Head of Property/Estates (12 month Interim – Initially )

VACANCY REF: AK18862

The Client:

Our client is a multinational organisation, with offices in 17 countries.  The business’ real estate portfolio has grown to over 56 properties (predominantly offices), of which over 35 are in UKI. The group

The group is highly acquisitive, which creates constant portfolio churn. Initially this will be a fixed term contract until such time as the longer-term requirements have been identified.

The Role:

This role will suit a hands-on, self-starter who is interested in the challenge of establishing a function from scratch and assisting the group with developing the longer-term strategy.

While the role is, to an extent, there to be shaped, it is likely to include the following activities:

• Liaising with the Board, the Executive and other relevant stakeholders to establish Property Portfolio Management Plans and longer-term Strategy.
• Assist the business and finance teams in the budget process for property-related costs; future property-related business plans including capital expenditure requirements and providing periodic financial updates.
• Ensuring the Property Portfolio remains compliant to lease, statutory and regulatory obligations, including the production of annual Preventative and Compliance Maintenance Plans in liaison with relevant parts of the business.
• Identify opportunities for rationalisation and savings.
• Manage and implement operational property related requirements e.g., expansion plans, alterations, disposals, change of use, insurance claims, with both internal and external stakeholders
• Build up strong relationships with both external stakeholders, including landlords and managing agents, and internal customers to understand their business and ensure property requirements are met.
• Lead on negotiations with Landlords in respect of lease events.
• Liaise with external advisors on Business Rates related matters.
• Support the local facilities managers in property-related matters.
• Responsible for preparing board papers for property transactions for sign off by the Property Director and other senior stakeholders.
• Review initial documentation prepared by external professional services providers for documenting transactions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Selection Criteria:

• Similar experience within an interim or permanent role
• A good first degree or equivalent
• A chartered professional qualification, or equivalent, in a property/built environment-related discipline
• Experience of or an ability to work constructively with a Board and to contribute to organisational strategy development
• Experience of leading and managing a professional property and facilities function, or a large element of such a function, delivering a breadth of relevant services
• Experience of managing revenue budgets and capital projects
• Proven ability to think critically and objectively, analyse problems and arrive at solutions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to engage with multiple different audiences ranging from board level officers through to operational staff
• Proven leadership skills with a can-do mentality
• Personal and professional commitment to the organisation’s missions, and an ability to articulate it meaningfully to staff at all levels
• High standards of personal and professional integrity

Hours: The nature of the post is such that the post holder is expected to work from the main Cheshire HQ and given the nature of the portfolio spread, some initial travel shall be expected to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the post. Some flexibility is to be provided with this post and a minimum of 3-day office attendance per week shall be required.

Remuneration

• Salary – £80,000+ per annum equivalent – Subject to Experience
• 25 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays

To apply for this position, please contact Andrew Kingsley on 07879 413 765 or email a copy of your latest CV to andrew@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk quoting the position and reference AK18862

Kingsley is a leading Property & Built Environment Recruitment Consultancy, providing across all levels of seniority, throughout the UK. The directors hold a true mix of time-served surveying experience and high-level Professional Recruitment, which sets us apart from our competitors.

If you are considering either your next career move or looking to recruit within your property team, then please contact Kingsley for Independent, Confidential and Qualified advice.