Interim Director of Property and Assets

Carrington West; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local government authority is seeking an Operational Director for Property and Assets in the United Kingdom. This senior leadership role involves managing a significant property portfolio of over £500m and leading a team of 49 staff. The successful candidate will be responsible for strategic direction, financial management, and ensuring compliance with governance standards. Applicants must have at least 4 years of senior leadership experience and full RICS membership. This position supports hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of senior leadership experience in local authority.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale projects and improvements.
• UK Resident.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Council's Property and Assets Service.
• Oversee capital programmes exceeding £205m.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and corporate policies.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Project delivery

Financial management

Partnership development

Education

Full professional membership of RICS or equivalent

Job description

Operational Director - Property and Assets
£800p/d Umbrella (INSIDE IR35)
7 Months Initially (with view for extension in place)
London Borough of Brent | Hybrid Working

Staffing responsibility: c.49 staff
Portfolio value: £500m+

About the Role

Brent Council is seeking an Operational Director - Property and Assets to provide strategic leadership across its £500m+ property portfolio. You will lead a team of approximately 49 staff, delivering the Council's property, asset management, capital programmes and regeneration priorities, including housing and schools.
As a member of the Resources Departmental Management Team, you will contribute to corporate leadership, cross-Council initiatives, and the continuous improvement of services, ensuring value for money, income generation, and compliance with legislation and governance standards.
This is a senior leadership role focused on strategic direction, financial management, and partnership working across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Council's Property and Assets Service, ensuring high performance and customer focus.
• Oversee capital programmes exceeding £205m, including schools, housing and regeneration projects.
• Maximise the value and use of the Council's operational and non-operational property portfolio.
• Provide leadership for Facilities Management, Emergency Planning, Business Continuity and Health & Safety.
• Provide professional advice to elected members, senior officers, and external partners.
• Develop partnerships with other councils, public sector bodies, and private/voluntary organisations.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, governance and corporate policies.

Direct budget responsibility: £18m+ acquisitions/CPOs, £2m commercial rent roll, £3.5m FM contract.

Indirect oversight: £205m+ capital programme.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience required

• UK Resident
• Full professional membership of RICS, or equivalent (RIBA, RTPI, CIOB).
• Minimum 4 year's senior leadership experience in a local authority organisation.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale projects, programmes, and service improvements.