At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational property services and ensure compliance across a diverse estate.
- Company: Sandwell Council, committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment where every voice matters and career development is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community facilities and heritage sites while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in capital delivery or facilities management required.
The predicted salary is between 74454 - 84792 £ per year.
Grade/Salary: Hay 1 /£74,454– £84,792
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Hours: 37 hours
Location: Sandwell Council House, Oldbury (Hybrid)
Lead delivery. Provide assurance. Keep a £1bn estate safe, compliant and working. Sandwell Council manages a complex, operationally critical estate of nearly 4,000 land and building assets – from frontline service buildings and community facilities to commercial property and heritage sites. Every day, those assets must be safe, compliant, functional and fit for purpose.
We are strengthening our senior leadership team to support a clearer Corporate Landlord model, with sharper accountability and stronger operational grip. As part of that, we are creating a new Head of Service – Property Operations role. This is a senior delivery leadership position, designed for someone who thrives on pace, complexity and accountability, and who wants to lead operational property services at scale.
The opportunity
As Head of Service – Property Operations, you will take responsibility for the delivery and day‑to‑day performance of the council’s operational property functions, including:
- Capital programme delivery – ensuring approved schemes are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to quality standards
- Hard FM and statutory compliance – providing senior assurance on fire, asbestos, gas, electrical, water hygiene, lifts and wider building safety
- Soft FM services – ensuring cleaning, caretaking, security and related services support safe, welcoming and well‑managed buildings
Working alongside a complementary Head of Service focused on strategy and performance, you will translate agreed priorities into real‑world outcomes, maintaining grip on risk, compliance, contracts and customer experience. This role is about delivery excellence, not firefighting.
What you’ll be accountable for
- Lead multidisciplinary operational teams and major suppliers across a geographically dispersed and diverse estate
- Maintain clear line‑of‑sight from compliance data to senior assurance, giving confidence to Members and corporate leadership
- Drive strong programme and contract management, intervening early where risks or performance issues emerge
- Embed consistent standards for health, safety, service quality and operational resilience
- Lead continuous improvement across FM and capital delivery models, modernising how services are commissioned and managed
- Act as a visible, accessible senior leader for operational teams, providing clarity, challenge and support
You will not be responsible for defining corporate property strategy, but you will be critical in ensuring that strategy is deliverable, safe and grounded in operational reality.
Why this role is different
- This is a new, senior role, created to strengthen delivery and reduce operational risk
- You’ll have clear ownership of operational performance and compliance with the authority to act
- You’ll operate within a clearer, more mature leadership structure, not a fragmented legacy environment
- You’ll play a central role in supporting wider service change and a future Property Transformation Programme
If you’re motivated by responsibility, visibility and impact, this role offers scale without dilution.
Who we’re looking for
- Senior leadership experience in capital delivery, facilities management or complex operational estates
- A strong grasp of statutory compliance, health and safety and operational risk
- Proven experience managing large budgets, contracts and supplier relationships
- The confidence to give clear assurance and challenge at senior leadership and Member level
- A practical, values‑led leadership style focused on delivery, accountability and continuous improvement
Public sector experience is welcome, but not essential. What matters is credibility, calm authority and delivery discipline.
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive.
Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.
If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk. If you wish to apply as a Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV. If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact sukhy_lall@sandwell.gov.uk.
Head of Service – Property Operations in Dudley employer: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Sandwell Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where senior leaders can make a tangible impact on the community through the management of a diverse £1bn estate. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees are supported in their professional growth and encouraged to contribute to a culture that values every voice. The hybrid working model and focus on operational excellence provide a unique opportunity for meaningful engagement and career advancement in a vital public service role.
Contact Details:
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service – Property Operations in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property operations field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sandwell Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our work and how you can contribute to keeping our £1bn estate safe and compliant.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your delivery skills! As a potential Head of Service, you’ll need to communicate clearly and confidently. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you refine your pitch and get comfortable with tough questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in property operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service – Property Operations in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Service – Property Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience in capital delivery and facilities management, as well as any relevant compliance knowledge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your passion for operational excellence and how you can contribute to maintaining a safe and compliant estate.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed large budgets or improved service delivery in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the operational property functions and compliance standards relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of capital programme delivery, health and safety regulations, and facilities management best practices. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and confidence during the interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your senior leadership experience, especially in managing multidisciplinary teams and large budgets. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance improvements and ensured compliance in complex operational environments. This will show that you're the right fit for leading the council's property operations.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your approach to continuous improvement and how you've modernised service delivery in previous positions. Share specific instances where you've implemented changes that led to better outcomes, as this aligns with the council's focus on delivery excellence and operational resilience.
✨Be Personable and Approachable
As a senior leader, being visible and accessible is key. During the interview, convey your values-led leadership style and how you foster a supportive environment for your teams. Highlight your ability to provide clarity and challenge while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, which is crucial for this role.
