Chief Investment Officer (CIO)

ACCA Careers; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A government infrastructure agency is seeking a Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to manage its extensive property portfolio in the UK. The CIO will ensure optimal performance and strategic alignment with the agency’s objectives, while also leading financial oversight and stakeholder management. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in property investment and management, along with relevant professional qualifications.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in property investment and asset management.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L responsibilities.
• Proven leadership and collaboration abilities at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Manage GPA’s extensive property portfolio.
• Lead appraisal processes and funding strategies.
• Maintain relationships with stakeholders and clients.

Skills

Property investment experience

Financial acumen

Portfolio management

Corporate leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Professional qualifications such as RICS, ACCA

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Job description

Location

Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham

Job Summary

The Government Property Agency (GPA) is the largest property holder in government, managing over £2.1 billion in assets and more than 55 % of the government’s office estate. We are transforming the way the Civil Service works by creating great places to work, leading the largest commercial office programme in the UK, advancing carbon‑reduction targets, and delivering greater value for taxpayers. We seek innovative, solutions‑focused people to join our team.

We lead significant programmes such as the Government Hubs Programme, Whitehall Campus Programme and Net Zero Programme, and we deliver cost‑effective property services including asset management, lifecycle replacement and workplace services.

Our culture is built on innovation and progress: continual learning, curiosity, self‑improvement, and four core values—excellence, respect, integrity, and collaboration—shape how we work, lead and grow together.

• Striving for excellence – we always aim to deliver great results.
• Empowering through respect – we insist on fair treatment for all, always.
• Acting with integrity – we consistently do the right thing.
• Succeeding together – we rely on each other to achieve success.

We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity. We actively invite applications from disabled, ethnically or gender diverse, and LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring our services meet the needs of government departments and civil servants.

Join our dynamic, diverse team that leads with purpose—improving sustainability, nurturing social value, driving inclusivity, and fostering economic growth. Your voice matters and you help shape our future direction.

Job Description

The Chief Investment Officer (CIO) will strategically manage GPA’s extensive property portfolio, ensuring optimal performance, profitability, and strategic alignment with the agency’s mission and objectives. As a member of the Executive Committee, the CIO leads high‑visibility strategic and operational responsibilities, reporting directly to the CEO, Board, and Cabinet Office sponsor function.

Portfolio Management

• Oversee the comprehensive management of the government property estate, aligning with workforce planning and strategic goals through effective asset management and investment strategies.
• Support target cost savings through portfolio rationalisation and efficiencies.

Investment Strategy

• Lead appraisal processes and create Outline Business Cases for projects, ensuring commercial viability, affordability, and delivery.
• Develop funding strategies for GPA developments and portfolios in partnership with the CFO and strategic partners.

SR Planning And Delivery

• Lead financial preparation and delivery of key elements of the Sustainable Resources programme, including the HUBS Programme and London Plan.
• Provide strategic direction to the Director of Programme Management and collaborate with the Strategic Property Partner.

Asset And Property Management

• Maintain a complete and accurate Property Management system, overseeing documentation and budgeting processes with Finance.
• Strategically manage asset values to optimise commercial position across buildings and reduce department occupation costs.
• Oversee leasing of void spaces, both within departmental partners and beyond.

Financial Oversight

• Ensure property assets deliver against budgetary and benchmark targets, managing P&L and optimising asset values through disposals and acquisitions.

Asset Transfers And Disposals

• Efficiently manage asset transfers from government departments to GPA, ensuring high efficiency and strategic foresight.
• Strategically dispose of assets to maximise value for GPA and HMG.

KPI And Performance Optimisation

• Establish robust KPIs and performance data, analysing and enhancing performance of property assets.

Stakeholder And Supplier Management

• Cultivate strong relationships with government departments, local government, financial institutions, and third‑party landlords.

Client Account Management

• Lead client management across allocated departments, promoting consistency and collaboration.
• Strategically enhance client relationships to drive organisational success and satisfaction.

Leadership And Strategic Influence

• Play a central role in the GPA Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Group, fostering empowerment and trust.
• Act as a key ambassador for GPA in the broader property market, networking and maintaining market knowledge.
• Model GPA values and provide strong leadership within the Directorate.

ESG and Net Zero

• Deliver Net Zero across the Estate, overseeing the LCR programme, disposal strategy, and input to design through the Capital Programme Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management
• Asset Transfers and Disposals
• Profit & Loss Responsibility
• Investment Policy and Project Appraisals
• Performance Optimisation
• Leasing of VOID Space
• Property Transactions Oversight
• Property and Asset Management
• Stakeholder Management and Market Ambassador

Person Specification

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities and wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and well‑being, creating a sense of belonging in a workplace where everyone feels valued.

Essential

EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Extensive experience in property investment, finance, portfolio, and asset management from either the private or public sector.
• Strong financial acumen with significant P&L responsibilities and experience in strategic disposals and acquisitions.
• Proven experience in portfolio management, focusing on strategic alignment and cost efficiency.
• Excellent corporate leadership skills, managing and inspiring a diverse team.
• Collaboration at senior levels and across stakeholders.
• Implementation of investment strategies and preparation of Outline Business Cases.
• Experience in strategic asset and property management, ensuring optimal commercial positions and cost efficiencies.
• Stakeholder management and negotiation skills across public and private sectors.
• Digital literacy with collaborative IT platforms and AI tools.

Desirable

• Experience in the PLC, institutional, public sector or local government, managing assets in a governed environment.
• Track record as CIO or similar role.

Qualifications And Accreditations

Essential criteria

• Significant senior professional experience in property investment, portfolio/asset management, or finance.
• Relevant professional qualifications such as RICS, ACCA, or other.

Example Qualifications

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)
• ACCA or ICAEW
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Membership with professional bodies such as CISI, CFA Society, IPF

Behaviours

• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

• Customer Perspective
• Commercial Acumen
• Property Market Knowledge
• Innovation

For more information and to apply, please click the apply button below.