Head of Property Strategy

Role Responsibility

Head of Property Strategy

Kent County Council are looking for an experienced property professional to join our Property Team and help us reshape our property portfolio.  Reporting into the Director of Infrastructure, as a part of the Senior Management Team, you will lead the Property Strategy Team, who are part of the wider Infrastructure Division. Based in Maidstone, you will have responsibility for setting, managing and delivering the strategy for in excess of 600 buildings within the County of Kent, to support the Council’s strategic delivery plans. A key part of this role will be exploring opportunities to work with partners to develop joint strategies.

The job holder will lead three teams, each with their own senior manager, ensuring that they collaborate to deliver the property transformation and change programmes, working closely with the Head of Property Operations and their teams, to shape the future strategy for Kent’s Property Portfolio.

The post-holder will need to be able to confidently present compelling arguments to senior officers and Members to influence change.  The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple programmes of work and prioritise their own and their teams work to ensure that desired outcomes are achieved within the Council’s financial parameters.

The teams reporting into this role are:

1.  Asset Strategy and Policy. Responsible for setting and implementing the policy and strategic framework through the Asset Management Plan, to develop investment strategies and discharge KCCs estate and county surveyor duties.  Monitor and feed into local plans and property related strategy and consultation. Provide assurance and report on property operations activity and manage and direct the asset and management systems across the property portfolio.

    

2. Asset Review.  Lead and develop the Councils asset transformation activity to ensure that the Council’s estate is utilised in an efficient manner, in line with the Asset Management Plan and Medium-Term Financial Plan. Develop and establish the future pipeline of projects/property solutions, supporting a one property approach working closely with other KCC services and other partner organisations.

    

3. Disposal, Acquisitions and Investment. Develop and deliver the disposal pipeline and programme to maximise the capital return to the Council. The team manage and direct the Council’s Property Investment Funds, make acquisitions and manage vacant property forecasting. This team also commission advice to ensure that all transactions are in accordance with legislation and deliver best value. 

A background document setting out further detail on KCCs estate is available for all candidates on request from deborah.robson2@kent.gov.uk.

The provided job description details the essential qualifications, experience and skills and we welcome applications from candidates who meet these requirements and have demonstrable leadership experience.

Please note shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a psychometric assessment as part of the recruitment process and details will be emailed after the closing date.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion or further information about this role please contact Suzi Fox, Executive Search Lead, suzi.fox@peoplescout.co.uk

Alternatively please contact Rebecca Spore, Director of Infrastructure on 03000 416716 or email Rebecca.spore@kent.gov.uk

About the Company

Please note – if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.