Tower Hamlets Council is seeking a new Director of Corporate Properties and Estates to manage its non-residential property portfolio. The Director will be responsible for a property portfolio of 990 assets worth £1.6bn and rental income of £2.85m per annum from commercial assets. They will also be responsible for 6 Mayor Priority Projects including an extra care home, drug treatment centre.
The Appointments Sub-Committee convened on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, to interview candidates for the position. The responsibilities of the Director include strategic leadership and management of the council's non-residential property portfolio, overseeing facilities management, managing commercial property assets, leading on acquisitions and disposals, and developing and implementing a Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP). The new director will be expected to develop, implement, and maintain a SAMP that aligns with the council's long-term objectives, incorporating sustainability and social value.
The committee, including Councillor Maium Talukdar (Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning), Councillor Kabir Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding), and Councillor Saied Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living), followed the council's policies and practices to assess each candidate. According to the Public reports pack, Penna, the recruitment consultants, provided a report detailing the shortlisted candidates. Penna also advertised the position extensively and undertook a targeted executive search. A longlist of candidates was considered by the ASC on 29th July 2025, and a decision was taken to arrange technical interviews for selected candidates.
Candidates are assessed based on the person specification outlined in the job description, which includes knowledge and experience in areas such as property management, FM (Facilities Management), commercial property, asset management, delivering complex property transactions, understanding sustainability principles, and stakeholder management. They are also assessed on personal characteristics and attributes such as personal credibility, integrity, leadership, and political awareness. The methods of assessment include application form, tests, and interviews.
The Public reports pack recommended that the Appointment Sub-Committee determine which, if any, candidate should be offered the post. Following the Sub-Committee's determination of a suitable candidate, the Executive will be given 48 hours to comment on the proposed appointment. If negative feedback is received, the Sub-Committee may be required to meet again to consider that feedback before an appointment is made. The next scheduled meeting of the Appointment Sub-Committee is on Monday, 15 September 2025.
