Job Description
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
