Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Head of Service – Property Strategy, Performance & Partnerships
Sandwell Council is rethinking how land and buildings are planned, governed and used – not as a back‑office function, but as a strategic corporate resource that enables services, supports regeneration and underpins long‑term financial sustainability. We own and manage a diverse estate of nearly 4,000 assets with a book value of over £1bn. How those assets are deployed matters to residents, to frontline services, and to the future resilience of the council.
The opportunity
* Set the strategic direction for the Council’s estate, ensuring property actively supports service transformation, regeneration priorities and climate commitments.
* Lead the development and delivery of the Corporate Property Strategy and Asset Management Plan, providing clear, evidence‑based advice to senior officers and Members.
* Own the performance and assurance framework for property – from data quality and insight to governance, prioritisation and decision‑making.
* Act as the Council’s strategic lead for property partnerships, including cross‑public‑sector collaboration, One Public Estate, and external investment initiatives.
* Shape the pipeline of capital and estate decisions, working closely with operational colleagues to ensure strategy translates into deliverable outcomes.
* Represent Sandwell on regional and national platforms, strengthening influence, reputation and access to funding and opportunity.
No responsibility for day‑to‑day operational delivery; instead, you will provide the clarity, structure and grip that allows the estate to be managed confidently, compliantly and purposefully.
Why this role is different
This is a new role, created as part of a clearer, more mature Corporate Landlord model. You’ll operate with senior visibility, advising at the highest levels of the organisation and have the mandate to build systems, standards and governance that endure. You’ll help shape the next phase of a wider Property Transformation Programme, without being constrained by historic ways of working – a rare opportunity for those motivated by influence, scale and public value.
Who We’re Looking For
* Senior leadership experience in property, estates, asset management or a comparable strategic environment.
* Strong judgement around governance, assurance, risk and compliance.
* The confidence and credibility to advise Members and senior leaders on complex, high‑value issues.
* Experience of working with data, performance frameworks and evidence to drive better decisions.
* A collaborative, values‑led leadership style – able to work across organisational boundaries and with diverse partners.
* Public sector experience is valuable, but not essential. What matters most is strategic clarity, professional credibility and the ability to lead at scale.
Why Sandwell Council?
At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package and a strong focus on leadership development. By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Council’s estate and enabling services that make a lasting difference to our communities.
Essential Requirements
* Degree‑level qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. property, surveying, estates management, planning, regeneration, data/analytics, business management).
* Professional membership of an appropriate body (e.g. RICS, RTPI) or equivalent experience.
* Management or leadership qualifications (desirable).
Hours: 37 hours
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities – this diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, or inclusion, please contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk. If you wish to apply as a Care Leaver or Disability Confident candidate, please state this when submitting your CV. If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact sukhy_lall@sandwell.gov.uk.
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