Assistant Director for Estate Strategy and Development

About the role

The Council is looking for an ambitious and strategic leader to join the senior management team as Assistant Director for Estate Strategy & Development. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Property, you will shape and deliver the Council’s estate, asset management and development ambitions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and review of the Council’s Asset Management Strategy and corporate property policies.
• Ensure the land and buildings portfolio is fit for purpose, cost‑effective and future‑focused.
• Oversee estates management activities including valuation, acquisition, disposal and development, ensuring statutory compliance.
• Identify and deliver opportunities for investment, rationalisation, regeneration, income generation and flexible working.
• Sponsor and lead strategic property projects and transformation programmes with Council‑wide impact.
• Collaborate with elected Members, senior leaders and external partners on joint asset strategies and regeneration initiatives.
• Manage the Council’s Public Finance Initiative (PFI) team and contract exit process.

Required profile

• Significant senior‑level experience in estates, property services or asset management, preferably in a large or complex organisation.
• Proven experience providing strategic corporate advice to senior leaders and elected Members.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing substantial budgets and resources.
• Track record of leading change, service improvement and cross‑organisational collaboration.
• Excellent influencing, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of property legislation, regulation and best practice, with awareness of local‑government priorities.
• Successful delivery of capital development projects.
• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Corporate membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., RICS, CIOB, RIBA) and evidence of ongoing professional development.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work at the heart of the organisation, shaping how property and land assets support communities and regeneration.
• Strategic leadership role with influence across the Council.
• Professional development and membership support.