Interim Estates Manager

Description

Interim Estates Manager

Bedford (Hybrid / site visits across borough)

GBP500 per day (Umbrella)

Initial 3–month contract (with strong potential to extend)

Bedford Borough Council is seeking an experienced Interim Estates Manager to lead its Estates Management and Valuation function during a key period of delivery and transformation.

This is a senior, hands–on leadership role overseeing a diverse and high–value property portfolio while driving income generation, service performance, and long–term asset strategy.

The Role

Reporting into the Head of Property Services, you will lead the Estates Management Team to deliver a proactive, high–quality and commercially focused estates service across the Council's operational and non–operational portfolio.

You'll take ownership of strategy, performance, and delivery across:

Commercial, agricultural, and investment portfolios

Leasehold management, rent reviews, and lease renewals

Asset valuations (IFRS & RICS compliant)

Service charge management and reconciliation

Estate optimisation, income generation, and disposals strategy

External consultants and specialist valuation work

You will also act as a key advisor on complex estates matters, ensuring robust governance, compliance, and financial control across the service.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Estates Management and Valuation service

Maximise income from a GBP80m+ property investment portfolio

Oversee circa 800 lease agreements and 1,500 acres of land assets

Deliver annual asset valuations ( GBP500m portfolio) in line with RICS/IFRS standards

Manage service charge budgets (GBP400k) and ensure full cost recovery

Oversee commercial and county farms budgets (GBP4.6m combined portfolio responsibility)

Drive performance of internal teams and external consultants

Support Corporate Asset Strategy and wider Council transformation priorities

Leadership & Corporate Impact

As part of the wider leadership group within Bedford Borough Council, you will:

Support delivery of the Corporate Plan and service priorities

Lead on performance management, risk, and financial governance

What We're Looking For

MRICS qualified (General Practice) and Registered Valuer (or eligible)

Minimum 3 years' background within a social housing organisation

Proven experience in commercial estates management and valuation

Confident handling of rent reviews, lease advisory, and asset strategy

Strong leadership experience managing technical property teams

Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across the borough

Interested?

If you'd like to find out more, please apply with your updated CV

Ad ID: 5418222033