Job Description / Duties

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director, Properties leads the Properties Division responsible for the provision of a range of professional real estate services to Metro Vancouver including acquisition, portfolio management, development, marketing and disposition of real estate assets and interests. The Director, Properties supports the team with significant decisions and develops recommendations regarding real estate transactions and the ongoing management of the organization’s real estate portfolio. In addition, the role is accountable for the division’s work plans and operating budget of approximately $2.35 million, and is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives. The Director, Properties will also build strong relationships throughout the organization and provide mentoring and coaching to the Properties team.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic partner and trusted advisor, providing collaborative leadership to the Properties team. The Director, Properties will build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders and work effectively with Metro Vancouver’s senior leadership team, the Metro Vancouver Boards and committees, and various levels of government. Experience working closely with a diverse portfolio of projects within a public/government organization would be an asset.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leads the Properties Division responsible for the provision of a range of professional real estate services to Metro Vancouver’s four legal entities (Greater Vancouver Regional District, Greater Vancouver Water District, Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District and Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation) including acquisition, portfolio management, development, marketing and disposition of real estate assets and interests required for construction and operation of new or expanded facilities, existing facilities with deficient interests or real estate assets deemed surplus to the operational needs of the organization.

Accountable for the division’s budget preparation, resource allocations and reporting. Monitors and controls spending ensuring the effective and efficient expenditure of funds within the approved budget. Develops and implements strategic initiatives, guides staff on cost control and leads work planning activities.

Provides guidance to the Properties staff and client departments, and confidential advice to the Board and Committees with respect to real estate strategies, plans, initiatives and transactions. Interprets and manages complex, sensitive and high-profile real estate matters involving significant expenditures and revenues, including confidential in-camera matters to protect the organization from financial harm and liability.

Makes significant decisions and develops recommendations regarding real estate transactions and the ongoing management of the organization’s real estate portfolio. Develops strategies for addressing contractual and legal challenges and prepares and presents recommendations and reports for the review and approval of the General Managers, Chief Administrative Officer, Committees or Board as required.

Provides leadership and strategic direction for planning, developing and implementing a variety of initiatives and transactions including acquisition through statutory expropriation, defending expropriation litigation and claims settlement to minimize cost and risk exposure. Ensures the organization’s actions are in compliance with relevant legislation such as the Local Government Act and the Expropriation Act.

Develops and implements sound and defensible processes and protocols for the division’s work. Ensures appropriate structures and resources are in place to efficiently and effectively respond to time sensitive requirements of clients and mitigate unnecessary risks.

Prepares and approves contracts and contract language to suit specific circumstances and reviews and approves contract language proposed by others. Liaises with legal staff as required and develops strategies to ensure sensitivity in dealing with the special interests of individuals and groups.

Responsible for hiring, directing and motivating staff. Monitors and manages performance towards division, department and corporate objectives and ensures staff adhere to corporate and board policies. Leads, coaches and develops staff recognizing the importance of leadership, supervisory and technical training. Develops and sustains a flexible workforce encouraging staff to pursue opportunities that complement their skills and experience.

Liaises with internal and external contacts; leads the implementation of strategic initiatives; and ensures the division’s activities are consistent with the organizations values and goals. Addresses critical and complex issues; facilitates information sharing among staff to transfer knowledge and experience; and provides progress reports to senior managers, political committees and the board as required.

Qualifications / Required Skills

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

University degree in a relevant field such as business administration, commerce, real estate, urban land economics or law and specialized training in real estate appraisal and negotiation
10 years of recent, related progressive experience
Accredited Real Estate Appraiser with the Appraisal Institute of Canada or the Real Estate Institute of BC is an asset




REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Extensive technical expertise related to appraising real estate values and effectively negotiating and managing the acquisition, management and disposal of real estate as both owner and tenant. Considerable ability to provide guidance and direction to staff on the same and provide strategic and tactical direction for resolving complex and diverse real property challenges in the best interests of the organization.

Extensive knowledge related to the regulations, laws, acts, statutes, policies and objectives governing work including expropriation and by-laws and processes relevant to zoning, sub-division, site development and building permits. Demonstrated ability to provide sound advice and lead the property acquisition requirements of large complex development projects.

Excellent budgeting and financial management skills. Demonstrated ability to manage and monitor budgets, meet financial objectives and ensure the effective and efficient expenditure of allocated funds.

Excellent written and oral communication skills including sound report writing and presentation skills. Persuasively communicates complex information to diverse audiences and upholds the reputation of the organization in communications with external stakeholders.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts under circumstances that may be controversial, considerably complex and time sensitive. Skilled in dealing openly, tactfully and sensitively in a variety of situations.

Demonstrated ability to make complex and sometimes controversial decisions; exercise a high degree of independent judgment; effectively administer work through unforeseen circumstances; and resolve problems with implications beyond the work at hand.

Ability to lead, supervise, coach and guide others while enhancing individual and team effectiveness. Ability to mentor and foster the development of direct reports and provide leadership to a number of ‘support but does not report’ working relationships.

Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook and Project.
Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License.

Additional Information

How to Apply:

Please email your resume, cover letter, and total remuneration expectations to:
Discover what we have to offer...
Allan Welyk
President & Director
ELEVATE Search Group
6th Floor - 777 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4
Email: allan@elevatesearchgroup.com

Contact Information

Allan Welyk
President & Director
ELEVATE Search Group
6th Floor - 777 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4
Email: allan@elevatesearchgroup.com

Employer Profile

Metro Vancouver is a federation made up of 21 municipalities, one Electoral Area, and one Treaty First Nation that collaboratively plans for and delivers regional-scale services, policy and political leadership on behalf of its members.

Governed by a Board of Directors of elected officials from each local authority, Metro Vancouver provides core utility services such as water, sewerage and drainage, and solid waste management, while also carrying out planning and regulatory responsibilities related air quality, urban growth, affordable housing, and management of a regional parks system. Metro Vancouver is a vibrant, richly diverse region focused on livability and ensuring quality of life for the region’s residents, both now and for generations to come.

Metro Vancouver embraces collaboration and innovation in providing sustainable regional services that contribute to a livable and resilient region and a healthy natural environment for current and future generations.

To learn more, please visit Metro Vancouver’s website.