Commercial Property Manager

Commercial Property Manager

Key Accountabilities

Indicate the main duties and responsibilities of the job.

Identify, lead and deliver opportunities to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of income generation from the Councils non-operational (commercial) property portfolio including the identification and disposal of surplus or under-performing assets

Ensure non-operational (commercial) property assets, totalling 850 commercial interests, achieve the rental target set for each year (c£7m in 2019-20) and identify opportunities for new acquisitions to increase in this income. Negotiate the leasing and renewal of leases and negotiating rent reviews of retail, commercial and industrial property including (where necessary) preparation and presentation of the Council's case in the event of dispute for determination by arbitration or expert or the Courts.

Management of residential (excluding Council housing), retail, commercial, and industrial land and property, and in particular the management of district and local retail centres.

Lead on the annual valuation programme of c. £1bn on 31 January 2018 ensuring that all valuation work is in accordance with the Statutory Code and CIPFA and RICS statements of practice and guidance notes and is in compliance with the Council's standing orders, financial regulations, codes and practices.

Lead on redevelopment/development schemes to increase income generation from the Councils non[1]operational (commercial) property portfolio

Negotiate the disposal of long leasehold or freehold interests in sites for industrial / commercial development by tender and private treaty, including where appropriate detailed joint venture initiatives with the private sector.

Provide property related support and advice as required to multi-disciplinary teams to deliver economic growth for the Borough of Swindon

Be responsible for the provision of valuation advice in connection with all property matters involving capital and rental values relating to the Housing Revenue Account

Implement and negotiate the acquisition of primarily urban properties under compulsory purchase powers and by agreement, and negotiate compensation claims on behalf of the Council, including (where necessary) preparation and presentation of the Council's case in the event of dispute for determination by the Lands Tribunal.

Examine the weekly list of planning applications submitted to identify those that impact on or affect the Council’s land and property.

Direct, manage, monitor, supervise and lead a Valuation Team, consisting of two Senior Valuers and an Assistant Property Management Officer to ensure their work supports identified aims and objectives and demonstrates best value and best practice in maximising the use of investment assets and assess. Supplementary Accountabilities

Attendance at Council meetings and public meetings both in normal working hours and evenings

Chairing meetings, attending evening meetings outside normal working hours

Negotiation and conclusion of any other type of property transaction on any of the Councils property portfolio including the operational estate

Knowledge & Experience

Candidates must have substantial knowledge and experience in the following areas of business and will be required to provide evidence of this:

Significant experience in estate/property management with emphasis on agreements for use of property and property contract related issues

Experience of working in a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation and to lead, manage and motivate a team to achieve challenging and time driven outputs

Leadership knowledge and experience in managing change and implementing new ideas

Has proven results obtained through team work and individual effort

A strong customer services focus

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with a range of staff.

The ability to drive results whilst working in a collaborative way and developing and maintaining strong, positive working relationships

Excellent communication skills

Ability to analyse and utilise information strategically to support corporate objectives.

Ability to identify options and solutions and adopt a methodical approach to produce and deliver outputs and outcomes.

Computer literate with knowledge of GIS packages.

Ability to produce and present concise and accurate reports.

Self-motivated and pro-active approach and good communication and inter-personal skills.

Ability to consider options and issues and identify and implement appropriate solutions to a range of problems.

Qualifications

Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (General Practice) with significant relevant post qualification experience including undertaking asset valuations, acquisition, management, disposal and development / regeneration casework.

Degree or equivalent relevant experience in estate management

PRINCE2 practitioner or knowledge of project management techniques within a similar environment

Decision Making

Recommendations in Cabinet reports and Cabinet Member Decision and Briefing Notes on the use, acquisition and disposal of land and buildings (this involves long-term decisions on properties often with an impact of over 40 years).

Sitting on project boards and teams involving elected members and officers to provide property advice for corporate and regeneration projects.

Representing the Council in acquisition, letting, management and disposal by sale and lease of all types of property. Determine and recommend course of action, authorise and oversee actions to completion.

Review and determine lease terms to achieve the best terms and protect the Council’s interests at all times (essential where regeneration proposals are involved as redevelopment could be delayed or restricted substantially if vacant possession of properties cannot be obtained).

Assess and implement rent reviews to ensure the Council receives maximum rental income/growth (has a direct impact on Council’s immediate and longer-term income stream, often for 25 years with occasionally longer-term impact)

The post holder will exercise substantial delegated authority in complex negotiations in order to secure the most advantageous terms for the Council.

Long term decisions involving capital sums for building or altering property (with an impact for the residual life of the building, often 70 years+)

Long term decisions concerning the provision and use of property involving multi million pounds and impacting over the life of the property (70+ years)

Giving guidance and direction to team members, allocation of cases and setting negotiating parameters on a case by case basis

Approval of valuations

Day to day decisions on the running of the operational and investment estate