Assistant Director for Estate Strategy and Development

Salary details: £ - £

We are seeking an ambitious and strategic leader to join our senior management team as Assistant Director for Estate Strategy & Development.

This is a key leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering the Council’s estate, asset management and development ambitions, ensuring our land and property portfolio actively supports service delivery, economic development and regeneration.

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Property, you will lead the Estate Management and Property Commissioning & Development functions, providing strategic direction and operational leadership across a diverse and high‑value property portfolio.

You will:

• Lead the development, implementation and review of the Council’s Asset Management Strategy and corporate property policies
• Ensure the Council’s land and buildings portfolio is fit for purpose, cost‑effective and future‑focused
• Oversee estates management activity, including valuation, acquisition, disposal and development, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Identify and deliver opportunities for investment, rationalisation, regeneration, income generation and flexible working
• Sponsor and lead strategic property projects and transformation programmes with Council‑wide impact
• Work collaboratively with Members, senior leaders and external partners to deliver joint asset strategies, regeneration initiatives and shared‑use opportunities
• Manage the Councils public finance initiative (PFI) team and contract exit process

You will play a visible role within the Council’s extended senior leadership team, contributing to corporate priorities, financial sustainability and organisational transformation.

About you

You will be a senior property professional with a strong track record of leadership in a complex, multi‑disciplinary environment.

We are looking for:

• Significant senior‑level experience within estates, property services or asset management, ideally in a large or complex organisation
• Proven experience of providing strategic corporate advice to senior leaders and elected Members
• Strong financial acumen, including managing substantial budgets and resources
• Experience of leading change, service improvement and cross‑organisational collaboration
• Excellent influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• In‑depth knowledge of property legislation, regulation and best practice, with an understanding of local government priorities and emerging trends
• Proven experience of delivering capital development projects

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience
• Corporate membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RICS, CIOB, RIBA)
• Evidence of ongoing professional and leadership development

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of the organisation, shaping how property and land assets are used to support communities, enable regeneration and deliver long‑term value. You’ll be empowered to lead strategically, influence at the highest level and make a tangible impact across Derbyshire.

How to Apply!

It’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV and supporting statement.

Closing Date: Sunday 31st May 2026

Provisional Interview Date: 10th June 2026

This post is designated in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as a Politically Restricted Post. The successful candidate will therefore be disqualified from: (a) Becoming or remaining a Member of a local authority (excluding town or parish councils); or (b) Standing as a candidate for election as a Member of the House of Commons or the European Parliament (c) Acting as an election agent (d) Acting as an official of a political party, (e) Canvassing on behalf of a political party or individual (f) Publishing material or addressing the public in support of a political party.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.

Applications for this role must include a CV and a supporting statement, it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV and supporting statement.