Property Director

The University of Reading is seeking to appoint a Property Director to lead the strategic and operational management of the University’s diverse property portfolio.

The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK Higher Education for nearly a Century. We are a global university that enjoys a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise. Key to the University’s success is its estate portfolio - the campuses in Reading and Henley have regularly been voted one of the best university green space in the UK serving over 19,000 students and nearly 4,000 staff.

Occupying three beautiful campuses ranging from the urban utopia of London Road, the peaceful parkland of Whiteknights to the riverside retreat of Greenlands, the unique “University in a Park” setting of the University of Reading is an inspiring place to come to work.

As well as having a large-scale and diverse operational portfolio the University holds a significant property investment portfolio, which seeks to create and drive long term growth and income opportunity to support the further advancement of the University. The operational portfolio consists of more than 200 buildings and over 250,000m2 of space, spanning academic, research, enterprise, sport, recreation and residential buildings and facilities. The investment portfolio comprises an incredibly diverse variety of land and property including commercial, residential, innovation & enterprise, research & development, industrial, retail and rural space. We have over 500 tenants ranging from multi-national corporations to individual partners.

A rare opportunity has arisen to shape the future of property asset management at the University. The Estates team at Reading is re-organising around a ‘one estates’ team ethos that will enable seamless delivery under the 2022–2032 Estate Strategy.

Reporting to the Director of Estates, the Property Director is responsible for strategic and operational asset management across the University’s property portfolio. The Property Director will lead a team that undertakes a broad range of activities including L&T, lettings, acquisitions, disposals and asset and property management.

We are seeking an individual with experience and a proven track record in a senior and strategic role as the lead property professional across a diverse estate portfolio. You will have demonstrable breadth of experience in the property industry, with exposure to transactions, asset management and property management and will possess the leadership abilities to manage, develop and motivate an internal property team. The role calls for an individual with excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiating skills, with an entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and dynamic mindset.

The University of Reading offers a compelling benefits package including the exceptional USS pension (www.uss.co.uk), generous annual leave (40 days including university closure days and public holidays), a strong commitment to employee health and wellbeing and access to various optional benefits. Further information can be viewed at https://www.reading.ac.uk/human-resources/working-at-reading

The candidate brochure can be viewed at https://online.flippingbook.com/view/224439721/

For a confidential briefing discussion please contact our advisors Stephanie Howe (stephanie.howe@mrgglobal.com) of MRG.

Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and supporting statement and should be sent to stephanie.howe@mrgglobal.com.

The closing date for applications is 6th October 2024.

First stage interviews with MRG will take place w/c 7th October 2024.

Final stage interviews with the University will take place on campus w/c 21st October 2024.