Strategic Property Surveyors

Description

This is a key position within the Corporate Property team based in Grays. The postholder will support the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Council s Corporate Property Strategy. You will provide expert professional and strategic property advice across all Council departments, ensuring the Council s estate is compliant, efficiently managed, and aligned with service and corporate priorities.

This role is designed for someone with significant public–sector experience and a strong understanding of local authority governance a critical requirement for operating effectively in a political and regulated environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Estate Management

Support the development and implementation of the Council s Corporate Property Strategy.

Provide strategic guidance on estate optimisation, statutory compliance, acquisitions, disposals, leases, and investment decisions.

Lead and contribute to strategic asset reviews, ensuring long–term planning aligns with corporate objectives.

Professional Property Advisory

Provide expert advice on valuations, rent reviews, lease renewals, negotiations, and landlord/tenant matters.

Ensure all property decisions comply with relevant legislation, best practice, and public–sector asset management principles.

Commission and manage external professional advisors when required.

Public–Sector Support & Collaboration

Work closely with Council departments including housing, regeneration, education, and social care to interpret service needs and provide effective property solutions.

Support strategic projects, capital programmes, and regeneration initiatives with property intelligence.

Build and maintain strong relationships with senior management, service leads, and elected members.

Governance, Reporting & Compliance

Prepare high–quality reports, business cases, and committee papers for senior leadership and elected members.

Navigate local authority governance processes confidently, ensuring transparency, accountability, and due process.

Maintain accurate asset data and contribute to corporate reporting, audits, and statutory returns.

Financial, Performance & Risk Management

Monitor estate performance, utilisation, income, and running costs in line with public–sector financial controls.

Identify and manage risks related to compliance, asset condition, and statutory obligations.

Support the development and monitoring of budgets, ensuring value–for–money decisions.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

Significant experience working within a public–sector property or estates function.

Local authority governance experience

Degree in Property, Real Estate, Surveying, or related field.

RICS membership (MRICS/AssocRICS) or strong progress toward qualification.

Strong understanding of public–sector legislation, compliance, and asset management frameworks.

Demonstrated experience in strategic estate management, valuations, lease negotiations, and property transactions.

Excellent report–writing and presentation skills for senior officers and elected members.

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills across all levels.

Desirable:

Experience within a politically sensitive environment.

Knowledge of regeneration, capital programmes, and service transformation projects.

Familiarity with property management systems and data–driven estate decision–making.

Ad ID: 5417454145