Overview
St Albans City and District Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced built environment professional to lead and manage the core functions associated with the management of the Council’s operational estate and associated assets.
The role is responsible for all aspects of the effective management of the Council’s portfolio of operational buildings and other built assets as well as providing support services which span the Council’s non-housing property portfolios (operational, leisure & heritage, community and commercial assets).
This is an exciting and varied role which involves providing direction and oversight to a range of related service areas, including: buildings and facilities management and maintenance, compliance, infrastructure, contract management and sustainability.
There is a significant line management component to the role, managing other managers as well capability development and performance management.
There will be a particular focus on ensuring suitable and sufficient emergency procedures for the Council’s operational property asset portfolio are in place and this role holder will lead on business continuity for the department.
The Council has an ambitious strategy to achieve net zero and this role will contribute to this through oversight of the Council’s sustainability function, coordinating the Council’s approach to developing and implementing actions relating to decarbonisation and energy management.
About you
It is anticipated the successful candidate will be educated to degree level (or equivalent technical qualification) with extensive post-qualification experience in a comparable, complex organisation. This need not mean a background in local government, though practical and procedural knowledge of public sector practice is desirable.
It is essential that you have significant experience of delivering comprehensive estates and property management services (both in house and outsourced), as well as in-depth knowledge and experience of regulatory guidelines and statutory compliance requirements for estate management. This should extend to operational H&S, emergency planning and business continuity.
In addition, it is important that you have a knowledge and understanding of sustainability approaches and willingness to develop this part of the role.
You will possess excellent people skills allied with the proven ability to listen, explain, negotiate and influence. You will be an enthusiastic, skilled subject matter expert with excellent presentation and report writing skills.
You’ll need analytical and communication skills, political acumen, and the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels. The ability to effectively operate in a political environment is also important.
A forward-thinker with a strong customer focus, you’ll drive forward service improvements while fostering innovation and performance improvement. Above all, you’ll embody the Council’s values and behaviours and deliver the best outcomes for our residents.
You will be required to attend evening meetings and evening and weekend working as needed from time to time.
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
Further information
For an informal discussion, please contact Tom Hardy, Assistant Director – Built Environment (Tom.Hardy@stalbans.gov.uk)
For full details and to learn more about us visit Jobs and Careers or email recruitment@stalbans.gov.uk or telephone (01727) 819251 stating your details and the post reference number.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
