At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic property initiatives and manage large-scale estate developments.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a top-tier pension, generous leave, and health support services.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving significant change and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of university estates and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: RICS membership and extensive experience in property management required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team. This senior role offers an exciting opportunity to provide strategic leadership of the University’s property portfolio, transforming land and buildings into active, value‑generating assets that support long‑term institutional objectives. Reporting to the Director of Estates (Partnering), you will act as the University’s senior property and commercial adviser and interface with external partners, investors and public‑sector stakeholders. You will play a critical part in delivering the University’s Integrated Infrastructure Plan and 2035 Vision, including leadership of large‑scale, innovation‑led estate developments and joint ventures.
Responsibilities
- Providing senior‑level oversight of complex estate developments, acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures, ensuring long‑term value creation and compliance.
- Leading the development and delivery of the University’s property strategy, aligned to institutional priorities and the Integrated Infrastructure Plan.
- Establishing a portfolio‑based approach to asset management, including recommendations to retain, invest, repurpose, develop or dispose of assets.
- Providing strategic leadership for space planning, utilisation and rationalisation, supported by robust governance, data and digital tools.
- Leading, managing and developing the Property Team and specialist consultants, fostering a high‑performing and collaborative culture.
About You
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work. You should demonstrate the following:
Essential Criteria
- A first degree (or equivalent) and full membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
- Extensive experience of client‑side property and estate management within a large, complex organisation.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience with valuations, income/outgoings and business case development.
- Proven experience of strategic space planning, estate optimisation and major property‑related projects.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder‑influencing skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience leading innovation‑led developments or public/private partnerships.
- Experience with digital estate systems, CAD/BIM and space management technologies.
- Experience operating in a complex, matrix organisational environment.
Benefits
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme.
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period.
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers.
Associate Director of Estates Property in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
As an employer, the University offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including a market-leading pension scheme, and exceptional leave entitlements, the University is committed to fostering professional growth and development. Join us in shaping the future of our property portfolio while enjoying the unique advantages of working within a prestigious institution dedicated to long-term value creation.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Estates Property in Manchester
✨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 The University of Manchester.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like The University of Manchester? 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 The University of Manchester's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Estates Property in Manchester
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 Associate Director of Estates Property role at The University of Manchester, 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 The University of Manchester
✨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 The University of Manchester 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 The University of Manchester. 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 The University of Manchester.
