Head of Real Estate - Finance

Hays Senior Finance; Swindon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the investment sector is seeking a Head of the Real Estate & Infrastructure Operations team. This role involves overseeing specialist accounting and operational support for significant investments, managing a large team, and driving operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a post-qualified accountant qualification and have experience in Financial Services, particularly within Real Estate and Infrastructure.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Retention bonus upon completing a 12-month contract

Valuable experience working with an employer of choice

Qualifications

• Experience with UK Real Estate and Infrastructure funds is advantageous.
• Senior management experience within a Financial Services environment.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions including the UK, Jersey, and Luxembourg.

Responsibilities

• Managing departmental planning to facilitate change and achieve strategic objectives.
• Driving departmental and cross-team improvements to attain operational excellence.
• Managing three direct reports and overseeing a team of around 40 indirect reports.

Skills

Communication

Team Management

Operational Efficiency

Client-focused

Planning

Education

Post-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Job description

Our client

Working for my client offers growth and career opportunities across all their businesses. They have intentionally built their organization to help you succeed. With a global team of 2,500 people and expertise spanning over 650 investment professionals, they provide diverse perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Their clients benefit from a broad range of investment strategies and bespoke solutions tailored to their specific needs.

They are a people-centric business, recognizing that their success depends on talented individuals who bring diversity of thought, skills, and capabilities. They are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects their broader communities and client base.

The role

The Head of the Real Estate & Infrastructure Operations team will oversee end-to-end specialist accounting and operational support for investments valued at approximately £7BN in UK Real Estate and Infrastructure businesses. This role involves managing the team responsible for business-as-usual accounting and operational support, as well as leading change initiatives and operational excellence aligned with strategic and tactical business goals.

How you will spend your time

• Managing departmental planning to facilitate change and achieve strategic objectives.
• Driving departmental and cross-team improvements to attain operational excellence.
• Managing three direct reports and overseeing a team of around 40 indirect reports, including recruitment, training, motivation, and development.
• Representing the department internally and externally, such as at board meetings, committee meetings, and with key investors.
• Overseeing all aspects of operations management.
• Participating in the Property Business Management Team, contributing to committee objectives.

To be successful in this role, you will have

• Post-qualified accountant qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Experience with UK Real Estate and Infrastructure funds is advantageous.
• Senior management experience within a Financial Services environment.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Jersey, and Luxembourg.
• Excellent communication skills for dealing with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a team with multiple priorities.
• Skill in identifying and implementing operational efficiencies and control improvements, managing risks proactively.
• Capability to handle complex issues effectively.
• Client-focused mindset.
• Forward-thinking with strong planning skills.
• Self-motivated, deadline-oriented, and able to work independently.

What you will receive

In return, you will receive a competitive salary, a retention bonus upon completing a 12-month contract, and valuable experience working with an employer of choice within the Wiltshire market.

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