Estate Strategy & Planning Manager (Government Projects)

• Job Reference: RAESPM100926
• Job Title: Estate Strategy & Planning Manager (Government Projects)
• Salary: £Competitive + benefits package
• Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Estate Strategy & Planning Manager

Are you looking for an Estate Strategy & Planning Manager role? Interested in playing a leading role within a market leading employer? VANRATH are recruiting for an Estate Strategy & Planning Manager to work for a market leading employer, working alongside a large public sector body. Remuneration: £Competitive + benefits package. Overview of Role: The Estate Strategy & Planning Manager will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Client’s estate strategy, asset planning, and master planning functions. Responsible for managing a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, and CAD technicians to develop strategic, data-driven estate solutions that improve asset condition, functionality, efficiency, and sustainability. Working in close collaboration with Asset Inspection Services and the PMO/Projects Service, the postholder will ensure that estate investment decisions are aligned to organisational objectives, statutory compliance, and long-term value.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Estate Planning & Leadership

• Lead the preparation, update, and delivery of the Estate Strategy and supporting documents across the contract lifecycle
• Develop and maintain the Estate Management Strategy and Asset Management Strategy in line with recognised standards (ISO 55000, RICS guidance, etc.)
• Translate asset data, inspection outputs, and organisational needs into clear, deliverable estate strategies and plans
• Provide strategic oversight of a 10-year Estate Programme of Work and 15-year planning horizon (Blueprint and Masterplans)

Asset Planning & Management

• Oversee the production and maintenance of: Strategic and Local Asset Management Plans, Asset-level plans and associated action plans, State of the Estate report
• Ensure asset plans clearly define: Current asset performance (“as-is”), Future requirements (“to-be”), Delivery pathways (“how to get there”)
• Integrate condition, functional suitability, utilisation, and risk data into planning outputs
• Ensure alignment between maintenance strategies, capital investment, and operational needs

Master Planning, Blueprint & Design Oversight

• Lead the development of estate-wide Master Plans and Blueprint designs aligned to the Client’s Strategic Operating Model
• Oversee production of 2D/3D drawings and spatial strategies using CAD tools
• Ensure design outputs support long-term estate transformation, including refurbishment, new build, and rationalisation
• Maintain and evolve design guides, standards, and generic specifications to ensure consistency and quality

Programme & Project Development

• Develop and maintain the Projects Dossier to define and prioritise estate investment requirements
• Lead early-stage project development (RIBA Stage 0-1), including: Strategic definition, Business case development
• Produce Development Briefs for all maintenance and capital projects
• Work collaboratively with the PMO/Projects Service to transition projects into delivery phases.

Performance, Reporting & Benchmarking

• Lead the production of the State of the Estate Report, including: Efficiency metrics (space utilisation, cost benchmarks), Quality indicators (condition, functionality, risk), Environmental performance (carbon, energy, water, waste)
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators and benchmarks
• Use data analytics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance

• Act as the strategic interface between the Client, Asset Inspection Service, and Projects/PMO functions
• Lead stakeholder engagement across operational, technical, and senior leadership groups
• Present complex estate strategies and plans in accessible formats for non-technical audiences
• Attend and contribute to governance forums and coordination meetings.

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, and CAD technicians
• Ensure appropriate resource planning and capability to deliver contract outputs
• Promote a high-performance, collaborative, and innovative team culture
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance across all design and planning outputs.

Ideal Background

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Building Surveying, Estate Management, or related discipline
• Chartered status desirable (e.g., RICS, RIBA, CIOB or equivalent)
• Significant experience in: Strategic asset management within the public sector, Estate planning and capital programme development, Leading multidisciplinary design/planning teams
• Proven track record of delivering estate strategies and asset management plans
• Strong understanding of: Asset management standards (ISO 55000 / PAS 55), RIBA Plan of Work, Public sector governance and business case development

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with blue-light services, justice, or secure estates
• Knowledge of sustainability and net-zero estate strategies
• Experience integrating asset data systems and analytics into planning
• Familiarity with BIM and advanced CAD/3D modelling tools

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Leadership and team development
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Data interpretation and evidence-based decision-making
• Programme and project development expertise
• Strong commercial awareness and value optimisation

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