Job Description / Duties

Our Financial Services Department is seeking a Real Estate Services Manager to lead a team of negotiators and manage the day-to-day operations for the delivery of mission critical real estate services, primarily focused on the acquisition of property interests and, secondarily, the administration of a property portfolio with an estimated value of $8 billion.

You are a seasoned real estate specialist, problem solver and natural relationship builder accustomed to working with autonomy and exercising discretion to meet corporate and client objectives.

The Real Estate Services Manager reports to the Director Properties and falls within our Management / Leadership, Level 2 job family.

This role:
Supports and forms part of the division management team accountable for the provision of a broad range of professional real estate services and advice to Metro Vancouver’s legal entities (GVS&DD, GVWD, MVRD and MVHC). Manages acquisitions, disposal and ongoing administration of the organization’s real estate interests and rights (both as an owner and tenant) including fee simple, statutory right-of-ways, licenses, permits and leases. Works effectively to minimize expense, liability and risk exposure and optimize revenue and opportunities for client departments.

Contributes to preparing and managing the Division’s budget and is accountable for monitoring and controlling spending ensuring the effective and efficient expenditure of allocated funds. Contributes to short and long term planning and makes recommendations regarding the priorities. May be responsible for the annual review and payment of applicable property taxes including formal appeals of assessments.

Directs and approves the appraisal and negotiation of real estate interests with private and public owners. Handles complex and/or controversial acquisitions, disposals and the administration of real estate interests. Recommends settlements; manages and guides processes for right of way requirements and expropriations; and provides rationale and appropriate legal and other documentation for CAO or Board approval.

Manages property acquisition and/or right of way requirements for capital projects including preparing and implementing business cases, budgets and project plans. Recommends property purchase agreements and expenditures and right of way administrative requirements and seeks appropriate level of approval for binding legal commitments. Prepares and presents reports on activities.

Provides confidential advice and guidance to senior staff, client departments and Metro Vancouver’s Committees and Boards and acts as a key resource in real estate appraisal, negotiation and administration. Liaises with staff from other orders of government and non-government agencies to explain corporate objectives, resolve issues and ensure the timely progression of projects. Intervenes in negotiations to resolve conflict or impasses and retains and directs consultants, appraisers and other experts as required.

Interprets and implements corporate policy relevant to area of work such as the Procurement & Real Property Contracting Authority and makes recommendations on changes. Explains policy and objectives to staff and the public and provides direction accordingly.

Hires, supervises, directs and develops staff, monitoring performance towards division, department and corporate objectives. Ensures staff adhere to corporate workplace conduct policies. Leads, coaches, and develops staff recognizing the importance of training.

Keeps current with regulations and laws governing work. Researches, analyzes and evaluates information with respect to property values, market trends, major civic or private development projects and their effects and influence on property values. Ensures work is performed in the best interest of the organization and industry best practices. Provides advice and assistance in respect of strategic planning, initiatives and decision making.

Performs other related duties as required, and acts as the Director, Properties in the incumbent’s absence.

Qualifications / Required Skills

To be successful, you have:
5 years of recent, related experience supplemented by a university degree or diploma in a relevant discipline such as commerce, real estate, urban land economics or law; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

RI professional designation from the Real Estate Institute of BC or AACI designation from the Appraisal Institute of Canada or an equivalent designation. Specialized training in negotiation, conflict resolution, labour relations, project management, contract preparation and administration is an asset.

Sound ability to appraise real estate value and effectively negotiate with tact and diplomacy to acquire, administer and dispose of various interests and rights in real property. Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and direction to staff on the same and resolve complex, divisive and controversial real property transactions and challenges in the best interests of the organization.

Sound 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 lead the property acquisition requirements of large development projects.

Demonstrated ability to provide professional solutions and troubleshoot a wide variety of complex real property matters. Sound research and analytical skills and ability to develop business cases and recommendations.

Sound knowledge and understanding of Metro Vancouver’s functions, processes and objectives. Ability to provide practical advice, solutions and recommendations aptly suited to differing business needs. Considerable knowledge of corporate policies, procedures, goals and regulations.

Sound written and oral communication skills. Ability to provide clear instructions and translate technical contractual information to language and context understood by a variety of audiences. Ability to write and revise memos, recommendations and reports.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts. Ability to tactfully respond to inquiries and effectively resolve negotiations in the interest of the organization. Proven ability to work cooperatively with others; ability to deal with disagreements and prevent the escalation of conflict.

Ability to manage and monitor budgets ensuring the effective and efficient expenditure of allocated funds within the approved budget. Ability to manage contracts with service providers and contractors.

Demonstrated supervisory skills and abilities including the ability to consistently apply and explain corporate policies and collective agreements. Provides constructive and motivating feedback to staff.

Ability to use judgment to resolve complex problems requiring urgent remedy. Acts as the key resource to staff for advice and guidance on potential approaches and problem situations. Demonstrates persistence in overcoming obstacles.

Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License.

Additional Information

Our Vision:
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.

Contact Information

Please follow this link http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/careers/ to our Careers page where you can submit your application by November 12, 2020.