Head of Estates and Facilities in Suffolk

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.

• 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.

• 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.