At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a diverse property portfolio across the UK, handling legal and commercial aspects.
- Company: Valencia Waste Management, a forward-thinking organisation focused on sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Meaningful work, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Travel across the UK to engage with sites and stakeholders.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team driving innovation for a cleaner, more responsible future.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or chartered legal executive with strong real estate experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Valencia Waste Management operates a substantial property portfolio of more than 6,500 acres, spanning a range of sectors and sites in all parts of the UK. We are looking for a qualified property lawyer to take ownership of the group's estates as our Head of Estates.
Role Summary
This is a senior, standalone role for someone who wants the breadth of a whole portfolio rather than a narrow specialism. You will be the single point of ownership for the group's freehold and leasehold interests, handling the legal, commercial and day-to-day management of every site. With more than 6,500 acres across multiple sectors and every corner of the UK, the work is varied, hands-on and genuinely national, so a real appetite for getting out to the sites is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the group's property portfolio across all operational and non-operational sites, covering both freehold and leasehold interests.
- Manage the group's landlord and tenant relationships, both where we are the landlord and where we are the tenant, including lease negotiations, renewals, rent reviews, variations, assignments and surrenders.
- Lead property-related legal disputes, including royalty, dilapidations, reinstatement, restoration and breach matters, instructing and managing external solicitors where needed.
- Oversee business rates across the portfolio, including liaison with the Valuation Office and rating advisers and the challenge of assessments where appropriate.
- Negotiate and document heads of terms, leases, deeds of variation, licences and other property agreements, working alongside our legal team.
- Manage end of lease, restoration and reinstatement obligations alongside our operational and technical teams.
- Maintain accurate records of the group's holdings, including title, lease terms, rent, key dates and obligations, and report to senior management on property risk, value and strategy.
- Travel regularly to sites in all parts of the UK to inspect, build relationships with landlords and stakeholders, and progress matters on the ground.
A qualified solicitor or chartered legal executive with a strong real estate background, ideally with solid post-qualification experience in commercial property and landlord and tenant. Confident handling both transactional property work and contentious property matters. Commercially minded, able to weigh legal risk against business priorities and reach practical outcomes. Comfortable working autonomously and owning a broad and busy remit. A strong communicator who can deal directly with landlords, advisers and internal stakeholders at all levels. Holds a full UK driving licence and is happy to travel to sites in all parts of the UK, including overnight stays where needed. Experience in waste, minerals, energy, land or infrastructure is an advantage but is not essential.
Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to sustainable waste solutions and environmental impact. At Valencia, you’ll be part of a collaborative team driving innovation, improving communities, and shaping a cleaner, more responsible future. We offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a tangible difference every day.
Head of Estates in Rugby employer: Era4
Valencia Waste Management is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of a diverse property portfolio across the UK. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, employees benefit from meaningful work, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative culture that values contributions towards shaping a cleaner future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates in Rugby
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Era4.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Era4? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Era4's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Head of Estates role at Era4, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Era4
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Era4 operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Era4. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Era4.