Head of Property Projects (1804)

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We are looking for a new team member to join us as our Head of Property Projects. You will be working as part of the team reporting in to the Assistant Director for  Estates & Environment, on a permanent employment basis

• Working hours: 35 hours / Mon - Friday. 
• You will be Homebased with frequent travel required to our regional Hubs and Centres - this is open to flex around you and the operation. 
• Location preference in the South of England for regular attendance at meetings at our London and Horsham offices, and higher workload in this region.
• This is a new role created to lead the ambitious investment programme we have for our Estate.

We role model our values through our people culture and keep connected through regular/daily check-in's and team meetings, your colleagues are always on hand to support or chat. It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the get go! 

Are you ready to be part of our journey and make a difference?

The RSPCA Estates & Environment team provide services across the National society portfolio comprising a mixture of freehold and leasehold property:-

• 19 Animal centres
• 21 inspectorate offices
• 100+ residential housing units for current and retired employees
• Central hub offices in London and Horsham
• Other ancillary premises.

The Head of Property Projects has a key role in the team to is responsible for the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance works for all sites, as well as larger capital project and programme planning, financial management and delivery.

Working closely with the Assistant Director for Estates & Environment and coordinating with Estates, Facilities and Environment colleagues, you will be responsible for directly managing and leading the team of regional surveyors to plan and deliver maintenance, project and programme works. We have a wide variety of works planned such as new build animal housing, water and drainage infrastructure upgrades, decarbonisation works, and building refurbishments. This requires the appointment and management of consultants and contractors. You will be expected to directly manage the major project and programme initiatives.

For further details, please refer to the Job Description attached to this advert. 

• Degree qualified and Member of RICS or another recognised property related organisation.
• Experience of broad maintenance and project management. 
• Experience working in a similar client side project management leadership position.
• Good team leadership experience.
• Comfortable working in a support function within a large organisation,where cross team diplomacy and collaboration are essential requirements. 
• Experience of energy efficiency and decarbonisation works is a bonus.
• Extensive current knowledge of Health and Safety, CDM regulations, Fire and Security procedures and other property related Legislation.
• Experience of managing budgets, finance, projects and contracts / contractors. 
• Full Driving Licence

For this role we are asking you please submit a CV & cover letter that specifically outlines your experience within the 3 key areas for this role;

• Experience appropriate to be considered for a client side leadership position within Property Project delivery.
• Team leadership experience within a multi site regional organisation.
• Your opinion, with examples from your career, of collaborative approach to working within a larger organisation.

Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received. This can occasionally result in positions closing earlier than advertised. Therefore, we strongly recommend submitting applications early. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible. 

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect