Senior Estate & Property Strategy Lead

National Highways; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

National Highways is seeking a Head of Asset Management (Managed Estate) to lead our non-occupied land and property strategy, optimise value from the portfolio and align with major infrastructure programmes.

Based at one of our offices (Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Wakefield, Leeds or Manchester) with regular travel to Exeter and across the network, you will oversee teams, manage budgets, and ensure safety, compliance and effective governance.

Qualifications

• Qualified Chartered Surveyor (RICS) with proven experience in property management or estates leadership.
• Experience managing complex property portfolios, including disposals and landlord/tenant matters.
• Ability to lead high-performing teams and manage delivery through internal colleagues and external partners.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts and financial plans with strong commercial awareness.
• Ability to translate property expertise into practical business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and management of National Highways' managed estate, maximising value from the non-occupied property portfolio and land held pending future schemes while balancing commercial performance, cost efficiency and wider organisational priorities.
• Ensure the estate remains safe, compliant and effectively governed, meeting all relevant statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements.
• Oversee the disposal of property no longer required by the business, providing leadership across strategy, programme planning, governance and transaction management.
• Oversee the effective contract management of large external suppliers to maintain levels of service and value for money.
• Provide expert advice on complex property matters, including leases, wayleaves, easements, landlord and tenant issues, acquisitions and disposals.
• Contribute to the leadership of Estates & Facilities, driving continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration and best practice across land and property management activities.

Skills

Property management

Estates management

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting & financial planning

Contract management

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Chartered Surveyor (RICS)

Job description

National Highways is seeking a Head of Asset Management (Managed Estate) to lead our non-occupied land and property strategy, optimise value from the portfolio and align with major infrastructure programmes.

Based at one of our offices (Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Wakefield, Leeds or Manchester) with regular travel to Exeter and across the network, you will oversee teams, manage budgets, and ensure safety, compliance and effective governance.