Achieving Results

JOB DESCRIPTION

ASSET MANAGER (STRATEGY – CAREER GRADE)

This is a career graded post that has three levels. Level 1 is graded SO1 to SO2, level 2 is graded PO1 to PO2 and level 3 is graded PO3/PO4. Below are the job descriptions for each level and at the end of this document is an explanation of the operation of the career grade with the criteria by which postholders can progress form one level to another within the career grade for this particular post.

Post Title:Asset Manager (Strategy)(Career Grade Level 1)

Directorate:Development & Renewal

Post No:

Service:Asset Management

Grade:

Section: Asset Strategy

Responsible to: Principal Asset Manager (Strategy)

Responsible for: No direct supervisory responsibilities

Purpose of the job:

Provide generalist support on asset management and valuation issues and contribute to high quality specialised asset management service that meet the needs of Tower Hamlets multi-cultural communities

Undertake to provide generalist support to officers on asset management and valuation work and deputise for an Asset Manager as required on work including:

Undertaking area and service based asset reviews. Dealing with a broad range of asset management issues, including

options appraisals and feasibility studies Providing a broad range of property advice to service departments. Undertaking a broad range of valuations Undertaking the acquisition and sale of property. Providing research and monitoring support for the work of the section.

Promote the work and services of the Directorate through effective liaison with other internal and external services and bodies.

To contribute to the delivery of the asset related elements of the Community Plan through effective support for the delivery of the council’s Asset Strategy in accordance with the council’s visions and values

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

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1. To provide generalist support to allocated work and carry a case load ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, the Council’s policies and procedures and to the best professional standards for the benefit of the residents of the Borough

2. Provide generalist advice and support to professional staff ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, the Council’s policies and procedures and the highest professional practice.

3. Provide generalist advice and support to support to professional staff in meeting management responsibility for the Council’s commercial property portfolio ensuring income is maximised at all times.

4. As directed, conduct the acquisition of property/ies, disposal of property/ies or land either through negotiations. At SO2 this would include acquisitions via Compulsory Purchase.

5. To provide generalist advice and support to professional staff in providing a full and asset management service to the Council in respect of the operational portfolio providing advice, options appraisals, property reviews and undertaking valuations.

6. To support the implementation of the Council’s Asset Management Strategy.

Job Activities:

Asset Strategy

1. To provide generalist support and advice to professional staff in relation to asset management work, including options appraisals, property reviews, feasibility studies and the development of service based property strategies.

2. To develop effective relationships with Council departments, elected Members, public and third sector partners and the private sector to ensure that the Asset Strategy and broader corporate objectives can be delivered.

3. To provide generalist advice and support for major property related projects, such as service-wide property reviews or site specific options appraisals, as required by Head of Service.

4. To provide generalist advice and support on the implementation of options for strategic sites. These will often be complex and high value (£10m+) sites.

5. To provide support on service based or geographical reviews of the use and occupation of the operational portfolio. At SO2 to have a lead responsibility for a distinct part of the review process.

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6. Undertake options appraisals and feasibility studies for assets ensuring options meet both service needs and are logistically and financially deliverable. At SO2 the feasiilty study would be more complex and of higher value (up to £1m)

7. To implement property related policies for the Council’s operational portfolio. Test and use systems to monitor and improve the performance of the property portfolio.

8. To support service departments in the preparation of ensure suitability and sufficiency surveys and to collate, analyse and report the results of these surveys, to support prioritising investment decisions.

9. Work with service departments and partners to implement and monitor service department property strategies.

10. To review and advise on the property implications arising from service proposals and other initiatives.

11. To develop and apply creative and innovative property solutions to both individual cases and to strategic policy.

12. To undertake unaccompanied inspections of properties and land (including construction sites).

13. Promote the work and services of the Directorate and Section, liaising with other services within the Council, elected Members, external bodies and statutory authorities including the provision of information, advice, guidance and assistance to residents of the Borough and businesses

Acquisitions and disposals

14. To provide general advice and support to on the acquisition or disposal of property, managing the whole process on their behalf, including valuation, marketing, negotiation, through to formal disposal recommendation and conveyancing instructions.

15. To provide generalist support and advice to professional staff in the delivery of the council’s disposals programme.

Valuation

16. Under supervision, undertake valuations producing statutory valuation for certificates a range of purposes including right to buy valuations, asset valuations and valuations to support multi million regeneration and development initiatives. At SO2 the complexity and value of valuations will be higher (£250,000+)

17. Under supervision, undertake programmed capital valuations to ensure the Council’s property asset register is accurately maintained

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18. Where appropriate ensure compliance with the RICS appraisal and valuation manual

Project work

19. Provide support for ad-hoc commissions as allocated including becoming involved in major regeneration projects on behalf of the Council, or participating in Corporate Working Groups relating to property matters.

General

20. To build constructive relationships with all stakeholders including elected Members, Third Sector organisations, public sector partners, tenants, developers, other landowners and client departments.

21. To ensure that all duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with all Council’s Policies and Procedures including Financial Regulations, Standing Orders, Personnel Policies and Procedures, Health and Safety Policy etc.

22. To keep abreast of professional developments and best practice in all areas of valuation and estate management, attending Continuing Professional Development Courses as appropriate and applying updated knowledge to present case load and sharing information gather on Courses, including providing training for other staff.

23. To monitor and liaise with consultants undertaking commissions for the Directorate, as directed by the Team Leader, to ensure compliance with the aims, policies and objectives of the Council.

24. To support and assist senior officers and team members in representing the Council at meetings, including court hearings & public inquiries. Participate in Multi- Disciplinary Teams on property projects as required.

25. To prioritise and programme own workload to ensure targets are met.

26. To prepare correspondence and reports for the Director, Team Leader and other senior officers, as required.

27. To support Asset Managers in the appointment and management of consultants undertaking commissions for the Directorate to ensure that Council policies and financial regulations are fully met and complied with.

28. Keep Members and senior management aware of issues and progress on negotiations and major projects in order to maintain a clear corporate policy stance.

29. To undertake tasks in accordance with the service’s agreed procedures and practice notes.

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30. To deal with enquiries from the public, officers and Councillors about any matter concerning the Council’s land ownership

31. To operate and utilise Information Technology as appropriate to the work of the Section and assist with the identification and development of new IT applications that would improve the efficiency of the section

32. To promote and comply with the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the opposition and eradication of all forms of discrimination and to ensure all services are accessible to all users.

33. To undertake any other duties and responsibilities which may from time to time arise which are within the capabilities of the potholder and commensurate with the grade of the post

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

Post Title: Asset Manager (Strategy)(Career Grade Level 1)

Post No. Grade:

Directorate: Development & Renewal



The Person Specification is a picture of skills, knowledge and experience needed to carry out the job and will be used in the interview process. You should demonstrate on your application form how you meet all these essential criteria.

Experience

An interest in property

Computer literacy and experience of spreadsheets, databases and estate management software.

Knowledge

An understanding of the property market and commercial awareness

A degree or other qualifications sufficient to enable the postholder to gain access to an RICS accredited course in estate management.

Leadership and Management Framework

Achieving Results

Ability to cope with competing demands and manage time effectively.

Ability to analyse issues and identify practical solutions.

Engaging with Others

Ability of develop constructive relationships with partners. Good oral and written communication skills and presentational skills.

Learning Effectively

Clear commitment to personal development

Valuing Diversity

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Knowledge and commitment to equal opportunities and the ability to implement it.

Personal Circumstances

A satisfactory attendance record (normally less than 5 days absence in a year) but taking into account individual circumstances

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Post No:


Grade:



Responsible for: Management of a range of external consultants

Purpose of the job:

1. Provide generalist support on asset management and valuation issues and contribute to high quality specialised asset management service that meet the needs of Tower Hamlets multi-cultural communities

2. Undertake asset management and valuation work and deputise for an Asset Manager as required on work including:



3. Promote the work and services of the Directorate through effective liaison with other internal and external services and bodies.

4. To contribute to the delivery of the asset related elements of the Community Plan through effective support for the delivery of the council’s Asset Strategy in accordance with the council’s visions and values


1. Provide a high quality, specialist service on allocated projects and carry a case load ensuring that all work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, the Council’s policies and procedures and to the best professional standards for the benefit of the residents of the Borough.

2. To participate in projects ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, the Council’s policies and procedures, the highest professional practice..

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3. Support senior staff in meeting management responsibility for the Council’s commercial property portfolio ensuring income is maximised at all times.

4. Conduct the acquisition of property/ies, disposal of property/ies or land either through negotiations or Compulsory Purchase and act as the Council’s representative in all these matters

5. Support senior staff in providing a full and professional valuation service to the Council in respect of the commercial portfolio, acquisitions and disposals, and the issue of valuation certificates.


Job Activities:

Asset Strategy

1. To provide advice in relation to asset management work, including options appraisals, property reviews, feasibility studies and the development of service based property strategies.


3. To provide advice for major property related projects, such as service-wide property reviews or site specific options appraisals, as required by Head of Service.

4. To support implementation of options for strategic sites. These will often be complex and high value (£10m+) sites.

5. To provide advice on service based or geographical reviews of the use and occupation of the operational portfolio. At PO2 to lead part or all reviews.

6. To undertake options appraisals and feasibility studies for assets ensuring options meet both service needs and are logistically and financially deliverable. At PO2 complexity and value of studies will be higher (£1,000,000+)



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14. Liaise with client Departments and identify and recommend sites and buildings for acquisition or disposal, managing the whole process on their behalf, including valuation, marketing, negotiation, through to formal disposal recommendation and conveyancing instructions. At PO2 complexity and value of disposals will be higher (£1,000,000+)

15. To support senior staff in the delivery of the council’s disposals programme and to lead on a portfolio of cases.

Valuation

16. To undertake valuations producing statutory valuation for certificates a range of purposes including right to buy valuations, asset valuations and valuations to support multi million regeneration and development initiatives

17. To undertake programmed capital valuations to ensure the Council’s property asset register is accurately maintained


Project work


General

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20. To build constructive relationships with all stakeholders including elected Members, Third Sector organisations, public sector partners, tenants, developers, other landowners and client departments


22. Keep abreast of professional developments and best practice in all areas of valuation and estate management, attending Continuing Professional Development Courses as appropriate and applying updated knowledge to present case load and sharing information gather on Courses, including providing training for other staff.

23. Plan, prepare and present reports and documents to Members, Directors and other senior managers as required on policy, procedural or other initiatives relating to commercial property and valuation.

24. To lead on the commissioning and periodic review of consultancy services in connection with estate management and valuation.

25. Prioritise and programme work to ensure personal and team targets are met.

26. Lead on the preparation of policies, procedures and guidance notes and the development of quality assurance and system manuals on good practice

27. Prepare correspondence and reports for the Director, Team Leader and other senior officers, as required.



30. Coordinate and advocate the Council’s position, acting as the nominated professional, at external meetings and other bodies.



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33. To undertake any other duties and responsibilities which may from time to time arise which are within the capabilities of the potholder and commensurate with the grade of the post

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Post No. Grade:

Directorate: Development & Renewal




Experience

Two years experience of a broad range of asset management work

Two years experience of undertaking a broad range of valuations

Two years experience of the process of managing the disposal and acquisition of property


Knowledge

Sound understanding of the property market and commercial awareness

Knowledge and principles of best practice in valuation and estate management.

An RICS accredited estate management degree (BSc or equivalent).


Achieving Results


Ability to analyse issues and identify practical solutions.


Ability of develop constructive relationships with partners. Good oral and written communication skills and presentational skills.

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Good influencing, advocacy and negotiation skills



Valuing Diversity




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Post No:


Grade:



Responsible for: Management of a range of external consultants

Purpose of the Job:

1. Provide high quality specialist advice on asset management and valuation issues and contribute to high quality specialised asset management service that meet the needs of Tower Hamlets multi-cultural communities

2. Undertake asset management and valuation work and deputise for an Asset Manager as required on work including:



3. Promote the work and services of the Directorate through effective liaison with other internal and external services and bodies.

4. To contribute to the delivery of the asset related elements of the Community Plan through effective support for the delivery of the council’s Asset Strategy in accordance with the council’s visions and values


1. Provide a high quality, specialist service on allocated projects and work on a number of complex projects and cases simultaneously, responding quickly to changed circumstances and balancing often conflicting priorities under pressure, ensuring that all work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, the Council’s policies and procedures and to the best professional standards for the benefit of the residents of the Borough.

2. Undertake under own initiative with minimal supervision a variety of advanced tasks relating to complex and contentious property projects; evaluation and implementation; project management, identifying and securing

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external funding for physical improvements; research, the collection, analysis and supply of information; and the preparation of project plans and other documents.

3. Design, consult on and implement changes to improve the service. They may include setting out new procedures and standards to ensure continual effectiveness and efficiency in delivering a quality service including value for money initiatives

4. Devise and apply innovative ways of solving or preventing potential problems.

5. Promote the work and services of the Directorate and Section, liaising with other services within the Council, elected Members, external bodies and statutory authorities including the provision of information, advice, guidance and assistance to residents of the Borough and businesses.

6. Appoint and manage consultants undertaking commissions for the Directorate to ensure that Council policies and financial regulations are fully met and complied with.

7. Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure that the asset management aspects of the Directorate Service Plan are delivered within corporate objectives

8. To participate in projects ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, the Council’s policies and procedures, the highest professional practice and to the benefit of the residents of the Borough.

9. Conduct the acquisition of property/ies, disposal of property/ies or land either through negotiations or Compulsory Purchase and act as the Council’s representative in all these matters

10. Provide a full and professional valuation and asset management service to the Council.


Job Activities:

Asset strategy

1. To provide specialist advice in relation to asset management work, including options appraisals, property reviews, feasibility studies and the development of service based property strategies.

16


3. To provide advice for major property related projects, such as service-wide property reviews or site specific options appraisals, as required by Head of Service.

4. To implement options for strategic sites. These will often be complex and high value (£10m+) sites.

5. To provide advice on service based or geographical reviews of the use and occupation of the operational portfolio.

6. To undertake options appraisals and feasibility studies for assets ensuring options meet both service needs and are logistically and financially deliverable.








14. To procure, select, appoint and monitor external consultants.

15. To review debt levels with officers from Finance and Legal Services and agree actions on the collection of rent arrears.


16. Liaise with client Departments and identify and recommend sites and buildings for acquisition or disposal, managing the whole process on their

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behalf, including valuation, marketing, negotiation, through to formal disposal recommendation and conveyancing instructions.

17. To support the delivery of the council’s disposals programme and to lead on high profile or complex cases.

Valuation

18. Undertake valuations producing statutory valuation for certificates a range of purposes including right to buy valuations, asset valuations and valuations to support multi million regeneration and development initiatives

19. Undertake programmed capital valuations to ensure the Council’s property asset register is accurately maintained


Project work


General

22. To build constructive relationships with all stakeholders including elected Members, Third Sector organisations, public sector partners, tenants, developers, other landowners and client departments


24. Keep abreast of professional developments and best practice in all areas of valuation and estate management, attending Continuing Professional Development Courses as appropriate and applying updated knowledge to present case load and sharing information gather on Courses, including providing training for other staff.

25. Plan, prepare and present reports and documents to Members, Directors and other senior managers as required on policy, procedural or other initiatives relating to commercial property and valuation.

26. To lead on the commissioning and periodic review of consultancy services in connection with estate management and valuation.

27. Prioritise and programme work to ensure personal and team targets are met.

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28. Lead on the preparation of policies, procedures and guidance notes and the development of quality assurance and system manuals on good practice

29. Prepare correspondence and reports for the Director, Team Leader and other senior officers, as required.



32. Coordinate and advocate the Council’s position, acting as the nominated professional, at external meetings and other bodies.



35. To undertake any other duties and responsibilities which may from time to time arise which are within the capabilities of the potholder and commensurate with the grade of the post.

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Directorate: Post No.Grade: Development & Renewal




Experience

Four years experience of a broad range of asset management work

Four years experience of undertaking a broad range of valuations

Four years experience of managing the disposal and acquisition of property


Experience of managing projects and using project management tools.

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Knowledge

Sound understanding of the property market and commercial awareness

An understanding of the major challenges and opportunities facing local government in relation to property and asset management.

Knowledge of legislative and regulatory framework within which local government operates with particular regard to property issues.

Knowledge and principles of best practice in valuation and asset management.

Full Membership of RICS


Achieving Results

Ability to develop project management skills

Ability to think laterally and to develop creative and pragmatic solutions to problems.


Ability to develop, implement and review strategies and action plans.

Ability to analyse complex issues and identify practical solutions.


Ability of develop constructive relationships with partners. Excellent oral and written communication skills and presentational skills.

Excellent influencing, advocacy and negotiation skills



Valuing Diversity


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Commensurate statement:

The postholder will be required to undertake other duties and responsibilities of a similar grade and nature in order to support workload peaks and resources and skill shortages to ensure priorities are met. This will be sensitive to available resources and individual skills and will normally be within the same service area.

General Duties statement:

To ensure that all duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with all Council’s Policies and Procedures including Financial Regulations, Standing Orders, Personnel Policies and Procedures, ICT and Internet use, Equalities legislation, Health & Safety Policy etc.

Performance Development and Review (PDR) statement:

The postholder will participate in the Council's performance and development scheme, ensuring that performance standards/targets are set and met within the agreed timescale and promote the Council’s Core Values as appropriate and as stated at the time.

Equal Opportunities Statement:

The postholder is responsible for ensuring that all staff within their span of control comply with the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy, ensuring that the structures, procedures and management of the Section do not disadvantage either staff or access to Service Delivery.

Signed by:

Postholder: Date:

(if post occupied)

Service Manager: Date:

(Third tier please refer to guidelines)

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Operation of the Asset Manager (Strategy) career grade post

The academic qualification and level of experience criteria are set out below:

Salary scale

Required qualification, experience & competences

Person specification level 1

SO1

29 Degree or equivalent that would allow entry onto RICS accredited postgraduate estate management degree

Property experience desirable Assessment of competence against level 1 of person specification

30

31

Progression subject to assessment by line manager & agreement of Manager

SO2

32 Successfully completed 1st year of RICS accredited postgraduate degree

1 years asset management experience Assessment of progress towards level 2 of person specification Past performance against targets (internal assessment only)

33

34

Person specification level 2Progression subject to formal interview & assessment

PO1

33 RICS accredited postgraduate estate management degree 2 years asset management experience Assessment of competence against level 2 of person specification Past performance against targets (internal assessment only)

343536

Progression subject to assessment by line manager & agreement of Manager

PO2

35 RICS accredited postgraduate estate management degree 2 years post qualification asset management experience Assessment of progress towards level 3 of person specification Past performance against targets (internal assessment only)

363738

Person specification level 3Progression subject to formal interview & assessment

PO3

38 RICS accredited postgraduate estate management degree Full membership of RICS 4 years asset management experience Assessment of competence against level 3 of person specification Past performance against targets (internal assessment only)

3940

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Entry criteria

An officer’s starting salary scale entry point will be based on both qualification and experience at the time of employment, in addition to an assessment of their competence against the appropriate level of person specification. These entry requirements are defined in the table above for each salary scale band (i.e. SO1, SO2 etc). Officers will normally start at the bottom of the salary scale band that they qualify for.

Movement each year

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Decisions on annual progression up the salary scale points within a salary scale band takes place in the normal manner through the Council’s Performance Development Review process and is unaltered by these changes.

Assessments to move up to the next salary scale band will take place in March of each year so that new salary scale bands can be paid from 1 April. If there is a delay in carrying out assessments any promotion that is awarded will be backdated to 1 April.

An officer who starts employment with the Council between 1 April and 30 September in any year can apply to move in the following March for commencement on 1 April; that is between 6 and 12 months from their start date. An officer who starts employment with the Council between 1 October in one year and 31 March in the following year can apply to move in the following March for commencement on 1 April; that is between 12 and 18 months from their start date.

Officers should only apply to move when they are confident that they have achieved the appropriate criteria for the next band (as set out above) as only one application to move to the next salary scale band can be made in any 12-month period. The scheme will only allow an officer to move to the next salary scale band, it does not allow them to jump a salary scale band.

Movement across SO1-SO2 & PO1-PO2

Progression from SO1 to SO2 and from PO1 to PO2 will be based on confirmation that they have reached the necessary level of qualification and experience plus an explicit assessment, by their line manager, of continued progress towards the requirements of the relevant person specification and that a satisfactory level and quality of work has been produced over the previous year. This assessment has to be agreed in writing by the Development Manager. Any appeal against these decisions will be to the Service Head Major Projects, whose decision will be final.

Movement across SO2-PO1 & PO2-PO3

Progression from SO2 to PO1 and from PO2 to PO3 will be based on a formal interview. It will generally be with the line manager, the Development Manager and a representative from HR. It is also likely to involve testing. Essentially it will be the same process as applying for the post in response to an advert. Any appeal against these decisions will be to the Service Head Major Projects, whose decision will be final.

A decision to allow an officer to move will be based on confirmation that they have reached the necessary level of qualification and experience plus an assessment of demonstrated competence against the requirements of the relevant person specification and that a satisfactory level and quality of work has been produced over the previous year.

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Documents

Achieving Results