Head of Estates and Facilities

About IpswichIpswich is one of England's fastest-growing regional centres, combining a rich heritage with ambitious plans for the future. With major regeneration initiatives, significant external investment and a strong focus on economic growth, housing delivery and sustainability, there has never been a more exciting time to join the Council.The Council's property strategy is centred on the optimisation of assets, delivery of income growth, regeneration and investment opportunities, ensuring the estate plays a central role in supporting the Borough's long-term ambitions.Your new companyI'm pleased to be partnering exclusively with Ipswich Borough Council, who are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded property professional to join its senior leadership team as Head of Estates and Facilities.This is a rare opportunity to take strategic ownership of a diverse and high-profile property portfolio comprising approximately 500 assets valued at £110 million, generating around £3.3 million in annual income. The team manage a diverse portfolio which includes commercial offices, retail and industrial assets, parks, farmland, churches, marinas, community facilities, operational buildings, heritage assets and other unique property holdings across the Borough.Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Place, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 27 estates, property, facilities management and maintenance professionals, ensuring the Council's assets support service delivery, drive regeneration, maximise income and create lasting value for residents, businesses and communities.Your new roleAs Head of Estates and Facilities, you will act as the Council's senior property professional and Corporate Property Officer, providing strategic advice to senior officers and elected members on all matters relating to the Council's estate. You will be responsible for ensuring that the Council's property portfolio is managed effectively, efficiently and commercially whilst supporting wider corporate and community objectives.You will lead on:Strategic asset management and estate optimisationCommercial portfolio management, including lettings, rent reviews, lease renewals and disposalsFacilities Management across the Council's headquarters and operational estateRepairs and maintenance delivery across the corporate portfolioAsset valuation, acquisitions and disposalsCapital programme and investment planningProperty-related compliance, governance and risk managementDevelopment and implementation of the Council's Asset Management StrategyIdentifying opportunities for income growth, regeneration and service improvementBuilding and leading a high-performing, customer-focused property serviceWhat you'll need to succeedWe are looking for a highly credible property leader who can combine commercial acumen with strong public sector values. You will be:MRICS qualified with a strong commitment to continuing professional developmentAn experienced property professional with significant post-qualification experienceAn accomplished leader with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex property portfoliosComfortable operating within a politically sensitive environment and engaging with senior stakeholdersExperienced in asset management, landlord and tenant matters, acquisitions, disposals and strategic estate planningExperience in delivering income generation, cost reduction and service transformation programmesSkilled in developing asset management strategies, capital programmes and business caseA confident communicator capable of influencing senior leaders, elected members and external partnersPassionate about developing teams, driving performance and fostering a collaborative cultureExperience within local government or a similar complex public sector environment would be highly advantageous.What you'll get in returnThis role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future of Ipswich, influencing how a significant and varied estate is utilised to generate income, support communities, facilitate regeneration and deliver excellent public services.You'll join an ambitious organisation with a clear vision for growth and a commitment to maximising the value of its assets whilst creating positive outcomes for residents and businesses alike.Benefits include:Salary up to £82,50037 hours per weekEntrance to the excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 31 after 5 years' serviceHybrid working availableSubsidised car parkingA relocation package up to £8,000 for an owner occupier is available (terms apply)Discounted public transport season tickets are availableRegular support and coaching, you'll also have a learning and development framework linked to the IBC values.What you need to do nowPlease get in contact with John Martin, the exclusive recruitment partner to Ipswich Borough Council, for this Head of Estates and Facilities recruitment.If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.Hays EA is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. 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