Background information

For a world-class organisation providing vital services to customers 24/7, the management of Met Office estate is absolutely essential. The multi disciplined Property Management team, based at the Exeter HQ, ensures the Met Office estate (both manned and unmanned) is developed, maintained and managed to meet the needs of the organisation and deliver best value.

Purpose of the job

This varied and busy role is responsible for the effective management of the Met Office estate. This will involve, for example, the arrangement and renewal of leases, the monitoring of all payments made against lease/licence contracts, assessing the ongoing suitability of property for both short- and long-term future use and liaison with other government departments (including Defence Estates) and external professional bodies to maintain awareness and implementation of best practice in the management of the estate.

Principal accountabilities

• Provide advice and assist with the development and regular review of the estates strategy based on documented property portfolio to ensure effective decision making in Met Office estate matters.
• Negotiate and resolve any rating, planning, landlord and tenant matters to ensure the Met Office estate delivers best value to the organisation.
• Co-ordinate the acquisition and disposal of property, working with external advisors and customers to ensure the interests of the Met Office and value for money are maintained.
• Ensure compliance liaising with technical specialists on legal obligations in leasing matters and ensure all required legal documentation is in place and up to date.
• Manage a team to provide services to support the smooth running of the Met Office estate to maximise efficiency and organisational effectiveness.

Qualifications, skills and abilities required

 

Essential

• Relevant professional estate management qualification and proven ability to manage a diverse estate.
• Good communication skills with the ability to present conclusions and proposals concisely in writing and verbally.
• An organised approach to work and the ability to prioritise effectively amongst competing demands.
• Customer focused and able to demonstrate excellent networking skills.
• Personal drive and desire to complete work in an effective and innovative/creative manner.
• Proven track record of staff and team development.

Desirable

• A broad understanding of the nature, purpose, and structure of the Met Office.
• Experience of managing government estates.
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development.
  

Additional supplementary information

Willingness to travel within the UK.

Commitment to diversity

The Met Office values diversity and recruits on merit.

Minimum time in post

Once appointed into post, job holders are expected to remain in that post for a minimum of two years before being given the opportunity to apply for other relevant internal roles that may become available within the Met Office.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants

To widen the pool of candidates on which to draw, we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the published minimum criteria for the post/entry level.

To qualify for a guaranteed interview, you do not have to be registered as a disabled person but you must have a disability or long-term health condition that puts you at a substantial disadvantage in either obtaining or keeping employment. The disability must be likely to last for at least 12 months.

To apply for a guaranteed interview, please complete the appropriate section of the application form. When appropriate, you should provide details of any particular arrangements you will require for the interview, e.g. car parking, speech facilitator.

Any false declaration of disability to obtain an interview may invalidate any resultant contract of employment.

Civil Service Recruitment Code

The Met Office's recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Code and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact HREnquiries@metoffice.gov.uk or telephone 01392 885000 in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Met Office, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.

Benefits and facilities

• As an employee of the Met Office you will be eligible to join the Nuvos Civil Service Pension Scheme with a low employee contribution. This is a defined benefit scheme which the Met Office, as an employer, contributes to. You also have the option to join a partnership scheme where the employer can contribute and the employee can contribute if you wish. For more details please see the Civil Service Pensions website.
• Annual Leave allowance of 25 days (JL1, 30 days) (plus 8 days public holiday and 2½ privilege days taken at fixed times during the year).
• Training opportunities.
• Performance-related pay.
• The Met Office sports and social club.
• The potential to work in different areas within the same organisation.

Starting salaries

The pay range is stated at the top of the job description. Entry to the Met Office is normally at the pay band minimum with minimal scope for negotiation. Where a range is advertised, only exceptional candidates with proven experience and skills will be appointed above the minimum of this range. Packages and ranges offered above the pay band minimum may consist partly or wholly of elements of non-consolidated (non-pensionable) pay.

Relocation

Unless stated in the job advert and job description, financial support is not available for candidates to move to the job location.

Payment of interview expenses

Candidates invited for interview will only be paid expenses if stated in the invite to interview letter.

Mobility

Normally, staff appointed at Job Level 4 and above automatically have a mobility clause in their employment contract, which means they may be required to serve at other UK mainland locations. Some Job Level 5 staff may also have a mobility commitment, depending upon the job.

Nationality

In common with all United Kingdom (UK) Civil Service departments and Executive Agencies, applicants for employment in the Met Office are required to satisfy certain nationality requirements. For full guidance see the Border & Immigration Agency's 'Working in the UK' website, where you will find information about working in the UK.

Again, in common with all UK Civil Service departments and Executive Agencies, some posts in the Met Office are 'reserved' for UK nationals only. Applicants who are not UK nationals should be aware that further career prospects might be affected.

Application forms and further information

Download application form (PDF, 653 kb)

Guidance notes and information for applicants (PDF, 58 kb)

Download equal opportunities form (PDF, 922 kb - to be returned along with the application form)

If you require a Word version of the application form, please email HREnquiries@metoffice.gov.uk including the words 'application request' in the subject line. An automatic email will be returned to you immediately. If you have not received an email within 48 hours then please contact us.

Alternatively, you can call or write to:

HR Customer Services
Met Office
FitzRoy Road
Exeter
EX1 3PB

Tel: 01392 885000

Please mark your request or returned application form: Estates Manager 1601B

Thank you for your interest if you apply for this position. However, due to the high numbers that apply for positions in the Met Office we are unable to reply to each applicant individually. Therefore, if you have had no response from us within four weeks of the closing date you may assume you have been unsuccessful.