Established as an independent charity in 1992, The Parks Trust expertly cares for over 6,000 acres of beautiful and inspirational green space in Milton Keynes including parks, ancient woodlands, lakes, river valleys and 80 miles of landscaped areas along the city’s grid roads.
In most towns and cities, parkland is owned by the local authority, but Milton Keynes’ founders were pioneers and decided to do things differently. Their vision was to create a new town where the parkland and landscapes would be protected forever by a charity that was separate from local government. Doing so would ensure that, as the new town grew, its green spaces would never be compromised or have to fight for funding.
That all became a reality when The Parks Trust was set up in 1992. The new charity was given a 999-year lease on a total of 4,500 acres of Milton Keynes and an endowment of property valued at £20m. Returns on these carefully managed investments generate the primary source of income required to fund the charity’s wide-ranging work today and forever.
Over 100 staff and 240 volunteers deliver the essential work of The Parks Trust. In addition to landscaping and maintenance tasks, that also includes providing valuable recreation and leisure facilities, connecting communities at over 500 outdoor events each year, and advancing public education around the wildlife, biodiversity, and the environment.
As Milton Keynes grows, so does The Parks Trust. Each year, the charity takes on new green spaces and endowments from developers to cover costs in perpetuity. This approach ensures that all new areas of the city benefit from the same quality of inspiring, connected landscape and Milton Keynes remains a great place to live, work and play.
This is a Full Time, Permanent Post, with a contract of 37.5 hours per week - with hybrid working available.
The salary range for this role is £90-100k per annum, DOE.
We are seeking an experienced, strategic Property Director to lead and manage our diverse portfolio of commercial properties. The role is The Property Director and is a key member of the leadership team responsible for delivering the Trust’s long-term vision and strategy, contributing to the overall business plan and the annual budget.
The Property Director is the strategic lead for The Parks Trust’s property portfolio and leads the Property Team to help secure the long-term financial viability of the Trust.
You will be responsible for developing and implementing a long-term property strategy that aligns with our organisational objectives, identifying opportunities for growth and to generate income from the property portfolio and other landowner based income opportunities. You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees to identify opportunities to maximise asset value through acquisitions, disposals and refurbishments.
You will have a strong commercial background with a commitment to our mission and values, bringing a strategic mindset, strong financial acumen and a collaborative approach.
Essential for the role:
* Membership of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS or FRICS)
* Experience managing commercial property portfolios, ideally with a complex or multi-site environment
* Demonstratable experience in asset management, financial planning and budget management
* Extensive experience identifying and implementing property investment and asset management strategies
* Experience in managing development projects to create capital and income growth.
* Strong knowledge of property law, compliance and risk management
* Proven track record of developing and implementing property strategies
* Strong business acumen, be self-motivated with drive and ambition
* Able to demonstrate a good understanding of leadership and have excellent communication and influencing skills
In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:
* Competitive salary.
* Ongoing support and training.
* Excellent contributory pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution).
* Income protection and life assurance cover after qualifying period.
* Enhanced family friendly policies after qualifying period.
* Home Working policy.
* Occupational sick pay.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* Discounted gym membership.
* Salary sacrifice schemes for tech & electric cars.
* Generous annual leave allowance.
* Buying and Selling option for annual leave.
* Medical Cash Plan.
* Access to employee wellbeing helpline.
* Discount for Willen Lake activities and café.
* Free eye tests.
* Great office in a parkland setting with free parking.
Application process
Please apply online using the link through our website using Cezanne.
Closing Date: Friday 29th November 2024.
Interview Date: First round of interviews 12th December 2024.
The Parks Trust is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, Charity Commission guidance and best practice standards.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
If you need additional support with your application or would like further information, please contact recruitment@theparkstrust.com.