Neway International are seeking an Operational Property Manager – Facilities & Environment to join our client based with Preston City Council. Location: Town Hall, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2RL Hours: 37.5 per week Start Date: 16 March 2026 About the Client Preston City Council’s Communities & Environment directorate manages a diverse operational property portfolio, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable buildings that support council services and the wider community. The team is responsible for architectural design, building maintenance, facilities management, energy efficiency, and strategic asset planning. The Role The Operational Property Manager will lead the Operational Property Division, reporting directly to the Director of Environment & Property. You will oversee architectural design, quantity surveying, building maintenance, energy efficiency, and facilities management services, ensuring effective delivery aligned with council aims. The role includes managing multi‑million‑pound capital and maintenance budgets, developing asset strategies, overseeing construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety, CDM regulations, and equality legislation. You will act as Building Manager for key council sites and play a pivotal role in emergency planning and business continuity. Key Responsibilities Provide leadership across Architectural Design, Quantity Surveying, Building Maintenance, Energy Efficiency, and Facilities Management. Manage and advise on procurement strategy for design and construction requirements. Lead, develop, and motivate staff to ensure effective service delivery. Act as budget holder for Corporate, Operational Property, and Building Maintenance budgets. Manage the Corporate Capital Programme budget for construction‑related projects. Prepare Corporate, Core, and Major Asset Strategies to support the 5‑year Capital Programme. Prepare reports for Council and Cabinet as required. Act as Building Manager for the Town Hall and Guild Hall. Oversee construction and facilities services across the council’s property portfolio. Manage energy efficiency and water minimisation initiatives, supporting Carbon Neutral objectives. Ensure services comply with council policies and statutory requirements. Operate financial management systems for capital, revenue, and fee monitoring. Develop systems to support electronic working and e‑government principles. Undertake design services including CAD drawings and plans. Act as Project Manager for construction schemes and supervise staff delivering these projects. Provide advice on property development, planning, building regulations, and CDM 2015 duties. Support directorate management, including staff recruitment and development. Manage health and safety across property and facilities, including fire, legionella, asbestos, and CDM compliance. Liaise with statutory bodies, partners, and client organisations to enhance building quality. Implement Equality Act 2010 requirements across council properties. Manage support services for central administration buildings (mail, reception, portering, security). Lead departmental and directorate responses during emergencies and business continuity events. Undertake additional duties appropriate to the grade as required. Candidate Requirements Strong leadership experience within property, facilities, or construction‑related services. Knowledge of architectural design, building maintenance, energy efficiency, and facilities management. Experience managing large budgets and capital programmes. Understanding of CDM 2015, health and safety, fire, legionella, and asbestos compliance. Ability to prepare strategic asset plans and high‑level reports. Experience acting as Building Manager for complex sites. Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to work effectively with statutory bodies and external partners. Proficiency with CAD systems and electronic working platforms. Commitment to equality, sustainability, and high‑quality service delivery.