MRICS Development & Estate Manager-Local Authority

Job Description:

Development & Estate ManagerProperty Services | Local AuthoritySalary: up to £69000 (Grade 15 commensurate with experience)Contract: PermanentLocation: Hybrid / Flexible Working Available
About the RoleWe are seeking a highly experienced Development & Estate Manager to play a pivotal role in the strategic leadership, management and commercial performance of the Council's property estate.Reporting into the senior management team within Property Services, you will lead the development and delivery of a holistic, commercially focused approach to asset management and development. This will include managing costs, generating income, securing capital receipts and developing new commercial initiatives and delivery models to support the Council's strategic priorities and service delivery objectives.You will manage a diverse portfolio of land and property, working through teams of in‑house professionals and external advisors, and provide senior‑level advice to elected Members, Corporate Boards and external partners.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a commercial asset management and development strategy, ensuring optimal use of the Council's property resources.
• Ensure that property assets are fit for purpose, deliver best consideration and align with corporate priorities and service delivery plans.
• Oversee strategic planning and development activity, including assessing the suitability of sites for development and regeneration.
• Develop and implement acquisition, disposal and investment strategies and programmes, identifying surplus or under‑performing assets and delivering value‑add initiatives or disposal strategies.
• Manage and coordinate external advisors, consultants and legal professionals to ensure the timely and effective completion of transactions and development projects.
• Promote and embed best practice in asset management and development, leading the evolution of policies, procedures and professional standards.
• Oversee the planning, management and monitoring of capital and revenue programmes and budgets, ensuring strong financial governance and value for money.
• Provide strategic property advice and guidance to the Council, elected Members, customers, stakeholders and external partners, including deputising for the Head of Service when required.
• Lead the performance management of the investment portfolio, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the production of regular reporting to the Corporate Property Steering Group, government departments and other relevant bodies.
• Manage resources effectively across people, ICT systems, budgets and property assets.
• Oversee the development, maintenance and effective use of a centralised asset management information system to support high‑quality, evidence‑based decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Council policies and procedures, including health & safety, statutory compliance, energy efficiency initiatives and information governance.
• Demonstrate the Council's values and a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Experience & Knowledge Required

• Extensive experience of leading asset management and development strategies across a mixed commercial and / or rural estate, including construction and building functions, operating at a senior or lead level.
• Proven experience of embedding a commercial culture, including managing costs, generating income, securing capital receipts and developing new commercial initiatives and delivery models.
• Demonstrable experience in the development and implementation of corporate and operational strategies of significant organisational impact.
• A strong track record of developing, managing and delivering capital and revenue programmes and budgets.
• Experience of cultivating and leading best practice, driving continuous improvement within asset management and development services.
• Strong experience in the use of data and asset management systems to support high performance, governance and evidence‑based decision-making.
• MRICS membership

Knowledge

• A high level of understanding of property acquisitions and disposals at both strategic and operational levels.
• Extensive knowledge of landlord and tenant law, with a good working understanding of national and local planning legislation and planning policy.
• Strong knowledge of the public sector environment, including the drivers for transformation and change in local government and how these affect councils and their partners.

Why Join Us

• A senior and influential role shaping the future of the Council's property estate
• The opportunity to drive regeneration, commercial delivery and service transformation
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Local Government Pension Scheme and generous annual leave entitlements
• A values‑led organisation with a strong focus on inclusion and professional excellence
• Employee benefit package

What you need to do now


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