Interim Estates Manager
Bedford (Hybrid / site visits across borough) - £500 per day (Umbrella)
Initial 3-month contract (with strong potential to extend)
Bedford Borough Council is seeking an experienced Interim Estates Manager to lead its Estates Management and Valuation function during a key period of delivery and transformation. This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role overseeing a diverse and high-value property portfolio while driving income generation, service performance, and long-term asset strategy.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of Property Services, you will lead the Estates Management Team to deliver a proactive, high‑quality and commercially focused estates service across the Council's operational and non‑operational portfolio.
You’ll take ownership of strategy, performance, and delivery across:
- Commercial, agricultural, and investment portfolios
- Leasehold management, rent reviews, and lease renewals
- Asset valuations (IFRS & RICS compliant)
- Service charge management and reconciliation
- Estate optimisation, income generation, and disposals strategy
- External consultants and specialist valuation work
You will also act as a key advisor on complex estates matters, ensuring robust governance, compliance, and financial control across the service.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Estates Management and Valuation service
- Maximise income from a £80m+ property investment portfolio
- Oversee circa 800 lease agreements and 1,500 acres of land assets
- Deliver annual asset valuations (~£500m portfolio) in line with RICS/IFRS standards
- Manage service charge budgets (£400k) and ensure full cost recovery
- Oversee commercial and county farms budgets (£4.6m combined portfolio responsibility)
- Drive performance of internal teams and external consultants
- Support Corporate Asset Strategy and wider Council transformation priorities
Leadership & Corporate Impact
As part of the wider leadership group within Bedford Borough Council, you will:
- Support delivery of the Corporate Plan and service priorities
- Lead on performance management, risk, and financial governance
What We’re Looking For
- MRICS qualified (General Practice) and Registered Valuer (or eligible)
- Minimum 3 years background within a social housing organisation
- Proven experience in commercial estates management and valuation
- Confident handling of rent reviews, lease advisory, and asset strategy
- Strong leadership experience managing technical property teams
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across the borough
Interested? If you’d like to find out more, please apply with your updated CV
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