Interim Director of Property and Assets

Operational Director - Property and Assets
£800p/d Umbrella (INSIDE IR35)
7 Months Initially (with view for extension in place)
London Borough of Brent Hybrid Working


Staffing responsibility: c.49 staff
Portfolio value: £500m+

About the Role
Brent Council is seeking an Operational Director - Property and Assets to provide strategic leadership across its £500m+ property portfolio. You will lead a team of approximately 49 staff, delivering the Council's property, asset management, capital programmes and regeneration priorities, including housing and schools.
As a member of the Resources Departmental Management Team, you will contribute to corporate leadership, cross-Council initiatives, and the continuous improvement of services, ensuring value for money, income generation, and compliance with legislation and governance standards.
This is a senior leadership role focused on strategic direction, financial management, and partnership working across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the Council's Property and Assets Service, ensuring high performance and customer focus.
Oversee capital programmes exceeding £205m, including schools, housing and regeneration projects.
Maximise the value and use of the Council's operational and non-operational property portfolio.
Provide leadership for Facilities Management, Emergency Planning, Business Continuity and Health & Safety.
Provide professional advice to elected members, senior officers, and external partners.
Develop partnerships with other councils, public sector bodies, and private/voluntary organisations.
Ensure compliance with legislation, governance and corporate policies.

Direct budget responsibility: £18m+ acquisitions/CPOs, £2m commercial rent roll, £3.5m FM contract.
Indirect oversight: £205m+ capital programme.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience required:
UK Resident
Full professional membership of RICS, or equivalent (RIBA, RTPI, CIOB).
Minimum 4 year's senior leadership experience in a local authority organisation.
Proven track record of delivering large-scale projects, programmes, and service improvements.