The charity which looks after the Chatham Maritime estate is looking for a new chief executive – and willing to pay a salary of £85,000.

Chatham Maritime Trust wants someone with a “rounded skillset and extensive experience of managing teams and budgets” to take the job overseeing the land covering the likes of Dockside Outlet Centre, university campuses and St Mary’s Island.

Applications for the property management role close on Monday, February 2, with the trust hoping to appoint someone by mid-March.

Interim chief executive Heather Kerswell, who has been in the job since September 2013, said she thought the money was competitive.

A similar role running Letchworth Garden City advertised by North Hertfordshire Homes offers a salary of £140,000.

Mrs Kerswell, who is a former chief executive of Mole Valley District Council and Rochester Bridge Trust, said: “I hope we are able to attract the right type of candidate. It’s a nice job.

"It is an enticing moment for someone else to take over...” - Interim chief executive Heather Kerswell

“This is quite a unique organisation set up for a specific purpose. The whole area is very special in its historic capacity and in the regenerational element.

“Add those two together and you have quite a different sort of job.”

Candidates looking to apply will need to have their credentials in order.

The Trust advertised the job in December 2013 but decided none of the interviewees were suitable.

Mrs Kerswell, who will step down at the end of March, added: “I have enjoyed this job very much.

“We have got 13 excellent trustees who it has been a joy to work with and excellent staff.

“We have put our finances back on a good basis. It is an enticing moment for someone else to take over.”

Details at www.cmt-cx.co.uk.