Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic asset management and optimise the Council's property portfolio for sustainable growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Council dedicated to inclusive and sustainable development in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community wealth and environmental goals while shaping the future of Cambridge.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field, strong strategy management experience, and expertise in property management.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
6 months contract with possible extension up to 2 years
37 Hours per week
Location - Cambridge - CB2 1BY, Hybrid working
Group Purpose
The Economy and Place Group exists to enable Cambridge to grow sustainably as an inclusive place to live, work, and visit. This is achieved by working collaboratively across the Council, alongside businesses, communities, and economic partnerships, to maximise economic, social, and environmental benefits for the city.
The Role
The Strategic Asset Lead is a newly created strategic position reporting to the Director for Economy and Place. The role works closely with the wider Economy & Place management team, particularly the Chief Property Surveyor.
The postholder will take a holistic, council-wide view of all City Council assets (administrative, operational, commercial, and key housing elements). You will provide strategic advice on asset retention, refurbishment, repurposing, or disposal, while shaping the Council's overall compliance approach.
You will operate within new governance arrangements chaired by the Director for Economy and Place, alongside the Chief Financial Officer, to deliver a coordinated, council-wide asset strategy. This includes advising the leadership team and Cabinet on how to optimise asset value, ensure compliance, and align decisions with long-term strategic priorities such as environmental commitments and community wealth building.
The role involves maintaining a comprehensive overview of the Council's property and land portfolio and leading the implementation of agreed strategies. Additionally, you will champion the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, to improve efficiency, support data-driven decision-making, and enhance energy and retrofit strategies. This role extends beyond traditional property management and requires strong cross-functional collaboration. You will engage internal and external stakeholders, balancing financial and property objectives with broader council priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Asset Management
- Develop a coherent, council-wide understanding of asset requirements aligned with operational, commercial, social, and environmental objectives.
- Update and enhance the Council's Asset Management Plan (AMP) to ensure assets are fit for purpose, compliant, cost-effective, and sustainable.
- Work closely with the CFO and Finance Team to develop a forward-looking investment pipeline, ensuring capital expenditure delivers maximum value and aligns with corporate priorities such as Net Zero, placemaking, and community wealth building.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Strategy Development
- Collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Chief Property Surveyor and Assistant Director of Development, to shape future asset and commercial property strategies.
- Support the development of business cases and secure funding or investment across the Council's asset base, including relevant Housing Revenue Account (HRA) assets.
- Net Zero Leadership
- Lead the coordination, content, and management of the Council's Net Zero Board.
- Drive strategic decision-making to ensure the property portfolio contributes to achieving the Council's Net Zero target by 2030.
- Placemaking & Asset Optimisation
- Leverage the Council's assets to support placemaking objectives.
- Work collaboratively across departments, including Greater Cambridge Shared Planning, to align asset use with wider development goals.
- Partnerships & External Collaboration
- Build and maintain partnerships with key public and private sector organisations.
- Collaborate with stakeholders such as the Head of Economy, Energy & Climate, Greater Cambridge Partnership, University of Cambridge, and the Cambridge Business Improvement District to deliver shared objectives.
Role Dimensions and Additional Information
- Group & Team: Economy and Place Group
- Line Management Responsibility: Likely to include 1 x Band 5 Property Surveyor (TBC)
- Contractual Work Base: Mandela House / Flexible
- Budget Responsibility: Small direct budget; advisory responsibility over a £165m property portfolio
- Grade: 8
- Date Evaluated/Updated: February 2025
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree/Diploma (or Postgraduate Diploma) recognised by RICS with current MRICS (or equivalent)
- Strong experience in strategy and programme management
- Proven ability in business case development and financial analysis
- Experience managing large property portfolios and commercial assets
- Expertise in property management systems, valuation tools, and databases
- Experience in flexible accommodation and innovative asset use
- Strong understanding of sustainability, economic development, placemaking, and community agendas
- Demonstrated line management capability
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience incorporating social and environmental value into investment decisions
- Experience leading retrofit programmes within complex organisations
- Strong problem-solving and programme management skills
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all organisational levels
- Proven ability to advise and influence senior leaders and elected members
Strategic Asset Manager in Cambridge employer: Impellam
Contact Detail:
Impellam Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Asset Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their goals, especially around sustainability and community engagement, so you can show how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in strategic asset management can help the council achieve its objectives. Tailor your examples to highlight your expertise in property management and stakeholder collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Asset Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Asset Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in strategy management and asset optimisation, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Use specific examples from your past work that relate to strategic asset management and stakeholder engagement to catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This makes it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Impellam
✨Know Your Assets
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the Council's asset management strategies. Familiarise yourself with their current portfolio and any recent developments in sustainable practices. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past where you've successfully developed or implemented strategic asset management plans. Highlight your ability to balance financial objectives with social and environmental priorities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think of ways you've effectively collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share stories that demonstrate your communication skills and ability to influence decisions at all levels, especially when it comes to complex projects.
✨Embrace Innovation
Since the role involves championing emerging technologies, come prepared with insights on how AI and data-driven decision-making can enhance asset management. Discuss any relevant experiences where you've integrated innovative solutions into your work.