Job Description:

Head of Commercial Estate Management

• Location: Newham (Hybrid Working Available)
• Day Rate: £800 per day (Umbrella)
• Contract: Interim Assignment, 3-6 months initially

Are you an accomplished Commercial Estates leader with a track record of driving transformation, maximising portfolio performance, and delivering strategic property solutions within a complex organisation?

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Commercial Estates to lead and transform our client's commercial property portfolio during an exciting period of improvement, growth and change. This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the future direction of one of London's most dynamic local authorities.

The Opportunity

As Head of Commercial Estates, you will provide strategic leadership for the Council's Commercial Estates function, overseeing a broad and varied portfolio while ensuring it delivers maximum value for residents and the organisation.

You will lead a team of property professionals responsible for the management and administration of commercial lettings, leasehold interests, asset performance, property data, governance and compliance. Working closely with senior leadership and elected members, you will provide expert advice on complex commercial property matters and play a key role in modernising and transforming the service.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute property professional who can combine strategic thinking with strong operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the Council's Commercial Estates portfolio, developing and implementing long-term asset management strategies.
• Lead and manage the Commercial Estates team, ensuring high performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Advise senior leadership and stakeholders on complex, operational and strategic commercial property matters.
• Drive transformation and service improvement initiatives across the Commercial Estates function.
• Manage a diverse commercial portfolio, including lettings, lease renewals, rent reviews, acquisitions, disposals and landlord and tenant matters.
• Oversee governance, assurance and compliance arrangements whilst identifying and mitigating emerging risks.
• Develop and implement robust systems and processes for performance management, risk management and operational oversight.
• Manage substantial budgets including rental income, service charges, operating costs and void management.
• Lead on policies relating to the occupation and use of Council-owned commercial assets and buildings.
• Build strong relationships with internal directorates, external partners, occupiers, community organisations and key stakeholders.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and influential leader with significant experience managing large-scale commercial property portfolios within a complex, politically sensitive environment.

Essential Requirements

• MRICS or FRICS qualified and competent to undertake valuations for the purposes of Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.
• Extensive experience managing mixed commercial property portfolios and associated budgets.
• Significant experience leading major commercial estate operations and service delivery functions.
• Proven track record of delivering transformational change within complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of local government, including its political, financial, legal and operational environment.
• Experience developing and implementing commercial estate strategies and service improvement programmes.
• Demonstrable ability to influence, negotiate and build effective relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership capability with experience motivating and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience working with contractors, partners, voluntary sector organisations and commercial occupiers.
• Commercially astute with excellent risk management and governance expertise.

What Success Looks Like

You will:

• Deliver a high-performing Commercial Estates function.
• Maximise commercial returns while managing risk effectively.
• Strengthen governance, compliance and reporting frameworks.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the Council's commercial property assets support wider organisational objectives.
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence.

To apply or discuss this opportunity in confidence, please get in touch today. This is a rare opportunity to lead a significant commercial property function and make a lasting impact within one of London's most ambitious local authorities.

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