Property Manager

The Opportunity

Leeds Beckett University is investing in the future of its Estates & Facilities function and is seeking an exceptional Property Manager to help shape the next phase of its transformation.
Following a significant review of the directorate and the appointment of new leadership, this newly created role will provide strategic oversight of the University’s property portfolio whilst identifying opportunities to maximise estate utilisation, commercial performance and long-term value. This is an opportunity to influence the future of one of the region’s most diverse estates and play a key role in supporting the University’s emerging Estates Masterplan.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates & Facilities, you will act as the University’s principal property and landlord specialist, leading on property transactions, asset optimisation, commercial opportunities and portfolio performance.

You will play a key role in unlocking value from under-utilised space, improving property intelligence, supporting income generation opportunities and ensuring commercial property decisions align with operational, sustainability and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic management of the University’s property portfolio.
• Identify and deliver commercial opportunities, lease optimisation and income generation initiatives.
• Lead property acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, renewals and restructures.
• Drive estate utilisation, rationalisation and portfolio optimisation activity.
• Develop and maintain the University’s Property Terrier as the single source of property data and intelligence.
• Collaborate with Space Planning and Sustainability teams to maximise estate performance.
• Oversee landlord and tenant relationships, service charges and lease compliance matters.
• Develop property-related business cases, investment appraisals and financial models.
• Provide commercial property advice to senior leaders and governance groups.
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, agents, landlords, tenants and wider stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

We are interested in hearing from commercially minded property professionals with experience operating across complex estates and property portfolios.
Candidates may come from Higher Education, commercial property, local government, NHS, housing, infrastructure, regeneration or other multi-site environments where strategic asset management, stakeholder management and commercial thinking are critical.

You will bring:

• Chartered Surveyor status (MRICS) or equivalent professional standing.
• Significant property and asset management experience within a complex organisation.
• Strong expertise in landlord and tenant matters, lease negotiations and property transactions.
• Experience managing investment and income-generating property portfolios.
• A track record of driving commercial performance and asset optimisation.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Experience of asset management systems and property data analytics.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.
• The ability to operate strategically whilst maintaining attention to operational detail.

• Builds trusted relationships and works collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and personal accountability.
• Creates an inclusive and supportive culture where people can perform at their best.
• Encourages innovation, embraces change and challenges traditional ways of working.
• Places sustainability, collaboration and long-term value at the heart of decision-making.
• Leads with authenticity, curiosity and a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes for colleagues, students and the wider community.

Why Leeds Beckett University

Our Values

At Leeds Beckett University, our leadership team is committed to creating an environment where people can thrive. We are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to the University’s values of Inclusive, Teamwork, Integrity, Pragmatism, Ambition and Purposeful.

This is a rare opportunity to join a university investing in its future and creating a new leadership team to drive meaningful change. You will help shape the future of the University’s property strategy, support commercial and sustainability ambitions and contribute to creating an estate that delivers value for students, staff and the wider community.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Louise Cartwright at Nigel Wright Group who Leeds Beckett University have appointed on a retained basis to manage this search.