Operational Property Manager

Job Title: Operational Property Manager (Facilities & Environment)

Location: Preston (Onsite) - Town Hall, Preston, PR1 2RL

Contract: Temporary - 24 Weeks

Start Date: 16 March 2026

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

IR35: Inside IR35

Rate: PAYE £28.94 per hour Umbrella/Limited £38.07 per hour

Role Overview

Ribble Recruitment is supporting a local authority to recruit an Operational Property Manager to lead the Operational Property Division responsible for architectural design, quantity surveying, building maintenance, energy efficiency and facilities management.

This senior operational role will ensure the effective management of the council's property portfolio and capital projects, delivering efficient services aligned with organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management to the Operational Property Division, reporting to the Director.
• Oversee services covering architectural design, quantity surveying, building maintenance, energy efficiency and facilities management.
• Lead procurement strategy for design and construction projects across the council's property portfolio.
• Manage, develop and motivate staff within the division to deliver high-quality services.
• Act as budget holder for operational property and building maintenance budgets.
• Manage a multi-million pound capital programme budget relating to construction projects.
• Develop the Corporate, Core and Major Asset Strategy contributing to the council's five-year capital programme.
• Prepare reports and present recommendations to Council and Cabinet meetings when required.
• Act as Building Manager for key civic assets including the Town Hall and other council buildings.
• Manage sustainability initiatives including energy efficiency, water reduction and carbon neutrality targets.
• Provide professional advice to internal teams on planning requirements, building regulations and CDM 2015 responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including fire risk, legionella and asbestos management.
• Liaise with external partners, contractors and statutory bodies regarding property development and maintenance.
• Contribute to wider directorate leadership and organisational planning.

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience in property, facilities management, construction or operational property services.
• Experience managing capital programmes and operational property budgets.
• Strong knowledge of construction procurement, project delivery and facilities management.
• Experience managing teams and delivering services across multi-site property portfolios.
• Understanding of CDM Regulations 2015 and building compliance requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management and reporting experience.

• Target interview date: 18 March 2026
• Interviews expected on site
• Final interview arrangements to be confirmed by the hiring team.

Ribble Recruitment is assisting the hiring organisation with candidate sourcing, screening and the initial stages of the recruitment process.

For more information or to apply please contact:

Lewis Ashcroft

Ribble Recruitment