Service Manager - Commercial Development

About the Place
Ashfield is a proud, ambitious district in the heart of Nottinghamshire, a place defined by a strong sense of community, creativity and enterprise. Our towns and villages are undergoing significant regeneration, supported by more than £100 million of investment through Towns and Future High Streets Funds. We’re modernising our town centres, unlocking new housing and employment sites, and creating vibrant, accessible places where people want to live, work and invest.

Our Commercial Development Team plays a central role in that transformation. The Council has built one of the most substantial local authority property investment portfolios in the region, valued at over £60 million and delivering a net yield of around £3 million per year. That income helps us protect vital local services and invest in regeneration and growth.

As we prepare for the next phase of Ashfield’s journey, including new commercial opportunities, we’re looking for a skilled and motivated property professional to lead our commercial portfolio and drive forward our commercial strategy.
  
About the Role
As Service Manager – Commercial Development, you will be the Council’s professional lead on all matters relating to commercial property and investment. Reporting to the Assistant Director -Assets, you’ll oversee the management of our diverse portfolio, from industrial units and retail premises to land acquisitions and disposals, ensuring it delivers maximum value and aligns with our wider regeneration ambitions.

You will lead a small but highly capable team ofEstates Officers, working collaboratively with regeneration colleagues, finance, legal services and external partners. This is a highly visible and influential role, supporting both the Strategic Leadership Team and Cabinet on property and investment decisions, and providing advice on strategy, risk and return.

You’ll also play a key role in shaping Ashfield’s long-term approach to commercialism, balancing financial return with community benefit, maintaining strong governance, and ensuring compliance with local government legislation and best practice.
  
About You
You’ll be RICS-qualified and an experienced property professional with a broad understanding of commercial estate management, investment, and development. You’ll bring proven experience in acquisitions, disposals, landlord and tenant matters, and in managing diverse commercial portfolios.

Your professional credibility will be matched by your ability to influence and collaborate. You’ll be comfortable advising senior members and officers, managing external consultants, and representing the Council in negotiations with businesses, investors and developers. Political awareness, strong communication skills and the confidence to operate in a high-profile environment are essential.

This is a busy, varied and rewarding post, the ultimate role in a small but ambitious council. It will suit someone who enjoys autonomy, thrives on complexity and takes pride in balancing commercial discipline with public service values. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation where your expertise will have a visible and lasting impact.
 

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact abbie.hamilton-grant@tile-hill.co.uk
 
Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your current salary and notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

Closing date: 19th November

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk. Ashfield District Council are a disability confident employer, Gold level for Armed Forces and a member of Mind.