Head of Property

The University of London

The University of London is both the UK's largest provider of international distance and online learning and the convenor of a federation of 17 renowned higher education institutions.

The federation brings together more than 250,000 learners and 50,000 staff in a collaborative community that is delivering high-quality research and education across all disciplines.

Since 1858, we have expanded access to world-class higher education. Today, around 40,000 students in more than 190 countries are part of our global learning community.

The University of London is also home to the School of Advanced Study, the national centre for the humanities, whose mission is to advocate for the discipline.

By working together, we expand access to outstanding higher education and resources and extend their benefits to learners and researchers across the UK and around the world.

The Role

A new role. A diverse property portfolio. An opportunity to shape and grow something new.

We are looking for an experienced property professional to join us as Head of Property and take a lead role in shaping how the University manages, develops and maximises the potential of its estate.

Reporting to the Director of Residential and Commercial Services, you will lead our Asset and Space Management and Conferencing & Events functions, bringing together property expertise, commercial thinking and strong people leadership.

This is an opportunity for an experienced property professional who is ready to broaden their leadership experience. Alongside leading a diverse portfolio of strategic residential and commercial properties, you will have responsibility for our Conferencing & Events operation.

You don't need to be a conferencing and events specialist. We are looking for someone who understands property, is commercially minded and is excited by the opportunity to take on something new, develop an existing operation and identify opportunities to generate greater value from the University's estate.

You will work across a varied portfolio in and around Bloomsbury, managing complex property matters, advising senior stakeholders, supporting investment and development decisions and identifying opportunities to improve both the performance and value of the University's assets.

For the right person, this is much more than a traditional Head of Property role. It is an opportunity to combine your professional property expertise with broader commercial and leadership responsibilities, while having the freedom to shape a new role and make it your own.

It's a role that combines established property expertise with the opportunity to lead something new.

We are looking for someone who can bring sound professional judgement and experience in property, but who is also commercially minded, curious and excited by the opportunity to broaden their leadership experience.

• Lead and shape the University's Property and Conferencing & Events functions, developing teams and creating a collaborative, customer-focused service.
• Manage a diverse estate, ensuring the University effectively discharges its responsibilities as freeholder and landlord.
• Unlock commercial potential, identifying opportunities to generate income, improve asset value and support the University's wider objectives.
• Develop the Conferencing & Events operation, working with colleagues and stakeholders to grow its reach, reputation and contribution to the University.
• Provide professional leadership and advice on complex property matters in a busy operational environment.
• Build strong relationships with senior colleagues, University of London federation members, tenants and external partners.
• Lead, coach and develop people, creating a high-performing and collaborative culture across both functions.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to join the University at an interesting point in the development of its commercial and property activities. You will have the professional credibility and autonomy to lead a significant property portfolio, while also having the opportunity to shape and grow a Conferencing & Events operation.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Property, Asset Management and Commercial Operations
• Conferencing & Events
• Financial and commercial management
• Engagement, communication and collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders
• Professional property advice and support to internal stakeholders
• Leadership, coaching and development of the Property and Conferencing & Events teams

For a full role profile, please refer to the job description below.

Further information

The University reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the published end date should it receive sufficient applications to warrant earlier shortlisting.

The University currently operates a Hybrid Working framework involving a mix of working remotely and in the office. The role holder will be able to agree to work remotely for up to 40% of their working week, however, will need to attend the office on specific days for training or team meetings etc.

The University of London is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from members of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities as this group is currently under-represented at all levels within the University. All appointments will be made on merit, based on the criteria named in the job description.

Pursuing excellence in education and equal opportunities.

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