Closing Date
23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 29 November 2026
Reference
EPOP01001-1
Preston City Council is seeking an ambitious and experienced property professional to join our Environment and Property Directorate as Head of Operational Property.
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse range of professional property services, ensuring that our operational estate remains safe, compliant, sustainable and fit for purpose both now and in the future.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality services across:
- Quantity Surveying
- Building Maintenance
- Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation
- Facilities Management
As a key member of the senior management team, you will play a critical role in supporting the Council's corporate priorities through the effective management, maintenance and development of its operational property assets.
About the Role
You will lead the delivery of a comprehensive operational property service, ensuring the Council's property assets support service delivery, community outcomes and organisational resilience.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership and direction across all operational property functions.
- Managing and developing multidisciplinary professional teams.
- Ensuring the Council's operational estate remains safe, compliant and well maintained.
- Leading the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance programmes.
- Driving improvements in building performance, sustainability and energy efficiency.
- Overseeing the delivery of Operational Property services for capital projects.
- Leading the Council's Operational Property service to ensure efficient and customer-focused service delivery.
- Ensuring compliance with all statutory, regulatory and health and safety requirements.
- Supporting the development and delivery of the Council's asset management and property strategies.
- Managing significant budgets, contracts and external supplier relationships.
- Working collaboratively with elected members, senior officers, partners and stakeholders.
About You
We are looking for an inspiring leader with a strong track record in property management and the delivery of operational property services.
You will bring:
- A recognised professional qualification in a relevant discipline or the ability to demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience
- Membership of a relevant professional body (such as RICS, or equivalent) or the ability to demonstrate equivalent professional standing.
- Significant senior management experience within property, construction, estates or asset management environments.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary technical and professional teams.
- Strong knowledge of property compliance, building maintenance and health and safety legislation.
- Experience of delivering capital projects and planned maintenance programmes.
- A strong understanding of energy efficiency, sustainability and decarbonisation within the built environment.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A commitment to delivering high-quality public services and continuous improvement.
Why Join Us?
At Preston City Council, we are committed to creating a thriving city and delivering excellent services for our residents, businesses and communities.
In return, we offer:
- A rewarding and influential leadership role.
- Opportunities to shape the future of the Council's property portfolio.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Ongoing professional development and support.
- A collaborative and forward-thinking working environment.
As an employer, we value the contribution of our employees and offer an excellent range of benefits including flexi-time, hybrid working following probation, a minimum of 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, family-friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVCs, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, discounted bus and rail fares, and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.
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Head of Operational Property in Preston employer: Preston City Council
Preston City Council is an excellent employer for those passionate about nature and conservation, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and community engagement. As an Apprentice Ranger, you will gain hands-on experience in managing beautiful parks and nature reserves, with opportunities to progress to an Assistant Ranger role upon completion of your apprenticeship. Join us in making a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the unique benefits of working in a vibrant community-focused organisation.
