Strategic Property and Asset Manager in St. Albans

St Albans City and District Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced Strategic Property and Asset Manager to lead the Council's property function. This role encompasses strategic planning, development, and management of the Council's non-housing property portfolios (operational, leisure & heritage, community and commercial assets). This will include ensuring the optimal use and management of the Council's estate, maximising financial and social returns while aligning with corporate and political priorities. There will be a particular focus on the Council's strategic asset management plan and the role also has oversight of the Council's commercial landlord function. The role is key to the effective delivery of professional advisory, valuation, and transactional services across the Council's portfolios.

This is an exciting senior role which belongs to the job family of Service Manager as such the role holder will be a member of the Council's Wider Leadership Team (WLT).

About you

It is essential that you are a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. We expect that you will bring a proven record of accomplishment from within the property sector. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience of operating as a service manager in a complex organisation, with a strong understanding of property and asset management principles, ideally in a local government setting. Knowledge and understanding of property valuations is essential. You will possess excellent people skills allied with the proven ability to listen, explain, negotiate and influence. You will be an enthusiastic, skilled subject matter expert with excellent presentation and report writing skills. You'll need analytical and communication skills, political acumen, and the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels. The ability to effectively operate in a political environment with substantial practical and procedural knowledge of public sector practice is key.

The Council's property function is a small team with a large remit, the post holder must therefore be willing and able to get stuck in and deliver their own broad case load of transactions. At the same time, as the most senior surveyor at the Council, the post holder must be comfortable operating at a strategic level, setting the direction for the wider team as well as being an experienced and competent manager of other managers. A forward-thinker with a strong customer focus, you'll drive forward digital improvements while fostering innovation and performance improvement. Above all, you'll embody the Council's values and behaviours and deliver the best outcomes for our residents.

You will be required to attend evening meetings and evening and weekend working as needed from time to time. There is a requirement for you to also be available as part of the Council's emergency planning arrangements, which requires you to be a first aider and fire warden, and you must have the ability to travel around the Borough.

St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1 the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and award winning market and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short it is a great place to live and work.

In addition to working within a great team and a competitive salary you will have access to:

• 30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with current employer contribution up to 19.7 percent employer contributions.
• Flexible working options.
• Staff Parking Permit.
• Reimbursement of professional fees.
• Comprehensive development and training.
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres.
• Access to discounts and benefits via online platform.

This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.

To apply

Please select the apply button on the vacancy and follow the steps below: Complete an online application and in the supporting statement section, ensure you explain what you would bring to the role and how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification. A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert for this role. The person specification sets out the criteria we use to assess applicants. The Council reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly. The application process is likely to involve a technical assessment between the shortlisting and interview stages, candidates rejected following the technical assessment will not be taken forward for interview.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th May 2025. Interviews are scheduled for w/c: Monday 19th May 2025. NOTE: Interviews are conducted throughout the application process. We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

You may also have experience in the following: Property Manager, Property Management, Project Management, Property Services, Manager, Housing, Housing Management, Strategic Management, Asset Management, Chartered Surveyor, RICS, Property Valuer, etc.