Senior Property Manager

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

The University of Derby Estates Department is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable campus environment, that supports our passion for delivering world class education and ground-breaking research.

The Estates team has over 250 colleagues; a broad mix of professionals who work closely together to create and manage exceptional environments for Students, Staff & Industry. The team has helped deliver bespoke Research environments with Industry partners, Inspiring learning spaces and Award-winning Halls of Residence.  

About the Role

This role sits within the Estate Management Team and plays a key part in the proactive stewardship of a diverse and high-profile University estate, encompassing academic, commercial and student residential spaces. The postholder will lead on the effective management of externally let University space, ensuring robust governance of leases, rent reviews, service charges and tenancy agreements while maintaining full contractual, financial and legislative compliance.

The role offers a strong commercial focus, identifying and maximising income-generating opportunities across short-, medium- and long-term lettings, and providing expert property advice to support strategic decision-making. Working closely with senior leaders, external consultants, legal advisers and public-sector partners, the postholder will contribute directly to the delivery of the University’s masterplan and long-term Estate Strategy.

With responsibility for acquisitions, disposals, estate transactions, landlord and tenant matters, and stakeholder engagement, this role provides a varied and influential portfolio. It requires strong professional judgement, collaborative working and a commitment to continuous professional development, making it an excellent opportunity to shape and enhance the performance, value and impact of the University of Derby Group estate.

About You

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and be able to demonstrate an outstanding level of Property Management skills acquired across multi-faceted organisations. You will have experience of working within a large organisation and have developed an in-depth knowledge and experience of acquisitions, disposals and leasehold management. 

A customer service ethos which matches the University’s values and behaviours is essential; outstanding communication, persuasion and influencing skills are a must, as is a commitment to continuous improvement and a determination for excellence. 

You will demonstrate an ability and genuine interest in keeping abreast of the external environment with regards to relevant industry and higher education developments. 

You will have a minimum of a Degree in a relevant discipline and have excellent organisational, IT and property management skills.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Local Government Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymAccess to employer-funded Private Health InsuranceHoliday purchaseCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dan Illsley, Assistant Director of Estates via [email protected] 

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]

Important Information

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 08 Feb 2026

Area: Senior Management

Salary: £50,832 to £63,540 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £73,071 per annum).