At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile construction projects that positively impact local communities.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction management and team leadership required.
Are you an experienced construction sector professional looking to lead high-profile capital projects that make a real difference to local communities? We’re looking for a dynamic and commercially minded Property Projects Manager to lead our Corporate Property Services Projects Team and deliver a diverse portfolio of construction, refurbishment and improvement schemes across the Council’s Corporate and Community property estate.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We support hybrid working; it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle. You will be expected to attend the office regularly for the first three months of your probation period.
About The Role
Reporting to the Head of Strategic Property Services, you’ll lead a team of Building Surveyors and a Clerk of Works, while overseeing multiple capital projects valued from £1,000 to over £3 million. You’ll provide expert project management and technical leadership across a wide range of building projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget and fully compliant with relevant legislation and regulations.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Managing complex construction and refurbishment projects through the full RIBA Plan of Work
- Leading procurement and tendering processes using InTend
- Managing contractors, consultants, budgets and stakeholder relationships
- Ensuring compliance with CDM Regulations, fire safety, asbestos and building regulations
- Developing funding applications and supporting successful grant delivery
- Producing high-quality reports for senior leaders, committees and project boards
- Supporting strategic property planning and service development
About You
We’re looking for someone with substantial post-qualification experience in construction or building surveying, including team leadership and project delivery experience at a senior level.
You Will Have:
- A degree in Building Surveying, or HNC in Construction with significant relevant experience
- Proven experience managing complex capital projects and contractors
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety, CDM Regulations and construction legislation
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience in managing budgets, procurement and funding applications
- The ability to work collaboratively while driving projects forward decisively
- Experience within Local Government or the public sector would be advantageous.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Benefits:
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our Offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A Competitive Salary Alongside a Range Of Benefits Including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Yvonne Mubanga, Head of Strategic Property Services.
Closing Date: Sunday 16th August 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Centre, Reading
Property Projects Manager – Corporate Property Services in Reading employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Property Projects Manager – Corporate Property Services in Reading
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Local Government South East, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Property Projects Manager – Corporate Property Services at Local Government South East.
We think you need these skills to ace Property Projects Manager – Corporate Property Services in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government South East
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
