Programme Manager – Asset Management (6‑month interim)

About the role

This interim position will establish and lead a new Asset Planning and Intelligence function for a UK council. The role creates the evidence base, planning discipline and second‑line challenge required to support safe, decent and sustainable homes and to deliver a long‑term asset strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Set up the Asset Planning and Intelligence function in shadow form, defining purpose, scope and ways of working.
• Develop the council’s housing asset strategy and medium‑term investment priorities.
• Create a stock intelligence framework that integrates condition, repairs, compliance, resident and financial data.
• Translate evidence into a prioritized investment and capital programme aligned with statutory duties and council objectives.
• Provide second‑line challenge and quality assurance for planned and major works.
• Manage programme controls, including re‑prioritisation, risk, dependencies and exception reporting.
• Define operating frameworks, decision rights and escalation routes across Asset Planning, Repairs, Compliance and Performance.
• Incorporate resident and leaseholder insight into investment planning and disruption management.
• Strengthen commercial and procurement alignment for future investment and contract strategy.
• Improve data quality, governance and system discipline to reduce reliance on individual knowledge.
• Advise senior leaders on strategic choices, trade‑offs and risks.
• Lead and develop the staff and matrix resources supporting the function.

Required profile

• Proven experience establishing and leading asset planning or intelligence functions, preferably within housing or local government.
• Strong ability to work through direct management, functional authority and matrix structures.
• Experience advising senior leaders on strategic asset decisions and investment priorities.

Required skills

What we offer

• 6‑month interim contract with a flexible daily rate (inside IR35).
• Opportunity to shape a new strategic function within a public sector organisation.