CORPORATE PROPERTY MANAGER CANDIDATE PACK
Index
Dear Applicant,
Introduction The Borough of Tunbridge Wells The Portfolio Asset Management Plan Job Description Person Specification Benefits
Thank you for taking the time to find out more about the appointment of Corporate Property Manager with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council seek to provide public services to the population of 122,000 people within the District. Operating across a rich landscape of attractive, historic towns and plentiful countryside, the Council has ambitious plans to continue to invest in vital services as well as further develop the area as a heritage and cultural hub. The Corporate Property Manager is responsible for leading on all aspects of the Council’s property assets - providing high level strategic and innovative advice to ensure effective running of the portfolio whilst creating maximum return on investment. The Council’s portfolio is valued in excess of £103m comprising investment, operational and community assets. Reporting to the Head of Economic Development and Property, the Corporate Property Manager will lead the function towards a more innovative approach, ensuring that the Council’s property strategy is aligned with that of key partners (public and private sector), to deliver increased value for money from the use of assets and to develop innovative property solutions for the Council. This appointment offers the opportunity to take ownership and be directly responsible for leading the continued evolution of the Council’s estate portfolio, leaving a lasting impact on the Borough.
Equality and Diversity Application Process
The borough of Tunbridge Wells
The population of Tunbridge Wells borough has grown by more than the national average, and this trend is set to continue with predict- ed population growth to 122,700 by the end of this year (2022). We’re also seeing interest in the borough as a place for businesses, retailers and restaurants to set up. Our predicted employment growth is 8.3 per cent by 2024, which is greater than the South East average. Our economy is also dependent on the availa- bility of a highly educated workforce. We have a higher proportion of jobs in the knowledge economy at 32.9 per cent compared with the average across Kent at 16.8 per cent.
and villages with a rich natural history, a pleas- ant built environment and thriving rural busi- nesses. Approximately 70 per cent of the land is desig- nated as an area of outstanding natural beau- ty. Part of the success of Royal Tunbridge Wells is its pleasant setting and easy access to high quality countryside. Our historic towns and villages act as important service centres and are a vital part of the tourism economy. Larger towns such as Cranbrook, Paddock Wood, and Southborough are essential focal points for the local economy and access to services. Over many years we have worked with parish and town councils in our area to enhance these features and deliv- er improved services.
We are home to a number of attractive towns
Royal Tunbridge Wells is rooted in culture, leisure and the arts. It’s what first made it a spa-town destination over 400 years ago. Today, the town continues to be a prominent destination, with cul- tural, leisure and arts opportunities complemented by our beautiful parks and open spaces, our spa town heritage and a wide range of sports and activity clubs on offer. This is a significant benefit to the local economy and for residents across the area. More people enjoy cultural and arts activities in our area than the average across England. We can capitalise on this, but to do so we need to invest in our facilities. Our residents value activities for promoting health and wellbeing, but we need to invest in our sports and recreation provision to encourage greater participation.
Focus on Five
The Portfolio Valued at over £103 million in March 2022, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s portfolio generates an annual rental income of £1.97 million and has an annual maintenance budget of £1.024 million. The portfolio comprises a full range of property uses including commercial, residential, light industri- al and retail properties, woodland and community land, and footpaths and pieces of ancillary land. The portfolio houses both operational and investment assets including both leasehold and freehold titles. At present the portfolio includes 64 commercial investments, 150 operational, 275 non-operational assets and key assets under development. Example projects include: • Weald Leisure Centre and North Farm Depot – major decarbonisation investment in key opera- tional assets. • Royal Victoria Place – shopping centre development leased to British Land. The Council contin- ue to work with British Land to maximise the capital and revenue value of this asset and as part of the continued regeneration of the town centre. • Redevelopment of the Town Hall – Planned reduction in operational space delivering a co-work- ing partner and commercial occupiers. Planning in process with delivery in Spring 2023.
At the Annual Meeting of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on Wednesday 25 May 2022 Councillor Ben Chapelard was elected as Leader. The new administration has five key priorities, their Focus on Five: • Safeguarding finances • Vibrant and safer town and villages • Carbon reduction • Genuinely affordable housing and social rental housing • Digital access, transparency and local democracy
Asset Management Plan Asset Management Plan
As the Council’s lead property advisor, the Corporate Property Manager is responsible for the organisation’s annual property strategy, ensuring that recommendations are in line with the “Focus on Five”. The Asset Management Plan defines how the Council manages, maintains, acquires and disposes of the Council’s assets. Included within the current strategy, aims and objectives are to: • Manage the asset portfolio in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Priorities and the Focus on Five; Medium Term Financial Strategy; and the Cultural Strategy • Raise awareness of property as a valuable and workable asset contrib- uting to the Council’s revenue and capital receipts
• Manage the asset portfolio to deliver the needs of the Council’s services
• Maximise asset value and asset use through strategic maintenance and operational planning • To identify, plan and deliver energy saving and carbon reduction inter- ventions in line with the Councils Climate Emergency declaration and Five-Year Plan • Manage the asset portfolio flexibly to ensure optimum financial perfor- mance and service delivery to demonstrate continuous service improve- ment, to deliver the Five Year Plan and to support the Capital Programme.
Job Description
Person Specification
Post Title Service
Corporate Property Manager
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Property & Estates
EXPERIENCE • Significant experience of providing commercial property development advice and working with national and international developers. • Experience of developing and deliv- ering property management strate- gies.
• Experience of proactive partnership working with a diverse range of organisations. • Experience and comprehensive understanding of town centre fo- cussed regeneration. • Experience of working in a political environment
Grade
SM3
Responsible to
Head of Economic Development Property
Job Summary To provide high level strategic and innova- tive advice in relation to both the develop- ment and management of Council property assets, fulfilling the key role of corporate property asset manager for the Authority. Main Activities: • To act as the Council’s principal advisor on all matters of property management, development and asset strategy, ensur- ing an awareness of property as a strate- gic resource. • To lead the function towards a more inno- vative approach, ensuring that the Coun- cil’s property strategy is aligned with that of key partners (public and private sec- tor), to deliver increased value for mon- ey from the use of assets and to develop innovative strategic property solutions for the Council. • To lead the development of Council-wide property and office accommodation, stra- tegic plans and policy (the Property Asset Management Plan). Ensuring office ac- commodation is reviewed to meet organi- sation and service needs. • To manage and direct the Property and Estates Service, being responsible for strategic property solutions and commer- cial property development advice. • Ensure Property Services remains cus- tomer focused whilst being commercially astute.
• Ensure that the Property Strategy and maintenance programmes support the Council’s commitment to sustainability. • Ensure an appropriate maintenance pro- gramme based on condition surveys, are developed and implemented. • Ensure that the performance of the asset portfolio is reviewed at least annually and that the shape of its structure, and the contribution of its component assets are challenged and that disposal and acqui- sition strategies are identified and recom- mended to Management Board. • The role will also act on behalf of TWBC in discussions with Tunbridge Wells Prop- erty Holdings Limited. • To ensure resources are focussed on de- livering the Corporate priorities, meas- urable targets are set and property per- formance monitored including value for money. • Demonstrate a commitment to the Coun- cil Equalities Policy, in carrying out your duties and in representing the Council. • To be aware of and exercise personal and corporate responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and other related matters. This job description is not intended to be an ex- haustive list of all the tasks and responsibilities of the post. In line with Service needs, some tasks may need to change and any changes will be made in consultation with the postholder.
• Strong experience of providing prop- erty development advice either in the public or private sector. • Experience of performance man - agement, people management and budgets. • Educated to degree level. • Corporate membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or equivalent.
QUALIFICA- TION/TRAIN- ING
• Formal Management Qualification
KNOWLEDGE • An understanding of the legislation relating to local authority property holdings and disposals.
PRACTICAL & INTELLECTU- AL SKILLS
• Highly developed interpersonal skills. • Highly developed written and verbal communication skills; able to pro- duce reports and recommendations for senior management and Mem- bers. • Excellent political awareness and able to positively influence, negotiate and represent the council at a senior level. • Able to think strategically and demonstrate personal and profes- sional credibility. • Able to manage conflicting priorities. • Self motivated with the ability to lead and manage a diverse team. • Proactive approach to service deliv- ery. • Has an enthusiasm to drive change. • Demonstrable commitment to the Councils Equal Opportunities Poli- cies. • Willing and able to attend evening meetings as required. • Full and valid UK Driving Licence and access to own vehicle.
• Excellent IT skills and confident in using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Out- look).
DISPOSITION/ ATTITUDE
• Team Player
SPECIAL RE- QUIREMENTS
Benefits Benefits
Equality and Diversity
• The opportunity to influence your own annual salary increase based on your contribution to the role and organisation. • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, which includes life assurance for you and your family and the option to take early retire- ment from the age of 55. • Generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days (rising to 35 days after 5 years’ service). This is also supplemented with public holidays and other leave provisions. • An employee discount scheme, which hosts a number of attractive deals including cash back and discounts at high-street retailers and access to top UK attractions at low prices.
We want people to have the opportunity to reach their potential and access services that meet their needs. We will enable this through our roles as a community leader, service provid- er and employer. Under the Equality Act (2010) we are required to prepare and publish one or more objectives.
Our equality objectives are:
• As a community leader, we will advance equality of opportunity by mit- igating the potential impacts of welfare reform on 16-24 year olds who require our housing services. • As a service provider, we will advance equality of opportunity by inves- tigating whether we can increase the number of people who are able to easily access the information they need, and satisfactorily complete the transactions they require, on the Council’s website. • As a community leader and a service provider, we will foster good re- lations and advance equality of opportunity by increasing participation in our heritage, arts and culture programme for people with disabilities, younger and older age groups, ethnic groups, religious groups and les- bian, gay, bisexual and trans people. • As an employer, we will advance equality of opportunity by encouraging a broader range of people to apply for Council vacancies.
• Rail season ticket as well as car loans.
Development As an employer we recognise the value of our people and care about helping our staff develop. Staff are encouraged to take up opportunities for continued professional development through regular one to one reviews and a personalised development plan. Wellbeing Staff wellbeing is important to us at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in ensuring a healthy work-life balance for all. Each year our Healthy Lifestyles team arrange a healthy living week to encourage staff to get active and keep fit. However we don’t just stop there, we also offer a number of benefits throughout the year to help our staff to stay well.
Application Process Tunbridge Wells Borough Council are being supported on this re- cruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG). To arrange a confidential briefing conversation please contact our advisor Shoro Omotosho of MRG shoro.omotosho@mrgpeople. co.uk / 0203 962 9900 Applications should consist of a CV and a covering letter and be sent to stephanie.howe@mrgpeo- ple.co.uk and shoro.omotosho@ mrgpeople.co.uk Closing date for applications is midnight on 7th November 2022 MRG interviews to take place w/c 14th November 2022 Tunbridge Wells Borough Coun- cil interviews to take place week commencing w/c 28th November 2022
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