At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Ark’s commercial property portfolio, ensuring high-quality service and compliance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Part-time role with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in property management while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in property management and knowledge of housing legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 24966 - 26166 £ per year.
Lead the growth and management of Ark’s commercial property portfolio. This is an exciting new role within Ark’s Group structure. The Commercial Services Officer will take on lead responsibility for Ark’s commercial portfolio, which consists of a range of market rent homes, student accommodation and third‑party leases. With the continued growth of our commercial activity, we are bringing this service in‑house to ensure improved oversight, stronger financial control and more robust lease and tenancy management. This role sits within the Development and Customer Experience Directorate and plays a key role in supporting Ark’s long‑term financial sustainability and customer outcomes.
About The Role
You’ll be responsible for delivering a comprehensive, high‑quality and customer‑focused commercial property management service across Ark’s portfolio, ensuring leases and tenancies are managed in line with contractual requirements, legislation, regulation and best practice. Working closely with internal colleagues and external partners, you’ll provide hands‑on leadership across commercial leasing, tenancy management, income, voids and compliance, while also contributing to the future growth of Ark’s commercial offer.
Day to day, you’ll be involved in things like:
- Leading the management of Ark’s commercial properties, including student accommodation, private residential tenancies and third‑party leases
- Negotiating, managing and monitoring commercial leases and protocol agreements, ensuring compliance and value for money
- Overseeing voids, marketing and allocations to minimise rent loss and maximise occupancy
- Managing rental income, service charges, deposits and arrears, including debt recovery activity
- Monitoring contractor performance, repairs and property compliance standards
- Handling customer enquiries, complaints and tribunal cases where required
- Providing performance data, insight and recommendations to support decision‑making and service improvement
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- Experience in housing, property or commercial property management
- A strong working knowledge of Scottish housing and property legislation, including private residential tenancies and lease arrangements
- Confidence managing income, service charges, arrears and related financial processes
- Experience using property management systems and digital case management tools
- Strong organisational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
- A proactive, customer‑focused approach with clear communication and sound professional judgement
- Chartered Member of the Institute of Housing / minimum Level 3 CIH Certificate in Housing Practice or equivalent proven track record in housing or property management
- Letwell qualification, or willingness to work towards this
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
Why Work With Us?
Alongside your salary, we offer:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements (pro rata)
- Generous annual leave entitlement (pro rata)
- 4% contributory pension
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Employee discounts, access to Blue Light Card and Cycle to Work scheme
- Annual leave buy & sell options
Salary: £24,966 – £26,166 per annum (based on 21 hours per week)
Hours: Part‑time – 21 hours per week (3 days)
Location: Hybrid – Edinburgh office (Lochside House)
Contract: Permanent
Commercial Services Officer employer: Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Ark is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a hybrid working model from our Edinburgh office. With generous annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and access to various employee support programmes, we foster a collaborative and customer-focused work culture that empowers our team members to excel in their roles. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our commercial property portfolio while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Services Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the property management field, especially those connected to Ark. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ark’s commercial portfolio and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around customer-focused service and financial management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or case studies of your previous work in property management. Highlight your successes in managing leases, minimising voids, and improving customer satisfaction to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Ark team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Services Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in housing and property management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Commercial Services Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of Scottish housing legislation and property management practices. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so include specific examples of how you’ve navigated these areas in your previous roles.
Be Customer-Focused:Since this role is all about delivering a high-quality service, make sure to highlight your customer service skills. Share instances where you’ve successfully handled enquiries or complaints, as this will show us you’re proactive and solution-oriented.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Ark’s commercial property portfolio. Familiarise yourself with the types of properties they manage, such as student accommodation and private residential tenancies. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Brush Up on Legislation
Since the role requires a strong working knowledge of Scottish housing and property legislation, take some time to review the relevant laws and regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently during the interview will showcase your preparedness and understanding of the legal landscape surrounding property management.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations related to tenancy management, income collection, or customer complaints. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges. This will not only highlight your problem-solving skills but also your proactive, customer-focused approach.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Given the need for strong organisational skills in this role, be ready to discuss how you manage competing priorities and ensure attention to detail. You might want to share specific tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially if you've worked with property management systems or digital case management tools before.
