Senior Commercial Property Manager / Surveyor

Bidwells is a leading real estate adviser at the forefront of the UK’s most innovative sectors, including science and technology, sustainability, and modern living. Our team of more than 600 experts manages over £5.2 billion in property assets and provides advice across more than 4 million acres of the UK’s countryside and coastline. We are recognised leaders in forestry, natural capital, and sustainable investment. The Investment & Property Management Team undertakes the management of various commercial properties worth more than £1.3 billion. The focus of this role is to provide property management expertise at Granta Park which comprises a large estate of high technology and laboratory buildings. You will be working closely with a Partner within the team, facilities managers and site-based staff. This post will give the right person the opportunity to manage and develop this world-renowned Science Park.

Working alongside the Property Manager, Facilities Managers and Operation Team, the post-holder will have responsibility for the management and delivery of services to multi-let sites and FRI buildings.

What you’ll be doing

• Rent Collection
  • Oversee rent, insurance and service charge collection
  • Ensuring database is up to date and all tenant data is accurately recorded
  • Check and confirm pre-runs and invoicing
  • Oversee credit control (debtors) activity for individual tenants
  • Ensure changes that will impact insurance are notified to insurers via the client
  • Attending and reporting at regular client meetings
  • Assistance with tenant engagement
  • Organise regular tenant meetings for multi-let assets
  • Manage Landlord approvals and licences e.g. assignment, alterations, sublettings
• Inspections
  • Undertake bi-annual property management inspections and follow-up to ensure lease compliance.
  • Record all inspections and follow-up actions within our inspection software.
  • To ensure property repairs and maintenance are identified and rectified by the appropriate persons.
• Buildings & Site Management
  • Review Tenant Handbooks for multi-let sites including fit out guides and contractor site rules.
  • Provide guidance and support to facilities manager, where necessary in the procurement, retendering and instruction of contractors & service providers and Landlord and Tenant matters.
  • Periodic review with the facilities manager on utilities and service contracts in each building or estate to ensure consistency and best value.
  • Ensure we are managing the buildings as sustainably as possible.
  • Ensure changes in tenancy or works that will impact property insurance is notified to insurers via the client in a timely manner and notify client of any proposed insurance claims as appropriate.
  • Monthly notification to client accounts of likely expenditure for the month e.g. for building projects, repair/maintenance and non-recoverable costs.
• Data
  • Responsible for ensuring records and relevant databases are updated in a timely manner relating to property management matters, including ensuring all tenancy changes are recorded in a timely manner on the property & accounting database.
  • Hold regular review with the facilities team on their H&S and risk management compliance score and ensure they are using relevant databases.
• Service Charges
  • Responsibility for setting, controlling, monitoring, budgeting and reconciliation of service charges to ensure compliance with RICS Code of Practice.
  • Review of service charge apportionment matrix/ basis that is kept up to date.
  • Authorisation of contractors' invoices; some may fall to facilities manager(s) or property manager.
  • Review existing metering arrangements and Tenant recharge.
  • Consider sustainability as part of service provision.
  • Responsible for ensuring properties are managed to the highest appropriate standard in accordance with the latest RICS guidelines and Health and Safety legislation.
  • Work closely with facilities managers to achieve excellence.
  • Review Risk Management Compliance and Contractor Appointments Compliance.
  • Ensure complying with client KPIs where applicable.
• Lease Activity
  • Assist with geared rent/ indexed rent reviews and some letting activity.
  • Provision of information to assist Client on lease renewals and rent reviews or agency for new lettings or the external valuers for valuations.
• People
  • Provide guidance, as directed by your line manager or other staff, to others members of the team.
  • Work closely with other parts of IPM team as well as other Bidwells teams such as agency, building consultancy and professional services.

About You

• Demonstrable knowledge of managing commercial service charges in accordance with the RICS code of practice.
• Proven property management experience, including a good working knowledge of leases and relevant H&S legislation as it affects commercial premises.
• Confidence to deal directly with Clients to gain their inherent trust and confidence in your advice.
• Demonstrable technical knowledge of Landlord and Tenant legislation and regulations relating to the management of commercial property.
• Familiarity with property management database systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to co-ordinate other individuals and service providers.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Computer literate, at least basic level in Microsoft Excel and Word and PowerPoint.
• High level of numeracy, logical mind and attention to detail.

Why Bidwells?

• We’re a different kind of business. Whilst we’re a major player in the property sector, Bidwells remains a privately-owned, independent Partnership, with an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture.
• We give our people autonomy and take the time to listen.
• As a certified B Corporation (B-Corp), we are dedicated to using our business as a force for good, driving innovation and creating long-term value for our clients, communities and the environment.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with generous salary and group bonus scheme. As a Real Living Wage employer, we’re committed to fair pay that reflects the true cost of living.
• Comprehensive Benefits: including up to 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday (+ bank holidays) as a minimum, along with your birthday off work, a wellness day, paid sabbaticals, private medical cover, medicash plan, lifestyle discounts and perks, and more.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities.
• Innovative Culture: Be part of a forward-thinking team at the forefront of industry trends.
• Family Friendly: We offer enhanced family leave policies to support individuals close to you.
• Work-Life Balance: We value your well-being and offer agile working to support it.

Bidwells is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive culture of belonging, where everyone can thrive and succeed as their true and authentic selves at every level. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief. Flexible working requests are considered from day one.