Job Description
Closing Date: 18 July 2025 at 23:59
Role Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Visa Sponsorship:
Based on the relevant Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for this position, sponsorship may be available under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants interested in this route should ensure they can meet the points requirements before applying. You can find more information on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
About the Role
Are you an accomplished property professional with commercial expertise? Are you motivated to lead and develop a diverse investment portfolio? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a leading academic institution.
We are looking for an experienced Commercial Property Manager to oversee our substantial investment property portfolio, which includes prime development land. In this pivotal role, you will lead asset management activities, negotiate leases, develop marketing strategies, and contribute to long-term strategic planning. You will work closely with stakeholders to drive growth and success across the portfolio. This is an ideal opportunity for a proactive, results-oriented professional to join a collaborative team and play a central part in our property strategy.
About Us
Our Property Team manages the University’s multi-million-pound investment property portfolio. Income and capital generated from this portfolio fund vital research and academic work across the University. Although separate from the operational estate, the investment properties are strategically adjacent and managed to deliver ethical, sustainable income and capital value through commercial partnerships and collaborations.
Our work spans commercial land development, asset management, and the day-to-day oversight of approximately 250 properties and related interests across all asset classes.
As an in-house, RICS-accredited team, we also act as a centre of expertise for real estate matters, supporting academic schools and senior leadership. Our responsibilities include investment and development valuations, asset valuations for accounting, disposals and acquisitions, business rates, and buildings insurance.
Working closely with the Property Director and colleagues across estates and the wider University, you will help develop and deliver asset management plans, accelerate income and capital returns from funded projects, secure new lettings, and manage key lease events.
What You’ll Need
- Proven skills in property development and asset management across multiple sectors
- Expertise in commercial lease negotiations, including rent reviews and renewals
- Sound knowledge of Landlord & Tenant law relating to business tenancies
- Understanding of the real estate investment and occupier markets
- Experience managing commercial property, including maintaining financial records and using CAFM systems
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders
- A collaborative approach, comfortable acting as the subject matter expert within multi-disciplinary teams
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic, forward-thinking university environment. You will play a key role in shaping and driving the performance of a significant asset portfolio while working with supportive colleagues.
The role offers professional development, variety, and the chance to make a tangible impact in the property sector within a vibrant academic community.
If you are looking for your next challenge and want to contribute your expertise in a rewarding setting, we look forward to hearing from you.
Key Dates:
Interviews will be held: 24 July 2025
Contact Details:
Contact Name: Jo Love
Job Title: Property Director
Email: j.r.love@reading.ac.uk
Our Commitment to Diversity:
The University is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We support the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality, the Race Equality Charter, and champion LGBT+ equality. As a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2), we welcome applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements, which will be considered in line with business needs.