Estate Strategy & Planning Manager (Government Projects)

• Job Reference: RAESPM
• 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

For further information on this vacancy, or any other Built Environment job in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Robert Apps for a confidential discussion

Skills:
Estates Strategy & Planning Manager Estate Manager Assets Manager Construction Built Environment

Benefits:
+ benefits package

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