Estates Manager / Chartered Surveyor – AR

Estates Manager / Chartered Surveyor

Location: Local Authority
Contract Type: Full Time

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Estates Manager / Chartered Surveyor to lead the effective management of the Council’s property portfolio, ensuring assets are strategically managed, income is maximised, and property objectives are delivered.

The successful candidate will oversee the management of a diverse corporate property portfolio, including commercial estates, industrial units, business parks, markets, County Farms, grazing land, harbours, and retail assets. Working closely with senior property leaders, you will support the delivery of the Council’s Strategic Asset Management Plan and ensure the property estate continues to meet operational and service delivery needs.

This role requires a commercially focused property professional with strong local government experience, excellent stakeholder management skills, and proven experience leading a team of surveyors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the effective management of the Council’s property portfolio, including lettings, rent reviews, lease renewals, lease assignments, and forfeiture matters.
• Maximise rental income and ensure commercial property assets deliver strong financial and operational outcomes.
• Oversee the management of the Council’s corporate property portfolio, including:
  • Industrial estates
  • Business parks
  • Markets
  • County Farms
  • Grazing land
  • Harbours
  • Retail assets and shopping centres
• Support the delivery and implementation of the Council’s Strategic Asset Management Plan.
• Work with internal Council departments to review property requirements and ensure assets remain fit for purpose.
• Identify opportunities to reduce revenue expenditure and improve the efficiency of the property estate.
• Develop strong business partnering relationships with internal services, supporting them with property advice and strategic asset decisions.
• Work alongside the Head of Property, Economic Development & Regeneration to ensure asset valuations are completed in line with CIPFA guidance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to enhance property services and processes.
• Provide professional property advice across the organisation.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of Property Asset Managers (Surveyors), including:
  • Recruitment and selection
  • Work allocation and supervision
  • Performance management
  • Training and development
  • Managing attendance, conduct and employee relations matters

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience working within estates management, corporate property, or asset management.
• Significant experience within a Local Government / Public Sector property environment.
• Strong knowledge of commercial property management, including:
  • Lease negotiations
  • Rent reviews
  • Lettings
  • Lease renewals
  • Landlord and tenant matters
• Experience managing a diverse property portfolio.
• Proven experience leading and managing professional property teams.
• Experience delivering strategic asset management plans and property improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and internal Council departments.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

Essential:

• MRICS or FRICS qualification.

Desirable:

• Registered Valuer status.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of commercial property and estates management.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver strategic objectives.
• Strong financial awareness with the ability to maximise income and reduce costs.
• Experience interpreting property valuations and asset management information.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a Chartered Surveyor with extensive Local Government estates experience, who can combine commercial property expertise with strategic asset management and strong leadership capability. They will have a proven track record of managing property portfolios, maximising income, supporting council services, and leading professional surveying teams.