About Us:
Whiteley Village is a charitable trust that has been providing a unique retirement community for over a century. Set in 225 acres of beautiful grounds in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, our village offers a special and enriching place to live and work. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking for a dedicated and experienced Head of Housing to join our leadership team and help ensure that our residents enjoy a high quality of life in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.
Job Purpose
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Property to lead the strategic and operational delivery of property services across Whitely Village Home Trust. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the management, development, and maintenance of our property portfolio, driving initiatives to ensure operational efficiency, and delivering long-term sustainability for the organization. This role will require a hands-on leader with a deep understanding of property management and a commitment to excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s property strategy, ensuring alignment with the broader Trusts goals.
* Oversee the delivery of property-related services to residents
* Ensure long-term sustainability of the property portfolio through proactive planning, effective risk management, and the implementation of innovative solutions.
* Work closely with senior leadership to provide insights and recommendations on property-related opportunities, challenges, and risks.
Operational Management
* Manage the day-to-day operations of property services, including maintenance, refurbishments, health and safety, and compliance.
* Ensure that all properties are maintained to the highest standards, adhering to all regulatory requirements, including building safety, accessibility, and environmental standards.
* Oversee the budget and financial management of the property portfolio, ensuring that all projects are completed within budget and on time.
* Develop and implement efficient systems for the management of the property portfolio, including inventory control, maintenance scheduling, and tenant requests.
Team Management & Development
* Lead, manage, and develop a team of property professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
* Provide regular guidance and support to team members, ensuring that they have the tools, resources, and training they need to perform their roles effectively.
* Actively promote and implement a continuous improvement culture within the property management function.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including residents, external contractors, local authorities, and regulatory bodies.
* Represent Whitely Village Home Trust in external forums, attending meetings and events as needed to promote the organization’s property strategy and services.
Compliance & Risk Management
* Ensure compliance with all relevant property legislation, health and safety regulations, and industry best practices.
* Manage risks associated with property and estate management, including insurance, environmental issues, and emergency procedures.
* Regularly review and update policies and procedures to ensure they are effective and compliant with current legislation.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
* Proven experience in a senior property management role, ideally within the charitable or residential sector.
* Strong knowledge of property law, health and safety regulations, and building compliance.
* Experience in developing and implementing property strategies, managing large-scale projects, and overseeing operational delivery.
* Excellent financial management skills, including budget management and cost control.
* A passion for creating a positive and inclusive community environment
* A strong leadership track record with experience of managing and developing teams.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience:
* Degree-level qualification in property management, construction, or a related field.
* Experience of managing or working in an Almshouse, charity or volunteer-led organisation
* Professional accreditation in property management (e.g., MRICS, RICS, or similar).
* Experience of managing or working in an Almshouse, charity or volunteer-led organisation
* Experience in managing property portfolios in a charity or community-focused environment.
Personal Attributes:
* A strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational delivery.
* A proactive and hands-on leader, able to drive initiatives and influence change.
* Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to make decisions under pressure.
* A commitment to the values of the Whitely Village Home Trust, with a focus on resident care, sustainability, and community.