Job Description

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.



We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.




We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.




We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.



All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.



Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

Primary Objectives

We are looking for a dynamic real estate professional to join the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Corporate Real Estate team as Portfolio Manager.


This new role is responsible for managing the full life cycle of the firm's real estate portfolio which includes 28 office premises in 21 countries, totalling 1.30m square feet (121,000 square metres) of space. The role holder will work proactively with business leaders, our finance teams and other stakeholders to align the firm's real estate portfolio with the firm's operational and strategic objectives and thereby manage the firm's ongoing occupancy costs.


Based in London, the role holder will be working in a small team located in London and Sydney. This professional team shares knowledge and supports each other in a non-hierarchical way. The role holder will interact with HSFK senior management, Regional and Office Managing Partners, suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure an optimised and cost-efficient real estate portfolio.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities include:

Negotiation of new leases Re-negotiation of existing leases Lease event management Lease agreement standardisation Space optimisation Occupancy cost reduction Reviewing the HSFK portfolio against market data Management of our relationships with real estate brokers Production of the firm's annual premises report

Role holder responsibilities are broadly broken down into three areas:

Transaction management:

Overall responsibility for the management of the firm's lease transaction Appointing, in most cases, a real estate broker to negotiate with the landlord or landlord's broker Appointing internal or external legal counsel to advise on the transaction Work with the Business Finance team, providing real estate assumptions and co-ordinating other inputs, to run financial models for options being considered and presented. Producing the relevant papers to gain internal approval in a timely manner Ensuring the execution of the lease documentation

Property Management

Acting as an "internal expert" in respect of matters relating to the management of the firm's occupied portfolio globally Advise on day-to-day landlord and tenant relationships as required Manage and report against lease renewals, rent reviews and options negotiations, coordinating professional teams as necessary Management of service charge budgets in the firm's primary locations, including reconciliations, collation, interpretation and validation of evidence from landlord. Advising on dilapidation and make-good provisioning UK only - liaise with our external rating advisers in regard to ensure Business Rates assessments and payments are correct and appealed or challenged where necessary. Co-ordinate advice on the firm's dilapidations liabilities and obligations at lease expiry. Advise on the management of sub-leases including management of sub-tenant relationships, service charge budgets and reconciliations, and managing disputes

Portfolio Reporting

Track real estate market across all cities where the firm has an office, leveraging our relationships with our brokers Produce reports for the Global Executive highlighting planned lease events and opportunities for early negotiation, leveraging advice from our real estate brokers Track space utilisation and occupancy cost data globally Produce the firm's annual premises report Lead the project to select an appropriate portfolio management and reporting tool

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

BSc or BA in Real Estate or related field (or equivalent experience), MRICS or similar designation a plus Significant relevant experience from a multinational environment Financial Analysis Skills Negotiation Skills Supplier Management skills, especially real estate brokers
Change & Improvement Management Skills

Project Management Skills

Competencies

Personal Leadership

Energises those around them, simplifies complexity and makes quality decisions Brings perspective and a constructive approach to high pressure situations and directs attention to solutions Makes sound commercial decisions based on a clear understanding of the business Acts decisively even on the basis of incomplete information

Collaborates with others

Develops innovative solutions by valuing diversity of thought, expertise and experience Brings a positive energy to the way they work and inspires this in others Draws on internal networks to bring people with the right skills and expertise together to develop solutions

Builds High Performing Teams

Builds highly engaged teams that are diverse and inclusive and can excel in a range of situations Creates an environment that encourages personal accountability, and builds the confidence of others by highlighting their strengths and achievements

Focuses on Clients

Always acts with the firm's clients in mind Prioritises initiatives that will positively impact the client experience and their business Develops solutions that balance client needs and the sustainable profitability of the firm Takes active steps to cultivate and maintain an excellent reputation in the market

Innovates

Leads and influences change Seeks out market trends and introduces relevant ideas for competitive advantage Envisions ways for the firm to differentiate itself and is driven to achieve this

Achieves results

Makes things happen in a complex environment Remains focused on long term objectives and broad firm issues

Team

Office Operations

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values--Human, Bold, and Outstanding.