Head of Property
| Posting date: | 23 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £63,004 to £72,303 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Local Government Pension Scheme |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 January 2026 |
| Location: | Totnes, Devon |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 1 day per week |
| Company: | South Hams District Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | CF117P |
Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Property, Place and Economy, the Head of Property will be responsible for the effective management and growth of the Estate portfolio, including landlord and tenant, Facilities Management, investment and acquisition functions and project work for South Hams and West Devon Councils. The role is also the Council’s Corporate Property Officer with associated responsibilities.
The portfolio is varied in nature, including office, retail, commercial, housing and municipal buildings as well as coastal defences, a harbour, public open spaces, renewables and land for tree planting. It offers a unique and rewarding challenge to the right person, with a proven track record as a senior professional and head of service, team manager, who is comfortable working closely with elected councillors and the Senior Leadership Team.
The post holder will be required to provide advice and guidance on commercial investments, estate management and the wider estate strategy as necessary to the Assistant Director and will therefore require sound knowledge and experience in these areas. Decarbonisation of the estate and is a Council priority and will form part of the role. Reporting to the Head of Property will be the Estates and Facilities Management teams, who will work as a collective to support the Housing, Climate Change and Building Maintenance teams and candidates should possess the interpersonal skills to make sure these relationships are forged and maintained to ensure corporate success.
Other key elements of the role include:
Providing strategic advice and guidance to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Elected Members.
Leading on the development and implementation of strategic plans and being accountable for the development of the strategic estate for both councils.
Ensuring that Climate Change mitigation and decarbonisation is central to all policies and actions.
Having a lead role in ensuring the sustainability of the Councils through new income streams.
Leading on the identification, development and negotiation of business opportunities to secure additional income and/or improvement of service delivery.
Evaluating and benchmarking alternative methods of delivery to ensure the best return on investments and performance.
West Devon Borough and South Hams District Councils are shared authorities with an exciting, innovative and forward-looking delivery model. We are offering this opportunity to a customer focused individual who welcomes change and can drive forward and shape new ways of service delivery and income generation. In return, we can offer flexible working and other staff benefits in an environment where innovation, challenge and efficiency are key aspects of the way we work.
If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Brian Gallagher at Brian.Gallagher@penna.com or 07716 098175.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please apply through our recruitment specialists at Penna.
Closing date: Sunday 18 January 2026
Assessments are likely to be held: week commencing 2 February 2026
The portfolio is varied in nature, including office, retail, commercial, housing and municipal buildings as well as coastal defences, a harbour, public open spaces, renewables and land for tree planting. It offers a unique and rewarding challenge to the right person, with a proven track record as a senior professional and head of service, team manager, who is comfortable working closely with elected councillors and the Senior Leadership Team.
The post holder will be required to provide advice and guidance on commercial investments, estate management and the wider estate strategy as necessary to the Assistant Director and will therefore require sound knowledge and experience in these areas. Decarbonisation of the estate and is a Council priority and will form part of the role. Reporting to the Head of Property will be the Estates and Facilities Management teams, who will work as a collective to support the Housing, Climate Change and Building Maintenance teams and candidates should possess the interpersonal skills to make sure these relationships are forged and maintained to ensure corporate success.
Other key elements of the role include:
Providing strategic advice and guidance to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Elected Members.
Leading on the development and implementation of strategic plans and being accountable for the development of the strategic estate for both councils.
Ensuring that Climate Change mitigation and decarbonisation is central to all policies and actions.
Having a lead role in ensuring the sustainability of the Councils through new income streams.
Leading on the identification, development and negotiation of business opportunities to secure additional income and/or improvement of service delivery.
Evaluating and benchmarking alternative methods of delivery to ensure the best return on investments and performance.
West Devon Borough and South Hams District Councils are shared authorities with an exciting, innovative and forward-looking delivery model. We are offering this opportunity to a customer focused individual who welcomes change and can drive forward and shape new ways of service delivery and income generation. In return, we can offer flexible working and other staff benefits in an environment where innovation, challenge and efficiency are key aspects of the way we work.
If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Brian Gallagher at Brian.Gallagher@penna.com or 07716 098175.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please apply through our recruitment specialists at Penna.
Closing date: Sunday 18 January 2026
Assessments are likely to be held: week commencing 2 February 2026
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