Strategic Property Surveyors in Essex

This is a key position within the Corporate Property team based in Grays. The postholder will support the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Council s Corporate Property Strategy. You will provide expert professional and strategic property advice across all Council departments, ensuring the Council s estate is compliant, efficiently managed, and aligned with service and corporate priorities.

This role is designed for someone with significant public-sector experience and a strong understanding of local authority governance a critical requirement for operating effectively in a political and regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Estate Management

• Support the development and implementation of the Council s Corporate Property Strategy.

• Provide strategic guidance on estate optimisation, statutory compliance, acquisitions, disposals, leases, and investment decisions.

• Lead and contribute to strategic asset reviews, ensuring long-term planning aligns with corporate objectives.

Professional Property Advisory

• Provide expert advice on valuations, rent reviews, lease renewals, negotiations, and landlord/tenant matters.

• Ensure all property decisions comply with relevant legislation, best practice, and public-sector asset management principles.

• Commission and manage external professional advisors when required.

Public-Sector Support & Collaboration

• Work closely with Council departments including housing, regeneration, education, and social care to interpret service needs and provide effective property solutions.

• Support strategic projects, capital programmes, and regeneration initiatives with property intelligence.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior management, service leads, and elected members.

Governance, Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare high-quality reports, business cases, and committee papers for senior leadership and elected members.

• Navigate local authority governance processes confidently, ensuring transparency, accountability, and due process.

• Maintain accurate asset data and contribute to corporate reporting, audits, and statutory returns.

Financial, Performance & Risk Management

• Monitor estate performance, utilisation, income, and running costs in line with public-sector financial controls.

• Identify and manage risks related to compliance, asset condition, and statutory obligations.

• Support the development and monitoring of budgets, ensuring value-for-money decisions.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Significant experience working within a public-sector property or estates function.

• Local authority governance experience

• Degree in Property, Real Estate, Surveying, or related field.

• RICS membership (MRICS/AssocRICS) or strong progress toward qualification.

• Strong understanding of public-sector legislation, compliance, and asset management frameworks.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic estate management, valuations, lease negotiations, and property transactions.

• Excellent report-writing and presentation skills for senior officers and elected members.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills across all levels.

Desirable

• Experience within a politically sensitive environment.

• Knowledge of regeneration, capital programmes, and service transformation projects.

• Familiarity with property management systems and data-driven estate decision-making.