Hybrid - Property Manager - Suffolk County Council

Salary: -185 Per Day
Hours: Full-Time 37 Hours
Working Schedule: Monday to Friday - Flexible
Contract Length: 6 Month On-Going
Location: Ipswich, IP1 2BX

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the Property Department for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, ensuring the effective maintenance, development, and strategic management of the Service''s property portfolio.

The post holder will contribute to the annual planning and delivery of Fire and Rescue Service objectives on behalf of the Fire Authority and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring compliance with the National Framework, Fire and Rescue Services Act, NFCC guidance, sustainability objectives, and local priorities.

The role is responsible for leading the Property workstream, overseeing planned and reactive maintenance programmes, managing property-related contracts and partnerships, and ensuring the provision of a safe, compliant, sustainable, and high-quality estate across all operational and non-operational sites.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Property Management

Develop, implement, and monitor the Property Group Plan to support the preventative maintenance, improvement, and development of the Service''s property portfolio.

Maintain and continuously review the Service''s estate strategy, ensuring alignment with operational requirements, legislative obligations, and environmental objectives.

Develop and maintain a comprehensive property asset register, identifying property condition, compliance requirements, and future investment needs.

Support the delivery of decarbonisation initiatives and environmental sustainability projects across the estate.

Estates and Facilities Management

Lead the management of all planned preventative maintenance programmes and reactive maintenance works across the property portfolio.

Act as the primary point of contact for property-related matters involving PFI providers, Vertas, Corporate Property Services, third-party contractors, tenants, and shared-site partners.

Ensure all properties are maintained to a high standard, supporting operational readiness and business continuity.

Oversee landlord and tenant matters, including lease management, tenant liaison, and service charge recovery where appropriate.

Financial Management

Manage property-related budgets and expenditure, ensuring effective financial planning and value for money.

Prepare business cases and funding proposals for property investment, maintenance, and capital projects.

Monitor and manage utility costs, business rates, service charges, and other estate-related expenditure.

Maximise revenue opportunities through effective management of tenants and shared occupancy arrangements.

Authorise expenditure and monitor contractor performance against agreed budgets and service levels.

Compliance, Health & Safety and Risk Management

Ensure full compliance with all relevant property, health and safety, fire safety, environmental, and statutory regulations.

Monitor and manage compliance programmes relating to asbestos, legionella, electrical safety, gas safety, building safety, and other statutory requirements.

Identify, assess, and manage property-related risks and implement mitigation measures where required.

Support legal, insurance, and property dispute matters in collaboration with relevant specialist teams.

Leadership and Partnership Working

Lead, motivate, and develop the Property Team, ensuring a high-performing and resilient service.

Build and maintain effective relationships with internal departments, local authorities, contractors, consultants, and external partners.

Work collaboratively with senior managers to ensure coordinated service delivery across all workstreams.

Represent the Service at internal and external meetings, forums, and partnership groups as required.

Promote and embed the Service''s values, ethical standards, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Performance and Service Improvement

Ensure management information systems provide accurate and timely property performance data to support strategic decision-making.

Monitor service performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement change initiatives where appropriate.

Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and governance arrangements relating to property management.

Ensure all property services operate in accordance with best practice, legislation, and organisational objectives.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

Significant experience managing a diverse property portfolio, estates function, or facilities management service.

Experience developing and delivering planned preventative maintenance programmes and managing reactive maintenance services.

Strong understanding of property compliance, health and safety legislation, and statutory building requirements.

Experience managing contractors, suppliers, service level agreements, and property-related contracts.

Proven experience managing budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation.

Experience leading and developing teams within a property, estates, or facilities management environment.

Strong stakeholder management skills with experience working across multiple organisations and departments.

Experience producing strategic plans, business cases, reports, and performance information.

Desirable Knowledge and Experience

Experience within the public sector, emergency services, local government, or blue-light services.

Knowledge of PFI contracts and property partnership arrangements.

Experience supporting decarbonisation, sustainability, and environmental improvement programmes.

Understanding of landlord and tenant legislation.

Experience managing capital works programmes and estate improvement projects.

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Property Management, Estates Management, Building Surveying, Facilities Management, or a related discipline.

Membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, IWFM, CIOB, or equivalent is desirable.

Key Competencies

Strategic Leadership

Commercial Awareness

Financial Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Property and Estates Management

Contract Management

Health and Safety Compliance

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Performance Management

Change Management

Communication and Influencing Skills

Continuous Improvement