Property and Estates Manager

Background

There are two main functions of the Croydon Almshouse and Relief in Need Charities. One is through the Elis David and Mary Tate Almshouses to provide sheltered accommodation for the elderly where residents live independently. The second is to administer a scheme of charitable support for the benefit of the citizens of the London Borough of Croydon. The Charities are governed by a Board of Directors, who meet quarterly. Apart from its almshouses, the Charity also owns and manages a portfolio of investment properties (commercial and residential), which generate income to support the charities’ activities. The role of the Property and Estates Manager is to assist the Company Secretary and the Board to manage the portfolio of investment properties and the annual programme of planned and responsive repairs and maintenance to these properties and the almshouses.

Purpose of the post

To support the Managing Director and Company Secretary and the Board, through the day to day management of the portfolio of investment properties and the annual programme of planned and responsive repairs and maintenance to these properties and the almshouses.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. To deal with general correspondence, e-mails and telephone enquiries relating to the charities’ investment properties.
2. To manage the process of letting residential and commercial properties as they become vacant, in liaison with our appointed letting agents.
3. Monitor the collection of rents from tenants and lessees and take appropriate steps to recover any arrears due.
4. To arrange insurance cover for all investment properties and recover premiums from tenants or lessees.
5. To visit all investment properties periodically to confirm compliance with the terms of the tenancy or lease and, for residential properties, to identify any maintenance issues.
6. To commission periodic stock condition and fire assessment surveys of investment and properties and the almshouses, and manage a programme of works to address any issues raised.
7. To commission periodic valuations of investment properties.
8. Manage any issues that may arise which relate to the Charities’ responsibilities relating to fire safety and health and safety.
9. To manage the annual programme of planned and responsive repairs and maintenance works to investment properties and the almshouses.
10. To liaise with Housing staff and the Handyman to respond to minor maintenance issues reported by residents of the almshouses.
11. To commission and procure all building works to be carried out by external contractors, and liaise with Housing staff to arrange access where necessary and with the contractors while on site.
12. To support the Company Secretary in the preparation and implementation of an annual budget for repairs and maintenance for investment properties and the almshouses, and monitor and report on its delivery.
13. To service the Charities’ Property and Estates Committee through the taking of Minutes and related responsibilities.
14. To support the Company Secretary in implementing decisions and actions agreed at these meetings.
15. To represent the Charities externally as appropriate. 
16. Other duties as reasonably required in line with their responsibilities.

Person Specification

It is essential that the post holder has:

• Significant experience in administration
• A good knowledge of property management
• The ability to prioritise workload and flexibility in responding to urgent matters
• Very good communication skills including the facility to work co-operatively with the other staff and Directors 
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook

It is desirable that the post holder has: 

• Experience in dealing with building contractors
• Experience of committee servicing

Additional Information

• Salary c. £17,500 p.a. (fte £30,000), dependent on experience
• 21 hours per week, which can be worked flexibly
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Contributory workplace pension scheme

Terms and Conditions

NOTE: The information offered in this document is supplied in good faith but does not in itself form any part of the contract of employment.

Appointment Term: This post is offered on a permanent basis.

Salary: Starting salary will be dependent on your qualifications, knowledge and relevant experience

Working Arrangements: This position is offered as a part time post

Location: Elis David Almshouses, Duppas Hill Terrace, Croydon, CR0 4BT but will require travel to other locations, mainly in Croydon and Mitcham

Responsible to: Company Secretary

Timetable

Advert Closing Date: 9am, 9 December 2019

Panel Interviews: Week commencing 16 December 2019

How to apply

To apply for this position, please supply the following:

• A comprehensive CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements
• A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for this role and setting out how you meet the criteria. Please note that the covering letter is an important part of your application and is as much the means by which you will be assessed as your CV.
• Please provide details of two referees (one personal, one professional) together with a brief statement of the capacity and over what period of time they have known you.

Completed applications should be marked for the attention of Tessa Damer and e-mailed via the button below.