Interim Head Of Estates

Park Avenue Recruitment; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 129,000 - 148,000; Part time

Job summary

Park Avenue Recruitment is working with a local authority in East Anglia to appoint an Interim Head of Estates, providing strategic leadership across the property function.

You will lead a 25-30 strong team across Commercial Property, Facilities Management and Projects, drive asset management, and report to senior stakeholders to drive value across the council’s portfolio.

Contract initially 6 months with potential extension, hybrid pattern (2 days in office), day rate £700–£800 Inside IR35.

Qualifications

• MRICS qualification is essential.
• RICS Registered Valuer is desirable.
• Proven experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong public sector experience, ideally within a local authority.
• Background in commercial property, estates management, facilities management and/or property projects.
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and advising on strategic property matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead property acquisitions and disposals, provide valuations, and maintain the surplus land register.
• Oversee lease and rental reviews, negotiating revised terms where required.
• Develop, coordinate and implement the Council's Asset Management Plan to maximise portfolio use.
• Prepare reports and present recommendations to senior stakeholders, Council Cabinet members and external partners.
• Provide strategic leadership across the property function and ensure effective service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Team management

Public sector experience

Education

MRICS (essential)

Job description

Interim Head of Estates

Location: East Anglia
Day Rate: £700-£800 per day, Inside IR35 (dependent on experience)
Contract: Initial 6 months, with potential for extension
Working Pattern: 2 days per week in the office, with the remainder working from home

The Opportunity

Park Avenue Recruitment is working with a local authority in East Anglia seeking an experienced Interim Head of Estates to provide strategic leadership across its property function.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior property professional to lead a multidisciplinary team, drive effective asset management and ensure the Council's property portfolio delivers value and supports its wider objectives.

The Role

You will oversee a property function of approximately 25-30 staff, with three direct reports leading Commercial Property, Facilities Management and Projects.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading property acquisitions and disposals, providing professional advice and valuations, and maintaining the surplus land register.
• Overseeing lease and rental reviews, including negotiating revised terms where required.
• Developing, coordinating and implementing the Council's Asset Management Plan to maximise the effective use of its property portfolio.
• Preparing reports and presenting recommendations to senior stakeholders, Council Cabinet members and external partners.
• Providing strategic leadership across the property function, ensuring effective service delivery and strong team performance.

About You

• MRICS qualified (essential).
• RICS Registered Valuer (desirable).
• Proven experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong public sector experience, ideally within a local authority environment.
• A strong background in commercial property, estates management, facilities management and/or property projects.
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and advising on strategic property matters.