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We have an excellent opportunity for a Head of Estates to join our Property team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.
As the Head of Estates, you will act as the principal advisor on the strategic and day-to-day management of the Council\'s property portfolio. You will oversee the implementation of the Council\'s Asset Management Plan, ensure the Council meets its responsibilities as a Corporate Landlord, and drive value for money across a diverse estate.
You will lead and develop the Estates team, providing professional leadership, supporting staff development, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality estates management, valuation, and technical advice.
A key part of your role will include managing budgets, overseeing acquisitions and disposals, leading the Asset Review process, and supporting sustainability and carbon-reduction initiatives across the portfolio.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic individual with a clear vision, strong leadership skills and drive to meet the needs of Wokingham\'s community.
Staff Benefits
Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it\'s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:
Generous Annual Leave - 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
Local Government Pension Scheme
GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
Move through Menopause Course
Sports & Social Group Activities - Including running, football, cricket & more
Learning & Development Opportunities
Employee Networks
And more!
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the Council\'s key advisor for the strategic and day to day management of the Council\'s Estate
- Have responsibility for the production, implementation and monitoring of the Council\'s Asset Management Plan
- Lead and manage the Corporate Landlord Model function across the organisation to ensure the Best Value and most efficient use of the Council\'s property portfolio for service delivery
- Set, monitor and manage the commercial property portfolio and Estates team budgets, including maximizing income and managing capital budgets and investment
- Contributes to the senior leadership of the Commercial Property department and the organisation
Candidate Requirements
- Chartered membership of RICS
- RICS Registered Valuer (desirable)
- Experience in local government Estates management
- Experience of identifying, developing and delivering opportunities for improving the service
- Significant experience of leading the development and delivery of policies and strategies
Our Area
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.
We\'re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Click the link below and Apply Today!
Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Sarah Morgan, Service Director - Commercial Property via email Sarah.Morgan@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).
Closing date: Sunday 21st December 2025 at 11pm
Interview date: TBC
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.
If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates in Wokingham
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Head of Estates role at Wokingham Jobs, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Jobs
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Wokingham Jobs operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Wokingham Jobs. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Wokingham Jobs.
