Watford is a small borough with a big commercial and operational property agenda – in fact most of our biggest corporate projects are property based. So our properties and ambition are not typical of a small borough. This means we're not looking for a typical Head of Property either. You'll need real vision, drive and passion - as well as excellent professional experience – so you can play a pivotal and high profile role right at the heart of the authority.

With a £120m investment portfolio, a £multi-million private sector partnership to redevelop Charter Place - our town centre shopping centre - and an ambitious LABV based mixed-use Health Campus development, and further regeneration from the expected Croxley Rail Link, your strong managerial and commercial skills will be critical. You will lead a small professional team and forge and manage strong relationships with a leading private sector developers, advisers and contractors.

Of course, you will also have responsibility for our operational portfolio, working alongside our public sector partners and the 3rd sector to maximise efficiencies in how buildings are used, delivering cost savings and driving value for money including through a focused disposal programme. Naturally, you will also have expert knowledge and wider experience of valuation, strategic asset management, and have previously managed an extensive property portfolio. You'll need to be confident and comfortable leading projects and working with a wide range of teams and stakeholders at all levels in the authority, including members, as well as externally.

This is a key, full time permanent role as part of our senior management team. Whilst we are certainly looking for you to be RICS qualified, local government experience (either directly, or as an adviser or consultant) would be helpful but is by no means essential – it will be your overall breadth of your experience we'll be considering. We're open minded and do not have an ‘ideal' candidate in mind.

Sounds interesting? If you would like an informal discussion about this role please contact…

Carol Chen, Head of Legal & Property Services on 01923 278350

Please go to our website to download an application form.

Closing date Monday 9 January 2012. Interviews 18 and 23 January 2012.