There is a real buzz about our corner of London. 

As the Mayor of London’s first London Borough of Culture, our distinctive culture-led approach to economic growth and regeneration is driving one of the fastest growing local economies in London. We are intensely ambitious for Waltham Forest, investing in the Borough’s future, and creating a legacy that will benefit our residents for years to come.

We aim to be bold in harnessing the power of our unique strengths and assets – our communities, our people, our staff and our heritage.  Our new Economic Growth and Housing Delivery Directorate is at the heart of delivering the Council’s ambitions for economic and housing growth, both directly and indirectly, through our plans, services and, most importantly, our focus on delivery.  

As Director of Commercial Estate and Investment you will lead the Council’s property estate and asset management functions, securing outstanding financial and social returns from our existing portfolio, developing a pro-active pipeline of acquisitions and shaping and implementing our investment strategy.

About Waltham Forest

Just 20 minutes from the City of London and the West End and with over 500 acres of blue and green space including Europe’s largest urban wetland at Walthamstow Wetlands and Epping Forest, “London’s Great Forest”, we are well placed to deliver our ambitions for new neighbourhoods. 

We are creating a senior delivery team to support Stewart Murray, our Strategic Director of Economic Growth and Housing Delivery, in leading and accelerating the work of the new Directorate.

Our Economic Growth and Housing Delivery Directorate is responsible for most of the Council’s £550million Capital Programme that will deliver new school places, new homes and affordable housing, community and cultural venues, transport infrastructure, economic growth and regeneration, and new neighbourhoods including a new community as part of the transformation of our iconic Town Hall Campus.  Our draft Local Plan Review articulates the aspiration to deliver 10,000 new jobs and 18,000 new homes over the next 10 years with 50 per cent affordable housing that prioritises local residents. Our teams will be responsible for making this happen. 

Shortlisted for MJ’s Council of the Year 2019, our values demonstrate our approach as a Council; be radical, make and create, and act with fellowship. You will embody these behaviours, have a compelling track record of success and the proven ability to work collaboratively to deliver our ambitious growth plans and transformational projects.

About the Role

You will be the lead officer providing strategic direction, leadership, operational management and financial control for the planning, delivery and commercial management of the Council’s property estate and asset management functions.

You will lead the development and implementation of an Investment Strategy; you will optimise the use of the Council’s current assets to achieve financial and social return on investment and outcomes and develop a proactive acquisition and disposal pipeline. 

You will work collaboratively to design and deliver dynamic investment and asset management strategies and programmes that support the Council’s ambitions for growth ambitions and optimise Return on Investment and the value of the corporate estate. 

We will look to you to define our capital investment requirements and lead on the development of property maintenance and improvement programmes.

About You

We are interested in speaking to candidates from both the commercial and public sectors with a track record of delivery and a relevant qualification, such as RICS.  You will bring leadership experience of shaping and maximising the value of significant property portfolios and expertise in securing appropriate acquisitions.

If you are commercially minded, with a focus on delivery and driving a financial and social return on investment, we want you to join us.   Salary negotiable for an exceptional candidate.

How to Apply

Please submit a current CV along with a supporting statement that addresses the Role Profile and demonstrates how you meet its requirements.  Please also provide details of two referees including name, position, organisation, email and telephone number, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer.  If you do not wish us to approach your referees without your permission please state so clearly.

For an informal discussion about the Director role please contact our recruitment consultants at Hays: Mark Bearn (07872 672290) and Colin Fairbank (07429 230496). 

Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 1st July 2019

Technical Interviews: Monday 15 July, Wednesday 17 July, Thursday 18 July (Provisional)

Final Interviews: Thursday 25 July (Provisional)