Commercial and Place Manager

We’re on the lookout for a Commercial and Place Manager to join the believe housing team.

This is an exciting opportunity if you want to make a real difference. ‘We believe in life without barriers. If you aren’t sure you meet 100% of the criteria but think you would be great in this role, don’t let that stop you; we would love to hear from you. We’re interested in your skills, knowledge and experience, as well as your personal values. We’re committed to supporting everyone here at believe housing and being an inclusive organisation.

Although this role is advertised as full-time, we will consider part-time, job share and alternative working pattern proposals where possible.

Where and when you work is flexible depending on the demands of your role, our customers’ needs and your individual work preference (as agreed with your manager).

Our offices are based in Seaham and Bishop Auckland and although we work flexibly, it is envisaged that this role will require both an offsite and onsite presence as per business need when required.

About the role

The Commercial and Place Manager is responsible for the strategic management and optimisation of believe housing’s commercial, leasehold, and community property interests, ensuring assets deliver value for customers, communities and the organisation.

The role leads on all landlord and tenant matters, leasehold management, service charges, acquisitions, disposals and estate-related issues, providing professional property advice across the organisation. Working collaboratively across Assets, Development, Finance and Housing teams, the postholder will maximise asset performance, manage risk, support sustainable neighbourhoods and ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the strategic management of the organisation’s commercial, leasehold, shared ownership and community property portfolio, ensuring such assets support corporate objectives and deliver value for money
• develop and implement asset management strategies relating to commercial and leasehold assets
• undertake asset reviews, options appraisals and investment assessments to inform acquisition, disposal and asset optimisation decisions
• identify opportunities to improve asset performance, generate income and support wider place-based regeneration and community objectives
• provide professional advice and recommendations to senior management on property-related risks and opportunities
• lead all landlord and tenant matters including lease renewals, rent reviews, assignments, subletting requests, licences to alter, lease enforcement, dilapidations, forfeiture, lease surrenders and dispute resolution
• oversee commercial property inspections and ensure appropriate action is taken to protect the organisation’s interests
• ensure accurate maintenance of lease records, property information and key contractual documentation
• lead a team responsible for negotiations relating to land and property acquisitions, disposals, easements, wayleaves and other property interests, as well as managing land ownership matters, boundary issues, encroachments and other estate management activities
• ensure compliance with leasehold legislation, landlord and tenant law, regulatory requirements and organisational policies.

For more information, please read the full job description.

What’s on offer?

Our people are our greatest asset which is why we value you, encourage you, look after you, and empower you.

As well as a competitive salary of £55,890 per annum, we offer some great benefits and rewards.

From our annual leave entitlement (up to 33 days, plus four volunteering days per year) and competitive pension scheme, to our flexible ‘working the believe way’ patterns that put your wellbeing front and centre, there’s really a lot on offer. Our culture is second to none. We put our customers at the heart of everything we do, and developing our colleagues to support them is key to our success. So we’re committed to your growth, encouraging you to progress and enhance your skills in a rewarding career.

Apply now

If you believe that you demonstrate our values and can bring something special to this role, then apply now. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

If you wish to find out more about this opportunity contact David Taylor, Assistant Director of Assets at David.taylor@believehousing.co.uk

• Closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 October 2026
• All applicants must go through our website.
• Interview date to be confirmed.