Estates Manager – Environmental Property and Recreation

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Estates Manager to oversee the management of our commercial, industrial, and other non-residential properties. Primarily you will be providing strong commercial management, ensuring properties are managed to best effect. This role involves overseeing transactional matters related to acquisition, disposal, and valuation of properties, including commercial landlord and tenant issues. You will also be working alongside and supporting Senior Managers within the Environment, Property & Recreation Service to deliver the wider service objectives linked to the Borough Plan. 

Key Responsibilities:

You will be responsible for overseeing the undertaking of valuations of land and property for various purposes including acquisition, disposal, and rent reviews, along with:

• Supporting our Assistant Director of Environment, Property & Recreation in managing the Council’s commercial income.
• Line managing the Estates Team.
• Negotiating terms for acquisition, disposal, lease restructuring, development, and management of Council land and property.
• Preparing and presenting reports for Council Committee meetings and working groups.
• Ensuring properties meet minimum energy efficiency standards and facilitate necessary improvements.
• Preparing instructions for legal services in respect of property transactions.
• Negotiating compulsory purchase or purchase by agreement.
• Assessing rents and managing tenancy applications for businesses.

To be competent in this role it is essential that you have a professional qualification with a relevant degree in estates management, property, or surveying along with having:

• Considerable estate management experience with strong business and commercial acumen.
• Experience in a professional property practice or similar environment.
• Knowledge of property management, landlord and tenant law, planning and land law.
• Ability to negotiate and manage deals to completion.
• Significant Management and Leadership skills.

This requires regular site visits and inspections so you must be able to safely navigate different heights and terranes.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Jo Fox, Assistant Director of Environment, Property & Recreation on 01233 330422

When applying - Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.       

Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area.  Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities.  This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community