Commercial Services Officer

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 24,966 - 26,166; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave entitlement

4% contributory pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Annual leave buy & sell options

Job summary

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is seeking a Commercial Services Officer to manage a diverse commercial property portfolio including market rent homes and student accommodations. This part-time role (21 hours/week) offers hybrid working arrangements and a salary range of £24,966 to £26,166 per annum. Ideal candidates will have expertise in property management, a solid understanding of Scottish housing legislation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service. Benefits include generous annual leave and a contributory pension scheme.

Qualifications

• Experience with managing voids, marketing, and allocations to minimize rent loss.
• Ability to negotiate and manage compliance of commercial leases.
• Proven track record in handling customer enquiries and complaints.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of Ark’s commercial properties and student accommodation.
• Negotiate and monitor commercial leases and protocol agreements.
• Oversee income management, service charges, and debt recovery.
• Monitor contractor performance and property compliance standards.
• Provide performance data and recommendations for service improvement.

Skills

Experience in housing, property or commercial property management

Strong working knowledge of Scottish housing and property legislation

Confidence managing income, service charges, arrears

Experience using property management systems

Strong organisational skills

Proactive, customer-focused approach

Chartered Member of the Institute of Housing

Full driving licence and access to a vehicle

Education

Minimum Level 3 CIH Certificate in Housing Practice or equivalent

Job description

Lead the growth and management of Ark’s commercial property portfolio.

This is an exciting new role within Ark’s Group structure. The Commercial Services Officer will take on lead responsibility for Ark’s commercial portfolio, which consists of a range of market rent homes, student accommodation and third‑party leases.

With the continued growth of our commercial activity, we are bringing this service in‑house to ensure improved oversight, stronger financial control and more robust lease and tenancy management. This role sits within the Development and Customer Experience Directorate and plays a key role in supporting Ark’s long‑term financial sustainability and customer outcomes.

About The Role

You’ll be responsible for delivering a comprehensive, high‑quality and customer‑focused commercial property management service across Ark’s portfolio, ensuring leases and tenancies are managed in line with contractual requirements, legislation, regulation and best practice.

Working closely with internal colleagues and external partners, you’ll provide hands‑on leadership across commercial leasing, tenancy management, income, voids and compliance, while also contributing to the future growth of Ark’s commercial offer.

Day to day, you’ll be involved in things like:

• Leading the management of Ark’s commercial properties, including student accommodation, private residential tenancies and third‑party leases
• Negotiating, managing and monitoring commercial leases and protocol agreements, ensuring compliance and value for money
• Overseeing voids, marketing and allocations to minimise rent loss and maximise occupancy
• Managing rental income, service charges, deposits and arrears, including debt recovery activity
• Monitoring contractor performance, repairs and property compliance standards
• Handling customer enquiries, complaints and tribunal cases where required
• Providing performance data, insight and recommendations to support decision‑making and service improvement

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Experience in housing, property or commercial property management
• A strong working knowledge of Scottish housing and property legislation, including private residential tenancies and lease arrangements
• Confidence managing income, service charges, arrears and related financial processes
• Experience using property management systems and digital case management tools
• Strong organisational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
• A proactive, customer‑focused approach with clear communication and sound professional judgement
• Chartered Member of the Institute of Housing / minimum Level 3 CIH Certificate in Housing Practice or equivalent proven track record in housing or property management
• Letwell qualification, or willingness to work towards this
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle

Why Work With Us?

Alongside your salary, we offer:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements (pro rata)
• Generous annual leave entitlement (pro rata)
• 4% contributory pension
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Employee discounts, access to Blue Light Card and Cycle to Work scheme
• Annual leave buy & sell options

Ark is a values‑driven housing and social care organisation. We aim to create inclusive communities where people can live with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging – and that starts with how we treat our colleagues.

Salary: £24,966 – £26,166 per annum (based on 21 hours per week)
Hours: Part‑time – 21 hours per week (3 days)
Location: Hybrid – Edinburgh office (Lochside House)
Contract: Permanent