Head of Property Acquisition

Serco - Justice & Immigration: AASC Contract

Covering Midlands and East of England

Hybrid: Home / Office (location Midlands, approx. days of work 2/3 per week)

£50,000 per annum + Car & Excellent Corporate Benefits Package

At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

The Head of Property Acquisition is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operation of all aspects relating to property onboarding across the Midlands and East of England, including liaising with landlords, housing associations and local authorities; procuring property across the portfolio, ensuring all properties are brought into the portfolio meeting the required standards and are according to the terms of the lease; ensuring all properties onboarded meet the required licensing and certification requirements; and in line with the rental perimeters set by the contract.

This is a critical role for our Asylum Accommodation and Support Services Contracts (AASC), providing clear overall ownership for property management across the contract regions. The role will provide accountability at a level below the Operations Director, providing leadership and strategic direction to the Property Acquisition teams and working with other members of the Senior leadership team to deliver outstanding and effective service.

The successful candidate will also:

• Take full responsibility for the delivery of the property elements of the contract
• Management and leadership of a multi-functional team to deliver a high quality, compliant service
• Work closely and collaboratively with other senior leaders to deliver all aspects of the contractual service
• Management and leadership of a team of property acquisition specialists to ensure that the property portfolio is managed at the right volume to meet the demand of the service
• Ensure all accommodation is procured to standards required by the contract, legislation, and the relevant Local Authority, including working with relevant SMT members to ensure best use of trade specialists, suppliers and sub-contractors where required
• Develop strong relationships with landlords, housing associations and local authorities to ensure a strong pipeline of properties
• Conduct review meetings with Landlords/Agents
• Manage the administration and quality audits for all procurement processes, including agree rentals, lease, certifications, condition reports and floor plans etc.

What you'll need to do the role:

• Experienced property professional with a successful track record in change management
• Background in developing relationships with Housing Associations, Private Investment Markets for residential portfolios and building strategic relationships with the Private Residential Property lettings markets
• Understanding of facilities management, building surveying, property estates management and finance and procurement
• Strong financial management skills, with experience of managing budgets of at least £1m 
• Property health and safety background
• Operational management of large property portfolios
• Good knowledge required of local authority regulations and national legislation relating to housing and property management
• Minimum of five years' experience in a people management role
• Experience of managing at a senior level, in public or private sector
• Excellent people management skills, with evidence of engaging staff and improving/driving team performance

Finally, you must be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the contract with regular visits to customers and suppliers and occasional travel within the UK.

Why Serco:

Meaningful and vital work - With approximately 20,000 asylum seekers and more than 5,000 properties you'll be delivering an essential service that touch people's lives.

A world of opportunity - Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You'll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.

Great people - We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed. You'll have the resources you need to do your job in a diverse and supportive environment.

What we offer:

• Pension - 6%
• A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Thrive App, Simply Health Plans, Annual Leave Purchase Scheme and more
• Serco Benefits package - discounts include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping, mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships
• ShareSave - where employees can own a part of the company and invest in their future.
• Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services/prisons sector
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
• The chance to make a positive difference

#aasccareers

About Serco

At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services.  We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

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Serco is a Disability Confident Employer committed to employing and retaining people with disabilities. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact 0345 010 4000.

We see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates. We're a proud holder of the Silver Inclusive Employer Standard and we actively encourage applications from females, those with disabilities or from an ethnic minority background.