Job Description

Details

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Reference number

435260

Salary

100,000 - 162,500
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

SCS Pay Band 2
GPA SCS2 National/London

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

GPA - Property - Investment

Type of role

Analytical


Estates

Finance

Property

Senior leadership

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham

About the job

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Job summary

The Government Property Agency is the largest property holder in government, with more than 2.1 billion in property assets and over 55% of the government's office estate.


We are transforming the way the Civil Service works by creating great places to work, leading the largest commercial office programme in the UK, working towards halving carbon emissions from government offices, and achieving greater value for taxpayers. And we are looking for innovative, solutions-focused people to join our team.


Representing the best covenant in the UK - His Majesty's Government - we are leading significant transformational programmes such as the Government Hubs Programme, Whitehall Campus Programme and Net Zero Programme. We are also delivering cost-effective property services such as asset management, lifecycle replacement and workplace services.


Innovation and progress underpin our behaviours. We foster a culture of lifelong learning, where curiosity and self-improvement are encouraged. Our four core values are at the heart of everything we do. They shape our culture and guide how we work, lead and grow together:

Striving for excellence

- We always aim to deliver great results

Empowering through respect

- We insist on fair treatment for all, always

Acting with integrity

- We consistently do the right thing

Succeeding together

- We rely on each other to achieve success

We are committed to representing the communities we serve by making Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) part of everything we do. Our strong emphasis on EDI is not just about driving inclusion across our organisation, it is also about ensuring our services meet the needs of government departments and the civil servants who use our spaces. To ensure that we are always recruiting and retaining a diverse mix of talent, we are particularly inviting applications from candidates who are disabled, ethnically or gender diverse, and people who identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community.


Join our dynamic and diverse team that leads with purpose, improving sustainability, nurturing social value, driving inclusivity and flexibility, and kickstarting economic growth. We are driven by purpose, and you can be part of it too: where you make a meaningful impact; where you influence; where your voice really matters; where you help to shape our future direction.

Job description

The Chief Investment Officer (CIO) will play a critical role in strategically managing the UK Government Property Agency's (GPA) extensive property portfolio. The CIO will ensure optimal performance, profitability, and strategic alignment of the property assets in accordance with the GPA's mission and objectives. As a member of the Executive Committee (EXCO), the CIO will contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of the agency.


This is a pivotal and highly visible role with substantial strategic, operational performance and leadership responsibilities including of the Property Management Directorate. The Chief Investment Officer (CIO) will report directly to the CEO and will be required to regularly report to the Board and the Cabinet Office sponsor function. This is a critical role accountable for the management and optimisation of the GPA's property portfolio, investment strategies, asset disposals, and transfers, directly impacting the financial health and strategic positioning of the Agency.

Portfolio Management:

Aligned closely with the Strategy Director, guided by the workforce planning directions from departments, the CIO will oversee the comprehensive management of the government property estate (currently focused on Offices), ensuring alignment with workforce planning and strategic goals through effective asset management and investment strategies. The CIO will support the target cost savings though portfolio rationalisation and efficiencies

Investment Strategy:

The CIO will lead the appraisal processes and creation of Outline Business Cases (OBCs) for projects in line with best practice, such as the delivery of a new HUB, ensuring that investments are strategically aligned, commercially viable, affordable, vfm and deliverable. The CIO, working with CFO, will develop funding strategies for GPA developments and portfolios, working with networks and strategic partners to optimise outcomes for HMG.

SR Planning and delivery:

Working closely across EXCO, with particular input from the Strategy Director, the CIO will take lead accountability in the financial preparation and delivery of key elements of SR, including the HUBS Programme and London Plan, feeding into the wider SR planning, led by CFO. For as long as the SRO role remains relevant to GPA, the CIO will take that role working with IPA and providing strategic direction to the Director of Programme Management.

Asset and Property Management:

With oversight of the Strategic Property Partner relationship, the CIO will be accountable for maintaining a complete and accurate Property Management system, with oversight of the property documentation and working with Finance colleagues to assure a seamless budgeting and billing process for departmental client partners. The CIO will also oversee the strategic asset management of the portfolio, ensuring that GPA secures the optimal commercial position across each building with third party landlords (where present), whilst optimising total occupation costs for departmental clients, through development of appropriate benchmarks. So as to maximise building utilisation, the CIO will oversee the leasing of void spaces and across, but not restricted to, departmental partners.

Financial Oversight:

With significant P&L responsibility, the CIO will ensure the property assets are delivering against budgetary and benchmark targets. This involves strategic disposals and acquisitions, optimising asset values, and reducing liabilities.

Asset Transfers and Disposals:

Efficient management of asset transfers from various government departments to the GPA (including due diligence), and strategic disposals of assets, will be key responsibilities. The CIO will ensure these processes are managed with high efficiency and strategic foresight, maximising value accretion for GPA and HMG more broadly.

KPI and Performance Optimisation:

Utilising key performance indicators and management information systems, the CIO will contribute to the establishment of robust and relevant KPIs and performance data and rigorously analyse and enhance the performance of the property assets.

Stakeholder and Supplier Management:

The CIO will cultivate strong relationships with various stakeholders, including government departments, local government, financial institutions (HMT), and third-party landlords.

Client Account Management

Lead client management relationships across a select group of allocated departments, sharing responsibility across EXCO to promote consistency and collaboration. Strategically manage and enhance client relationships to drive organisational success and client satisfaction.

Leadership and Strategic Influence:

As a member of the GPA Executive Committee and SCS community in the civil service, the CIO will play a central role in the leadership of the organisation, fostering an environment of empowerment and mutual trust. The strategic influence of the CIO will crucially shape the Agency's approach to property investment and asset management. The CIO will also be a key ambassador for GPA in the broader property market and will be expected to network whilst maintaining market knowledge. Role model GPA values and provide strong leadership within the Directorate and across the Senior Leadership Group and GPA.

ESG and Net Zero

The CIO will take responsibility for the delivery of Net Zero across the Estate, with oversight of the LCR programme, disposal strategy, and input to design through the Capital Programme Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

These responsibilities should be read in conjunction with the Job description above

Portfolio Management Asset Transfers and Disposals Profit & Loss Responsibility Investment Policy and Project Appraisals Performance Optimisation Leasing of VOID Space Property Transactions Oversight Property and Asset Management Stakeholder Management and Market Ambassador Client Account Management ESG and Net Zero

Person specification

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities and wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and well-being and aim to create a sense of belonging in a workplace where everyone feels valued. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Essential

Extensive experience in property investment, finance, portfolio, and asset management from either the private or public sector. Strong financial acumen, including significant P&L responsibilities and experience in strategic disposals and acquisitions. Proven experience in portfolio management, with a focus on strategic alignment and cost efficiency Excellent corporate leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire a diverse team. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively at senior levels and across different stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement investment strategies and prepare Outline Business Cases (OBCs). Experience in strategic asset and property management, ensuring optimal commercial positions and cost efficiencies. Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills across public and private sectors. Demonstrable Digital literacy, with ability to develop and utilise collaborative IT platforms such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office/Sharepoint and be able to demonstrate productive use of AI tools.

Desirable

Experience in the PLC, Institutional, public sector, or local government sector, in a role that involves managing assets in a highly governed environment is desirable Track record as CIO or similar role

QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

Essential criteria:

Significant senior Professional Experience in Property Investment, Portfolio and Asset Management, or Financial

RICS, ACCA, or

other relevant property/Finance qualification*


Example qualifications:

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

or

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Membership with Professional Bodies

like the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the CFA Society, Investment Property Forum (IPF)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:


Managing a Quality Service Communicating and Influencing Leadership Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:


Customer Perspective Commercial Acumen Property Market Knowledge Innovation

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 100,000, Government Property Agency contributes 28,970 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Generous annual leave

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities and wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and well-being and aim to create a sense of belonging in a workplace where everyone feels valued. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.



The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .



The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a

Disability Confident Scheme (DCS)

for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.



The Civil Service also offers a

Redeployment Interview Scheme (RIS)

to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.



This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.


The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Please note - At this time GPA are unable to offer any Visa Sponsorship to candidates as we do not currently hold a visa sponsorship licence. Please do not apply for permanent roles with GPA if you will require your employer to take on the sponsorship of your current or any future visas.

A

rtificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our

candidate guidance

for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

How to apply:

You will need to apply via the agency website here:- https://www.odgers.com/94656

Sift

The sift is due to take place week commencing 24th November 2025.


As part of the application process, you will be asked to include a CV and a 750-word personal statement. The personal statement should then align with the person specification.

Interview

GPA policy is for interviews to be held face to face, with virtual interviews only by absolute exception. Preliminary Interviews will take place with Agency week commencing the 8th and the 15th December 2025 with Final Interviews taking place week commencing the 12/1/26


At interview, applicants will be scored against 4 behaviours - Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing, Leadership, and Delivering at Pace.


Interview questions will be a blend of Behaviour, Experience, and Technical (core skill) questions.

Presentation and additonal interview information

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to take part in a virtual staff engagement exercise and potentially a technical assessment/ conversation. These assessments will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, they are designed to support the panel's decision-making and highlight areas for the panel to explore further at interview.


Please also note that you may be asked to deliver a short presentation during the interview, which will be either scenario-based or a topic we would like you to discuss in more detail.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .



See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : Becky Royle Email : Rebecca.Royle@odgers.com
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Recruitment team

Email : gparecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

The Department's recruitment processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment based on merit, open and fair competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles, details of which can be found at http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the GPA People Team by email at HR@gpa.gov.uk, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can further contact the Civil Service Commission at: Email: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk or in writing to: Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ.