Head Of Commercial Property (Housing)

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Head Of Commercial Property for our client a government organisation in Kensington, London. The successful post holder will oversee the effective day‑to‑day management and continuous review of the commercial property portfolio to identify opportunities, develop and implement strategies that reduce cost, maximise returns and increase revenue, and optimise use, in accordance with the organisation\’s policies, asset strategy, plan and social investment strategy. Act as the point of expert advice on commercial property matters, develop and implement a long‑term strategic vision for the commercial property function, align it with the Council’s wider objectives and ensure the portfolio remains competitive and profitable. Spearhead the identification and implementation of innovative commercial property strategies that align with the organisation’s strategic objectives, overseeing the leverage of data analytics and market intelligence to inform strategic decisions and optimise portfolio performance. This role is a temporary contract initially for 3 months with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working with 3 days required in the office per week.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the long‑term strategic vision for the Commercial Property function, aligning it with the overall department goals and the organisation’s wider strategic objectives.
• Act as the primary point of expert advice on landlord and tenant and property management matters, providing strategic guidance to senior officers and Lead Members to influence decision‑making on the management of the portfolios.
• Manage the in‑depth analysis and monitoring of the commercial portfolio’s performance against industry benchmarks, leveraging data analytics to identify high‑potential opportunities for the organisation to inform strategic decisions and optimise portfolio performance.
• Oversee the effective day‑to‑day management and continuous review of the commercial property portfolio to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce costs, maximise income and optimise property use in accordance with the Council’s policies, Asset Strategy and Social Investment Strategy.
• Oversee and manage all property transactions, negotiations and financial management for the organisation’s commercial portfolio, ensuring they adhere to all relevant legislation and regulations and are in alignment with the organisation’s objectives.
• Oversee the management of accurate property information databases for reporting on performance, including tenancy information and financial analysis, to provide valuable insights for decision‑making.
• Ensure value for money and high performance of the Commercial Portfolio through effective asset utilisation and robust performance reporting, leading to increased financial return.
• Oversee the development and implementation of strategic and operational improvements to the Commercial Portfolio to maximise rental income, enhance portfolio performance, and ensure efficient asset utilisation through rent reviews, lease renewals, licence renewals and all landlord and tenant transactions.
• Ensure the effective management of financial resources allocated to the commercial property portfolio, maximising returns while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Oversee the landlord and tenant services, including rent review, lease renewals as well as the provision of new lettings for the Operational Portfolio as well as the VCS (communities) portfolio.

Personal Requirements

• A Member or Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) qualification (Commercial Property Practice or equivalent).
• Significant experience in senior leadership roles within Commercial Property Practice or Real Estate Management, with an ability to advise senior colleagues and provide strategic recommendations.
• Significant experience in commercial property practice and asset management and ability to ensure Value for Money and that the organisation will maximise the use of its Investment Assets.
• Extensive knowledge of Landlord & Tenant legislation and property valuation.
• Extensive experience in commercial property management including s18 valuations for negotiating schedules of dilapidation, adhering to RICS Valuations Standards or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience in dealing with external consultants and working within a multidisciplinary project team.
• Ability to use a range of PC and mainframe IT applications as relevant to the work of the team.

Working Hours

36 hrs / 9:00am – 17:00pm / Monday – Friday

Pay

£550.00 per day

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.