Estates Associate (PBSA)

Part of the Dot Group, Global Student Accommodation (GSA) is a leader in real estate asset management within the student housing sector. Our purpose is to create the number one student housing portfolio globally.

Founded by Nicholas Porter, a pioneer in the student housing sector with 30 years of leadership expertise, we have an unrivalled international presence, active across nine countries with assets in 80 of the world’s leading educational cities.

The strength of our business lies in our market expertise, investment capability and exceptional relationships, as well as a collaborative and integrated approach with our global operating partner, Yugo. GSA has over $8.0 billion assets under management, representing 50,000+ student housing beds (and growing). We have flagship offices in London & New York.

Explore all opportunities across the Dot Group at https://careers.thedotgroup.com/

Role Purpose:

This is a fantastic opportunity for an Estates Associate to join an established and actively growing Asset Manager which is a global leader in the PBSA space. The Estates Associate will support the Estates Director in the management of capital projects, asset improvement programmes, maintenance planning, ESG initiatives, insurance claims and technical due diligence activities for GSA’s UK estates.

This role will take discrete ownership of small projects and operational property initiatives whilst developing their technical, commercial and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities:

1 Asset Management & Portfolio Support

a. Support the management of planned capital expenditure programmes across the UK portfolio.

b. Assist in the development and maintenance of long-term lifecycle and capital replacement plans.

c. Review property condition surveys and support the identification of capital investment priorities.

d. Monitor maintenance and lifecycle projects being delivered by our operating partner, Yugo and external contractors.

e. Conduct property inspections and site audits across the portfolio.

f. Ensure property records, compliance documentation and technical information are maintained within data rooms.

2 Project Management

a. Independently manage smaller refurbishment, maintenance and value-add projects; and support the Estates Director in delivering larger capital projects.

b. Coordinate external consultants, contractors and suppliers.

c. Track programme, budget and project risks.

d. Assist in project reporting and preparation of investment papers.

e. Ensure projects are completed with appropriate documentation and handover information.

3 ESG & Sustainability

a. Support the delivery of portfolio-wide sustainability and ESG projects.

b. Assist with energy reduction, carbon improvement and building efficiency initiatives.

c. Gather and analyse ESG performance data.

4 Property Operations & Stakeholder Management

a. Act as a key point of contact for routine property-related enquiries and operational issues.

b. Act as first point of contact for estates matters and coordinate appropriate responses. Escalate complex issues to Estates Director.

c. Build strong working relationships with our operating partner, Yugo's operational teams, consultants and contractors.

5 Insurance & Risk Management

a. Support the administration and management of property insurance claims.

b. Coordinate contractors and consultants involved in remedial works.

c. Maintain claims records and monitor progress against agreed actions.

6 Acquisitions, Refinancing & Disposals

a. Support technical due diligence activities for acquisitions.

b. Assist with data room preparation for refinancing and disposal projects.

c. Coordinate technical information requests and track responses from advisors and consultants.

7 Reporting & Analysis

a. Produce monthly reporting on project status, expenditure, risks and opportunities.

b. Analyse property performance information and identify trends.

c. Support the preparation of Board, Investment Committee and JV Partner reports.

Requirements

Essential

• RICS or equivalent qualification, with relevant property, construction, surveying or asset management experience.
• Degree in Real Estate, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Property Management, Estate Management or a related discipline.
• Experience working within PBSA, residential, commercial real estate, hospitality or mixed-use property sectors.
• Strong Excel, Claude, Power BI and reporting capability.
• Outstanding organisational and stakeholder engagement skills with a track record of strong communication at all levels.
• High-level of planning, organising and problem-solving skills, with excellent analysis and research skills
• Can actively manage and evolve a healthy relationship with our operation partner.
• Willingness to travel across the UK portfolio.

Desirable

• Experience of refurbishment or capital expenditure projects.
• Knowledge of building compliance and statutory obligations.
• Exposure to ESG and sustainability initiatives.
• Experience working with property management companies or client-side organisations.

Benefits

• Private Medical Plan - Vitality
• Health Cashback Plan - Medicash
• Enhanced Company Pension Contribution
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• 25 Days Annual Leave
• Volunteering Day
• Hybrid Working
• Training & Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Enhanced Family Leave Benefit