At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform Swale's diverse property portfolio while modernising asset management.
- Company: Swale Borough Council, a progressive local authority in Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday entitlement, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of property management and make a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: RICS qualified with experience in property and asset management.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
For experienced property professionals ready to influence strategic direction, this is a standout opportunity to lead Swale's estate at a pivotal moment. As our Estates Manager, you'll guide the transformation of a diverse property portfolio while helping embed a modern, efficient, and forward‑thinking approach to asset management.
This role goes far beyond day‑to‑day management. As an experienced qualified RICS professional, you'll steer valuations, disposals, acquisitions, landlord and tenant matters, and commercial estate management. Alongside this, you'll modernise processes, advise senior leaders, and shape the future of how we manage, review, and optimise our assets. You'll also play a central role in delivering our Property Asset Strategy—ensuring our estate generates income, supports services and contributes to wider priorities for the Borough. The role will also play an important part as local Government Reform takes shape in Kent.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Strategic Influence: Lead the implementation of Property Asset Strategy and ensure assets deliver maximum value for both the Council and the community. Play a key role as generational changes in local government are rolled out.
- Professional Leadership: Act as the council's expert on all property, valuation, and asset management matters, advising senior managers and Members on high‑profile, complex issues.
- Service Development: Help modernise systems, processes, and ways of working—and support colleagues progressing toward professional accreditation.
- Collaborative Decision Making: Work closely with the established Property Review Group, bringing senior officers together from across the Council, to support strong, evidence‑based decisions.
Total Reward: Competitive salary at Grade 10, hybrid working (34‑hour week), and a supportive, ambitious team committed to continuous improvement. A forward‑thinking Estates professional—Member or Fellow of RICS—brings experience, technical excellence, commercial awareness, and confidence advising at senior levels. You'll thrive in a varied environment, balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on management, and you'll be motivated by opportunities to improve outcomes for the organisation and the community.
If you're ready to shape Swale's property future and play a key role in delivering meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you. This is a full‑time, permanent role working 34 hours per week.
About Swale Borough Council
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset, and we're committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34‑hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work‑life balance is high on our agenda.
Our Offer
- Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
- Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close‑down of the offices between Christmas and New Year.
- Free parking.
- Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities.
- Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- Season Ticket Loan – to help with the cost of your rail/bus journey to & from work.
- Lease car salary‑sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand‑new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
- Annual flu vaccine.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping.
- Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals.
A professional fee payment, if required for the role.
Estates Manager in Westminster employer: Swale Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Swale Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Manager in Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Swale Borough Council and their Property Asset Strategy. Show us you’re not just another candidate—demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for modernising systems and driving strategy in asset management. We want to hear how you plan to lead and influence change in a collaborative environment.
✨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 you’re serious about joining our ambitious team at Swale Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager in Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in an Estates Manager, so make sure you highlight your relevant experience and skills that match our needs.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: This role is all about influencing strategic direction, so don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've driven strategy in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think big and have a vision for modernising systems and processes.
Be Authentic and Personal: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also passionate about making a difference in the community. Share your motivations and why you want to join us at Swale Borough Council.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swale Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of property management, valuations, and asset strategies. Familiarise yourself with Swale Borough Council's current projects and challenges, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Estates Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully guided teams or made strategic decisions that had a positive impact on property management.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like modernising systems or advising senior leaders. Think through potential scenarios in advance and outline your thought process and decision-making criteria.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the council's vision for the future of their property assets or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.