Interim Head of Estates - Matlock

The position will be based at our National Office although travel throughout our England and Wales wide Network will be required.

From our beginning in 1930 YHA has grown to be one of the top 50 charities with a diverse network of hostels, often in exceptional places, open to everyone and especially young people. Turnover is in excess of £45m and growing and developing our network is paramount to continue to meet the expectations of our customers and meet our long term strategic goals.

A exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic individual to join YHA’s property team as Interim Head of Estates, reporting into the Property Director to help lead on the delivery and formulation of the Capital Strategy.  You will be responsible for enabling business growth through the effective management of our diverse Estate.  

With proven experience in a similar role, the successful candidate must have strong negotiation skills to build and foster strong, sustainable internal and external relationships with a positive and approachable disposition and the ability to build rapport. 

Key Role Responsibilities:

• To lead and manage the Estates Team to ensure effective management of the property portfolio. 
• Timely management of the YHA portfolio of properties including lease renewals, surrenders, rent reviews, lease obligations and dilapidations.
• Lead on the development and review of YHA’s disposal strategy with a view to maximising the capital benefits.
• Lead on the acquisition of new hostels, taking responsibility for identifying, appraising and delivering new sites pre contract and in conjunction with the organisations wider teams.
• Responsible for instructing and managing external consultants.
• Responsible for finalising Board reports and ensuring clear traceability of decision making process.
• To provide professional valuation and property appraisal advice for new acquisitions and for bank security.
• To lead the accessibility strategy for YHA, ensuring integration with cross departmental processes in order to ensure YHA is accessible to all.
• Advise and assist with the development of business opportunities and growth plans.
• To lead on delivery of other cross departmental business priorities as identified.

Person specification:

• Ability to manage and motivate a team in order to deliver objectives.
• Demonstrable evidence of developing in the formulation and delivery of strategic objectives.
• Proven ability of leading and managing disposal programmes and acquisitions and providing estates support for a diverse and operational estate.
• Professionally qualified -either Chartered Surveyor or related professional accreditation such as solicitor with a property background.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities within deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize and manage complex issues\projects that have significant business impact
• Current full driving licence essential

Benefits

YHA employees make a positive difference to the lives of young people every day and as an employer we really value the contribution they make. As an employee you’ll receive:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 29 days + Bank Holidays.
• Auto enrolment into the YHA Pension Scheme.
• 10 FREE Hostel stays for you and up to 3 friends across England and Wales ever year.
• Worldwide YHA Membership.
• Access to ‘Live More for Less’  which give you exclusive high street discounts, savings on your weekly shop and money off hundreds of products from holidays to car insurance.
• A fantastic health care cash plan where you can claim money back for dental, optical and medical treatments.
• Company Car or Car Allowance (£5,400)

Please note: In order to become an employee at YHA you must be able to produce evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.  YHA is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment.

Additional Information:

Job start date:

Job end date:

No. of Vacancies: 1

Working hours: 37.5

Accommodation is not provided as part of the contract