Property Programme Manager

The English-Speaking Union believes every child should be able to make their voice heard. We believe that the ability to progress and to thrive in life relies on oracy – speaking and listening – skills, which are not currently a prominent part of the school curriculum. Our debate, public speaking and cultural exchange programmes help young people to engage with the world, to speak more confidently and to listen to and understand different points of view. These skills improve young people’s attainment, emotional intelligence and social skills, helping them to live their lives to the fullest.

Income generated by the ESU's property is vital to supporting our charitable work, it is crucial that we maximise its potential and manage it correctly.

The Corporate Services team provides essential support and strategic direction across the organisation. We lead on organisational strategy, ensuring alignment with our purpose as defined in the Royal Charter and our long-term goals. Our governance function oversees compliance, risk management, and performance frameworks. The finance team manages budgets, financial planning, and reporting. All of this contributes to effective decision making. We are also responsible for looking after our properties, which includes maintaining oversight of two commercial leases, and maintaining Dartmouth House which is a grade II* listed events venue and our Head Office in Mayfair.

Purpose of this role

This newly created fixed term role has three primary responsibilities:

·       To ensure that the ESU achieves maximum income from various lease negotiations

·       To develop a programme of improvement works for our grade II* listed building

·       Prepare the tender for a future tenant on a lease or licence basis for Dartmouth House

Responsibilities and Expectations

(1)    Hotel lease extension and bedroom lease renewal

·       Liaise with the surveyor and other agents on contract negotiations

·       Conduct due diligence checks on the contracting party

(2)    Develop the DH improvement works programme

·       Commission and oversee a series of feasibility studies to inform a works programme

·       Facilitate surveys and assessments in support of the feasibility studies

·       Develop a programme of works for Dartmouth House.

·       Prepare for pre-planning, full planning permission and listed consent

·       Tender for project management services

·       Work with the Project Manager to appoint contracted services

·       Provide interface between the Senior Leadership Team and project management services

(3)    Manage the transition to a new Dartmouth House tenant

·       Prepare the tender for a future tenant on a lease or licence basis

·       Agree shortlist of parties invited to submit bids

·       Appraise offers and make recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team

·       Liaise with the surveyor on negotiations with prospective tenant

·       Engage the lawyer for creation of new lease/licences

·       Build tenant plans into our programme of improvement works

·       Oversee the drawdown of Graysons services

(4)     Develop a long-term solution for the Mews building

·       Support our tenant with conducting a feasibility study of the Mews for bedrooms

·       Facilitate a feasibility study for conversion of the Mews to commercial office space

·       Prepare for pre-planning, planning permission and listed consent

·       Develop a programme of works

·       Prepare tender for a future tenant

·       Tender for project management services

·       Work with Project Manager to appoint contracted services

·       Provide interface between SLT and project management services

To successfully deliver on this brief, the successful candidate will need to work closely with the Head of Finance to develop detailed budgets and operate within controls set by the Senior Leadership Team. Much of our property work is dependent on the success of our negotiations.

Skills and Experience

Skills

·       Ability to manage multiple property-related projects simultaneously.

·       Proven experience in developing works programmes and managing cost plans.

·       Strong negotiation skills with surveyors, lawyers, contractors, and tenants.

·       Ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

·       Experience in contract negotiations, drafting, and managing lease agreements, including knowledge of commercial leases and licences.

·       Strong research and analytical skills to conduct due diligence on contracting parties.

·       Understanding of planning regulations, listed consent processes, and listed buildings

·       Experience working closely with finance teams to develop detailed budgets, control expenditure, and ensure projects are delivered within financial constraints.

·       Skilled in preparing and evaluating tenders and selecting vendors.

·       Knowledge of property law and experience engaging legal professionals.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interface with a variety of professionals.

·       Ability to anticipate, assess, and mitigate risks associated with property and lease matters.

Experience

·       Demonstrable experience managing property portfolios, leasing, and development projects.

·       Involvement in negotiating leases for commercial or hospitality properties, including experience with tenant transitions

·       Experience working with senior leadership teams and external professionals such as surveyors, contractors, and legal advisors.

·       Familiarity with securing planning permission and listed consent.

·       Experience preparing tenders for licensees or lessees and managing tenant onboarding and service transitions.

·       Proven track record in taking property projects from feasibility studies to planning, execution, and completion.