Director of Technical Services

M7 Real Estate; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A European real estate investment firm in London is seeking a dedicated Technical Services Manager. This role involves leading all technical services across the property portfolio, focusing on managing third-party building surveying work and delivering capital expenditure projects. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Mechanical & Electrical engineering and at least 7 years of experience in commercial real estate. The firm offers a collaborative environment centered on innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience in a senior technical services or building surveying role, preferably in commercial real estate.
• Proven track record of delivering complex CapEx projects across multi-site portfolios.
• Deep understanding of building regulations, construction contracts, and asset lifecycle planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise external building surveyors engaged across the M7 portfolio.
• Lead the planning, budgeting, procurement, and delivery of capital projects across the group.
• Provide strategic input on M&E systems design, lifecycle performance, and energy efficiency.
• Ensure all technical works adhere to health and safety legislation, building regulations, and environmental standards.
• Build strong working relationships with external consultants, contractors, and service providers.

Skills

Building surveying

Mechanical & Electrical engineering

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Chartered Building Surveyor or Chartered Engineer (MRICS, CIBSE, or similar)

Job description

Overview

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Company

M7 is a European real estate investment management firm with €5bn assets under management across nine European countries. The team at M7 are experts in the logistics sector, with a primary focus on acquiring big box and last mile logistics assets across Europe.

M7 has a value-oriented investment philosophy combined with an active, hands-on asset management platform. The in-house, on the ground real estate experience available to the business through its pan-European platform together with its market leading information and data management systems, ensure that M7 can maximise value.

Role Description

To lead and manage all technical services across M7 Real Estate's property portfolio, with a specific focus on overseeing third-party building surveying work and delivering capital expenditure (CapEx) projects across it European Portfolio. The role demands robust expertise in Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) engineering to ensure all technical works align with regulatory standards, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value enhancement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversight of Building Surveying Activities:
   Manage and supervise external building surveyors engaged across the M7 portfolio
   Ensure third-party surveyor output meets M7's quality standards, cost-efficiency targets, and delivery timelines.
   Review and approve technical due diligence, condition surveys, and feasibility reports.
   Provide expert advice to internal teams regarding building pathology, remediation, and compliance matters.
   Establish clear scopes of service and performance KPIs for all surveying consultants.
2. Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Project Management:
   Lead the planning, budgeting, procurement, and delivery of capital projects across the group.
   Develop and maintain a rolling CapEx programme across assets to align with asset management strategies.
   Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with M7's commercial objectives.
   Monitor risk, compliance, and quality control across all stages of project execution.
   Liaise with internal stakeholders (Asset Managers, Investment Managers, Finance) to coordinate project objectives and reporting.
3. Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Engineering Oversight:
   Provide strategic input on M&E systems design, lifecycle performance, and energy efficiency.
   Review and assess the condition and performance of M&E systems in acquisitions and ongoing operations.
   Lead M&E upgrades and modernization projects, including HVAC, lighting, lifts, fire systems, etc.
   Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and best practice guidance across all technical services.
   Support ESG initiatives through intelligent M&E investments and sustainable building operations.
4. Risk Management & Compliance:
   Ensure all technical works adhere to relevant health and safety legislation, building regulations, and environmental standards.
   Implement a consistent approach to technical risk assessment and mitigation across all projects.
   Maintain documentation and audit trails for technical compliance and capital works.
5. Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:
   Act as the principal technical advisor to the Executive and Asset Management teams.
   Build strong working relationships with external consultants, contractors, and service providers.
   Represent M7 in technical negotiations, approvals, and dispute resolutions.
   Promote a culture of technical excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement within the team and across the business.

Required Experience & Competencies

Chartered Building Surveyor or Chartered Engineer (MRICS, CIBSE, or similar).

Minimum 7 years' experience in a senior technical services or building surveying role, preferably in commercial real estate.

Proven track record of delivering complex CapEx projects across multi-site portfolios.

Deep understanding of building regulations, construction contracts, and asset lifecycle planning.

Strong technical knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering systems.

Excellent project management, budgeting, and stakeholder communication skills.