As the Council’s principal adviser on property and estates, provide support and advice on all property matters to officers and members. Advise on legislative changes and best practice/innovative approaches to improve service delivery.
Responsible for the Council’s significant commercial property portfolio, maximising returns, making investments to diversify and grow the estate, reducing the costs of the portfolio and managing the contract and relationship with the Council’s investment property.
Pro-actively support the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to determine and realise the strategic direction of the services, influencing delivery, both internal and external, and evaluating risks and opportunities, making a leading contribution to strategies and plans including the Medium-Term Financial Planning Strategy.
Lead on the Council’s commercial investment portfolio business planning process – establishing clear financial and operational targets and taking responsibility for delivery.
Develop sustainable policies for the property estate to contribute to the Council’s aspirations of a zero-carbon city – communicate and embed these across the Council. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders of the Council to successfully achieve this.
Develop and implement a clear strategy for the Council’s operational property estate. This should deliver high quality, fit for purpose accommodation for the Council’s services while focusing on efficiency and effectiveness. This includes consistent workplace design, accessibility and corporate standards across the operational portfolio including the development of a digital property information strategy and is shared effectively with partners and contractors where appropriate.
Develop and embed corporate arrangements for regular reviews of the property portfolio so that under-utilised or underperforming assets are identified, appraised and strategic consideration given for future use or disposal. Ensure that fair, transparent and consistent processes are in place for assessing business cases and value for money on any proposals or projects that involve disposal and/or investment.
Ensure there is effective forward planning, based on analysis of condition and investment needs to secure funding for planned preventative maintenance and capital investment for all the Council’s assets.
Ensure all Council service buildings and workplace locations are statutory compliant regarding Health and Safety; that buildings are being operated safely and that all periodic testing and maintenance is completed; that health and safety and statutory compliance responsibilities with identified responsible individuals for each property is in place.
Lead the Councils Corporate Health & Safety team and ensure that systems and compliance are working effectively across all Council services.
Ensure that buildings are inclusive and meet all disability requirements.
Oversee to successful conclusion, property projects including renovation, maintenance, decant processes and all other projects associated with the Council’s operational and investment property portfolio.
Develop a robust and comprehensive property performance monitoring process and regular reporting to the Strategic Projects Board and Property Investment Panel.
Lead and foster a high performance, collaborative and fully integrated property service, nurture and foster a best practice culture within the team.
