Head of Property

Background and Context  

The Higher Education sector is an exciting and dynamic environment, constantly evolving to meet the needs of students and a competitive global market. At the University of Hull, we recognise the critical role our estate and facilities play in attracting prospective students and enhancing the experience of our students, researchers, staff, and visitors as well as providing an important income stream. 

As part of our commitment to excellence, the Estates & Facilities Directorate is undergoing a transformational journey, modernising our services, processes, and systems to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education. Our mission is to support the University’s strategic vision by delivering world-class, sustainable, and well-maintained facilities.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post

The role holder provides the strategic lead for the commercial management and compliant operation of the University’s property and land portfolio, maximising income and long‑term value through active lease performance, strategic disposals and redevelopment.  Working within the University’s strategic ambitions and closely with Estates and Facilities teams, the post identifies and delivers adaptive re‑use and redevelopment that improves utilisation, financial returns and campus experience.  Acting as the University’s subject matter expert for landlord and tenant, planning and estates transactions, the role advises senior leaders and leads transactions end‑to‑end by co‑ordinating solicitors and external advisors to tight deadlines, supported by valuations, investment appraisals and robust governance.

The Post Holder will: 

• Lead strategy and compliant operation of the University’s property and land portfolio across freehold, leasehold and licensed interests 
• Drive estate commercialisation and income growth through lettings, joint ventures and adaptive re‑use to maximise net contribution 
• Work closely with Estates and Facilities Directors and Head of Space Management to identify and progress redevelopment and re‑utilisation opportunities, aligning feasibility, design and planning with financial targets 
• Prepare business cases, valuations and investment appraisals for acquisitions, disposals, lettings and redevelopment options to secure value for money and balanced risk 
• Lead disposals end‑to‑end, including approvals, marketing, heads of terms, due diligence, data room management and coordination with solicitors to achieve exchange and completion to tight deadlines 
• Own the lease event programme and performance, covering renewals, rent reviews, break options, licences and assignments, ensuring contracts deliver value for money 
• Manage tenant relations and performance, enforcing covenants, resolving issues and taking formal action where required, addressing problematic tenants and arrears 
• Working alongside the space management team to maintain an accurate property terrier, title and tenancy records with strong MI and KPIs for utilisation, income, costs, yields and risk 
• Plan and manage budgets for rental income, property costs and business rates with robust forecasting, in‑year control and variance reporting 
• Coordinate town and country planning activity with internal project teams and external authorities, securing necessary consents and obligations 
• Commission and manage external professional and legal advisors with clear scopes, deliverables and performance measures to ensure value for money 
• Lead property compliance, risk management and assurance activities, including condition surveys, dilapidations, statutory checks and business continuity arrangements 
• Build effective relationships with faculties, professional services, students, neighbours, local authorities and partners, representing the University in negotiations and forums 
• Undertake any other duties, projects, or responsibilities as required by the university, in line with the evolving needs of the institution and Estates & Facilities department. 

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