Head of Property Services Scotland
Riverside Group · Irvine · £70,107 (stated in the posting)
Job Title: Head of Property Services Scotland
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £70,107 per annum (£82,479.16 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role)
Working Hours: 35 Hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday/Hybrid
Location: Irvine
If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.
Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.
The difference you’ll make as a Head of Property Services
As Head of Property Services, you will lead the delivery of safe, high-quality and sustainable homes for our customers. Through strategic investment, asset management and service improvement, you'll help shape the future of our housing portfolio, deliver excellent customer outcomes and support Riverside Scotland's long-term growth and sustainability ambitions.
About you
You are an experienced property leader with a strong track record of delivering asset, compliance or property services at a senior level. Commercially astute and customer-focused, you build strong partnerships, lead high-performing teams and use data and insight to drive informed decisions. Passionate about improving homes and communities, you thrive on delivering meaningful change and lasting impact.
Why Riverside?
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.
Working with us, you’ll enjoy:
- Competitive pay & generous pension
- 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options available
- Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
- A wide range of benefits
Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:
We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.
We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the criteria on the job description, at Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience.
Role Profile
1. Strategic Asset Management
- Lead the development and implementation of Riverside Scotland's Asset Management Strategy and associated investment programmes.
- Ensure the effective management of housing assets throughout their lifecycle through robust asset intelligence, performance monitoring and option appraisal.
- Develop long-term investment plans which maintain high quality homes, improve customer experience and deliver value for money.
- Provide strategic advice to the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team on stock condition, asset performance, sustainability and investment priorities.
- Ensure asset decisions align with Riverside Scotland's Homes Strategy, Brighter Future Together Strategy and wider Group objectives.
- Lead strategic reviews of assets to identify opportunities for rationalisation, regeneration, acquisition and portfolio enhancement.
2. Property Compliance and Building Safety
- Ensure full compliance with all statutory, regulatory and landlord health and safety obligations.
- Lead compliance programmes covering gas, electrical, fire, water safety, asbestos, lifting equipment and emerging compliance requirements.
- Maintain robust compliance systems, performance reporting and assurance frameworks.
- Ensure accurate and accessible compliance data is maintained and regularly validated.
- Provide assurance to the Board, Managing Director and Group colleagues regarding compliance performance and risk.
- Establish and maintain effective risk management arrangements for all property-related activities.
3. Investment, Repairs and Planned Maintenance
- Lead the planning and delivery of planned maintenance and major investment programmes.
- Ensure investment programmes are customer-focused, deliver value for money and achieve agreed quality standards.
- Oversee stock condition survey programmes and ensure asset intelligence remains accurate and up to date.
- Monitor contractor performance and programme delivery against cost, quality, customer satisfaction and compliance measures.
- Ensure effective integration between asset management, responsive repairs and customer services.
4. Sustainability
- Lead Riverside Scotland's approach to sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.
- Develop and oversee programmes that improve the energy performance of homes and contribute to net zero ambitions.
- Lead the adoption of innovative technologies and property solutions that reduce carbon emissions and improve affordable warmth for customers.
- Secure and maximise external funding opportunities to support retrofit and sustainability projects.
- Build effective partnerships with government agencies, local authorities, funding bodies, universities and sector organisations to advance sustainability objectives.
- Ensure environmental performance measures and reporting arrangements are in place and aligned with Group requirements.
5. Stock Growth and Acquisitions
- Lead Riverside Scotland's Buy Back Policy and associated acquisition programme to support growth of the housing portfolio.
- Identify opportunities to acquire former Riverside properties and other suitable housing stock that align with strategic priorities and local housing need.
- Undertake financial, property and strategic assessments to ensure acquisition opportunities deliver long-term value.
- Ensure acquired properties meet quality, compliance and sustainability standards and are effectively integrated into ongoing asset management programmes.
- Work collaboratively with finance, legal, housing and development colleagues throughout the acquisition process.
6. Development and New Build Partnerships
- Establish and maintain effective partnerships with local authorities, housing associations, developers and other strategic partners.
- Work closely with Group Development colleagues to assess, influence and support potential new build opportunities within Scotland.
- Provide strategic asset, sustainability and property advice on proposed development and regeneration schemes.
- Support site identification, feasibility assessments and business case development for potential new build projects.
- Ensure that development proposals align with Riverside Scotland's asset, sustainability and operational requirements.
- Represent Riverside Scotland in strategic housing and development partnerships.
7. Contractor and Supply Chain Management
- Provide strategic leadership of contractor, consultant and supplier relationships.
- Ensure procurement and contract management arrangements secure quality services, innovation and value for money.
- Develop robust performance management and quality assurance frameworks.
- Promote collaborative working relationships that deliver continuous improvement and exceptional customer outcomes.
- Ensure contractors and partners operate in accordance with Riverside's health and safety standards and regulatory requirements.
8. Data, Performance and Innovation
- Lead the collection, integrity and analysis of asset, compliance and sustainability data.
- Ensure business decisions are informed by robust evidence, performance intelligence and asset analytics.
- Promote innovation and adoption of new technologies, materials and working practices.
- Maintain an ongoing programme of asset reviews and option appraisals that support future investment and growth decisions.
- Drive continuous improvement across all property services functions.
9. Financial Management
- Lead the management of property-related capital and revenue budgets.
- Ensure effective financial planning, forecasting and budgetary control.
- Maximise opportunities to secure external funding and investment.
- Deliver agreed financial efficiencies whilst maintaining service quality and compliance standards.
- Ensure all expenditure is managed in accordance with Riverside's financial regulations and delegated authorities.
10. Leadership and Stakeholder Management
- Provide inspirational leadership to property services teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and customer focus.
- Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans and objectives.
- Develop talent, succession planning and continuous professional development across the team.
- Build strong relationships with customers, Board members, regulators, local authorities, contractors and community partners.
- Represent Riverside Scotland externally on property, asset and sustainability matters.
- Champion Riverside's values and ensure services are delivered in line with Our Riverside Way.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
- Relevant degree qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Professional qualification or membership in a relevant discipline such as RICS, CIOB, CIH, or equivalent Significant senior leadership experience within social housing, property services, asset management or a related sector.
- Proven track record of developing and delivering asset management, compliance and investment strategies.
- Experience leading large-scale planned maintenance, retrofit and capital investment programmes.
- Strong understanding of Scottish housing legislation, regulatory requirements and landlord compliance obligations.
- Experience managing complex budgets and delivering value for money outcomes.
- Demonstrable success in contractor and supply chain management.
- Experience of building strategic partnerships with local authorities, developers, contractors and government agencies.
- Knowledge of energy efficiency, sustainability programmes.
- Experience of property acquisition, option appraisal and strategic asset decision-making.
- Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience preparing and presenting reports to Boards and senior leadership teams.
Desirable
- Experience of overseeing housing acquisition or buy back schemes.
- Experience working with development programmes and affordable housing delivery.
- Knowledge of Scottish Government housing and net zero policy.
- Experience securing grant funding and managing externally funded programmes.
- Experience of regeneration and place-based investment initiatives.