets are available
- Regular support and coaching, you'll also have a learning and development framework linked to the IBC values.
- What you need to do now
Please get in contact with John Martin, the exclusive recruitment partner to Ipswich Borough Council, for this Head of Estates and Facilities recruitment.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.
- By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be
- TPBN1_UKTJ
Head of Estates and Facilities in Ipswich employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates and Facilities in Ipswich
✨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 Hays.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Hays? 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 Hays's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates and Facilities in Ipswich
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 and Facilities role at Hays, 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 Hays
✨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 Hays 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 Hays. 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 Hays.
