Corporate Property & Estates Service Manager

This is a uniquely exciting opportunity to join a council that is genuinely ahead of the curve in it's ambition, strategic clarity and organisational commitment to transforming its property function. 

Very few councils are operating with this level of alignment, momentum and readiness for change - making this a standout role for an experienced and forward‑thinking property leader.

The Opportunity

Rushmoor Borough Council are in the process of adopting a new Asset Management Strategy with strong backing from both senior officers and Cabinet Members. There is clear organisational commitment to strengthening how the council plans, manages and governs its property portfolio, and this role will be central to driving that work forward.

Property is a genuine priority for the leadership team. They are looking for someone who can provide clarity, strategic direction and confident leadership of a modern, high‑performing service. 

This role is about accelerating delivery, shaping culture and offering visible leadership as the strategy moves from intention to implementation. You will work closely with senior stakeholders throughout this process, providing the assurance, insight and direction as the strategy progresses.

Role Overview

As Corporate Property & Estates Service Manager, you will lead the council’s investment portfolio and operational estate, ensuring strategic delivery, strong governance and a more integrated, commercially aware approach to asset management.

You will lead and support a multidisciplinary team, including:

Direct Reports

• Investment Portfolio Manager
• Estate Manager (Operational & Community)
• Senior Project & Maintenance Manager
• Compliance & Facilities Manager

This is an established and capable team, what they need now is a leader who can set clear direction, inspire confidence and guide the service forward. 

Core Focus Areas

• Deliver the Asset Management Strategy and ensure property activity aligns with corporate priorities
• Ensure the estate provides an efficient, adaptable platform for service delivery and function
• Strategic focus of targeted investment and maintenance across the portfolio in line with the AMS
• Provide strategic oversight of the investment portfolio and key asset decisions
• Lead asset planning, performance frameworks and the use of data to drive improvement
• Ensure effective management of lettings, lease events, disposals, refurbishments and compliance
• Oversee the management of external providers, ensuring the team are holding them to account through clear KPIs and structured reporting
• Lead the corporate landlord function across operational assets, ensuring risk, compliance and service delivery needs are met
• Drive commercial opportunities, income generation and financial sustainability
• Build capability across the team through strong performance management and visible leadership
• Strengthen governance, reporting and cross‑council collaboration
• Develop constructive relationships with Members, senior leaders, partners and stakeholders
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and open information‑sharing

Initial Areas of Focus

• Quickly understanding the portfolio and getting to know the team
• Engaging directly with the Cabinet portfolio holder, senior officers and key stakeholders
• Taking confident ownership of the Asset Management Strategy and its communication
• Establishing strong relationships and shared understanding across the organisation
• Building trust early through clarity, consistency and visible leadership

What I’m Looking For

I welcome interest from professionals with a range of backgrounds and experiences. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate many of the following:

• Confidence and credibility when engaging with senior political and executive stakeholders
• Experience across both investment and operational property portfolios
• Strong knowledge of maintenance, FM and compliance‑led environments
• A track record of shaping services and leading improvement
• Ease working within complex public‑sector governance
• Clear commercial judgement and the ability to make informed decisions
• A leadership style that inspires teams and builds strong relationships
• A proactive, forward‑looking approach that delivers meaningful change

Looking Ahead

Rushmoor is committed to building a strategic, data‑driven and commercially focused property function. This role carries genuine influence, visibility and the opportunity to help shape how the service develops over the coming years.

If this opportunity aligns with your skills, experience and ambitions, I’d welcome a conversation. 

As this is a retained search, all applications will come directly through Oyster and we will be conducting a thorough assessment for shortlisting.

Shortlisting will close on Friday 3rd April 2026, though we reserve the right to close the advert ahead of this date if sufficient applications are received.

Please get in touch as soon as possible to register your interest.