Job Description

Job Specification Asset Manager

Location: Leicestershire (Hybrid)

Rate: £389 per day

Contract: Interim

Working Pattern: Hybrid 2 days per week on site, including every Wednesday (pro rata for part-time workers)

Overview

Leicestershire County Council is seeking an experienced Asset Manager to join its Commercial Property team on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused property professional to manage a varied portfolio of investment assets and contribute to the strategic optimisation of the Council's £519m property portfolio.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a caseload of commercial property matters with minimal supervision, delivering asset management initiatives that maximise income, enhance value and support the Council's wider strategic objectives.

Essential Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Significant commercial landlord and tenant experience.

Proven asset management experience across commercial property.

Ability to independently manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision.

Strong commercial negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Experience undertaking financial appraisals, lease events and strategic asset reviews.

Desirable Experience

Commercial property disposals experience.

MRICS qualified (preferred).

Registered Valuer status would be highly advantageous.

Experience working within the public sector or local government.

Job Purpose

Leicestershire County Council holds a property portfolio valued at approximately £519 million, with proactive asset management playing a key role in maintaining and enhancing this value.

The Commercial Property portfolio sits within the Investing in Leicestershire Programme (IiLP) and comprises a diverse range of assets including offices, industrial and distribution properties, rural estates and development land.

The role will focus on the proactive management, optimisation and rationalisation of these assets to maximise financial performance while ensuring compliance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972. Responsibilities include financial analysis, lease management, landlord and tenant matters, operational asset management and the delivery of value-enhancing initiatives.

The postholder will independently manage a portfolio of cases and contribute to the Council's strategic property objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement asset management and investment strategies for the commercial portfolio.

Identify underperforming or surplus assets and develop value enhancement or disposal strategies.

Undertake financial and commercial appraisals to support lettings, rent reviews, lease renewals, refurbishments and investment decisions.

Lead negotiations with tenants, developers, agents and other stakeholders to achieve the best commercial outcomes.

Commission and manage external property and legal advisers in accordance with Council procedures.

Ensure statutory, legal and governance requirements relating to the portfolio are fully met.

Provide strategic advice on acquisitions, disposals, developments and investment opportunities.

Deliver best practice in commercial asset management and contribute to the continuous improvement of property management processes.

Prepare reports and recommendations for senior management, Corporate Property Steering Group (CPSG), Members and other stakeholders.

Contribute to the annual Investing in Leicestershire Programme (IiLP) Report, Corporate Asset Management Plan and other strategic property documents.

Maintain accurate property records using the Council's Asset Management System, CAD, GIS and associated software.

Ensure compliance with Council policies including health and safety, information governance and environmental responsibilities.

Demonstrate the Council's values and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Person Specification

Essential

Extensive experience in commercial asset management.

Strong landlord and tenant expertise.

Ability to manage a varied caseload independently.

Excellent negotiation, communication and report writing skills.

Strong commercial and financial appraisal skills.

Experience managing external consultants and professional advisers.

Desirable

Experience of commercial property disposals.

MRICS qualified.

Registered Valuer status.

Local authority or public sector property experience.

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working.

Attendance on site 2 days per week, including every Wednesday (pro rata for part-time appointments).