Jobs

Shape the estate. Enable services. Deliver social value.

Lewisham’s operational estate of over 100 assets underpins the services our residents rely on — from civic buildings and libraries to schools, depots and community assets. We’re seeking a Director of Property to set a clear, data‑driven estate strategy; deliver a safe, compliant and efficient portfolio; and unlock social, financial and environmental value.

 This is a broad, visible leadership role. You’ll hold end‑to‑end responsibility for asset management, strategic planning and investment decisions, aligning footprint, utilisation and condition to service needs, modern ways of working and climate commitments. You’ll lead our facilities management activities (hard and soft) and the capital programme, to ensure rigorous compliance, and embed proactive lifecycle planning and risk management.

This is a new role with the opportunity to shape the service — bringing together people, teams and processes into a coherent, customer‑centred corporate landlord model that:

• Uses strong data, KPIs and governance to drive decisions
• Delivers intelligent asset reviews, acquisitions and disposals
• Ensures safe, timely and value‑for‑money planned and capital works
• Strengthens contract and supplier management to deliver quality and social value 

The current teams are c110 strong with combined annual revenue budgets of over £12m (split 40:60 staff and external spend) and annual capital spend in the region if £10m-£15m depending on level of inward investment secured.  The team also manage corporate utility contracts of c£20m per year and an annual leasing income stream from commercial assets in the region of £6m. 

Of note, the Council is excited to welcome Goldsmiths University’s commitment to be a new anchor tenant in Catford town centre in 2027.  This requires a restacking of the civic complex for all tenants, including the Council, and a programme of investment to ensure the availability and condition of the complex meets their requirements for the coming 10-15 years at least. 

About you

We’re looking for a director who combines strategic judgement with operational grip. You’ll be commercially astute, analytically strong and experienced in managing large, complex portfolios. You’ll know how to get the best from in‑house teams and partners, and you’ll be confident working with Members, senior officers and communities on challenging decisions. 

Lewisham is values‑led and people‑centred. In return, you’ll join a supportive corporate leadership team and have the licence to shape a portfolio that enables excellent public services. 

If you’re motivated by public value, partnership and delivery at pace, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our retained partners at GatenbySanderson: Frazer Thouard(frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Kembi Coakelin (kembi.coakelin@gatenbysanderson.com) 

Closing date: Sunday 15^th February 2026

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.