Description

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Work schedule: Monday - Friday office hours, occasional flexibility required.

Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer

Location: Office base in Naas, Co Kildare. Hybrid option 2 days from home, with national travel when required.

Direct Reports: Property Manager Assistant/Administrator/H&S Officer

Closing date: 6th April 2026

Role Purpose

The Property Manager is responsible for leading the property strategy and estate management function across the charity's retail & services portfolio. This may include acquisitions & disposals, lease negotiations, rent reviews, facilities management, portfolio optimisation, compliance, and cost control - ensuring the estate supports income growth and long-term sustainability.

The role will align property decisions with retail performance, community impact, and the organisation's wider mission.

About Us

Vision Ireland (formerly NCBI National Council for the Blind of Ireland) is Ireland's leading national charity dedicated to supporting the growing number of individuals affected by sight loss. Our mission is to provide essential practical and emotional support to over 8,000 individuals and their families. Our retail operations play a crucial role in funding these services.

Key Responsibilities

1. Property Strategy & Estate Planning

• Develop and deliver a 3 year property strategy aligned to retail & services growth targets.
• Lead estate optimisation initiatives (relocations, refits, downsizing, upsizing, closures).
• Use retail performance data to inform property decisions.
• Identify new shop opportunities in target locations.
• Identify potential risks related to property operations and implement mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure.

2. Acquisitions & Disposals

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate new retail premises.
• Lead lease negotiations, renewals, rent reviews, break options, and regears.
• Manage shop closures and disposals, minimising financial exposure.
• Instruct and manage external agents and legal advisors.

3. Lease & Estate Management

• Ensure robust management of lease events and critical dates.
• Maintain accurate property records and database.
• Manage service charge budgets and challenge costs where appropriate.
• Oversee landlord relationships and negotiations.

4. Facilities & Compliance

• Ensure statutory compliance across the estate (H&S, fire safety, asbestos, EPCs, etc.).
• Oversee maintenance strategy (reactive and planned).
• Manage facilities management providers and contractors.
• Ensure safe, welcoming environments for staff, volunteers, and customers.

5. Financial Management

• Prepare and manage the property budget (rent, rates, service charge, utilities, maintenance).
• Adhere to basic procurement principles in line with organisation's procurement policy. (knowledge of public procurement process / E-Tenders advantageous)
• Identify cost-saving opportunities across the estate.
• Lead business case development for new sites and capital investment.
• Contribute to income growth through strategic estate development.

6. Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and develop the property team.
• Partner with Retail Operations, Finance, and Senior Leadership.
• Present property updates and strategy papers to Executive Team and Board members.
• Support regional & area managers in property-related matters.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties. The successful candidate must be open to flexibility in their duties in line with the needs of the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

Degree Qualification in Property Management related field.

• Significant senior property/estate management experience (multi-site retail preferred).
• Proven track record of lease negotiations and rent reviews.
• Experience managing a geographically dispersed estate.
• Experience in managing retail and/or office fit outs.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management.
• Experience working with landlords, agents, and legal advisors.
• Knowledge of property compliance and health & safety legislation.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within charity retail or the voluntary sector.
• Understanding of retail KPIs and commercial trading performance.
• Experience managing mixed-use or warehouse properties.
• MSCSI/MRICS qualification

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with commercial acumen.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Analytical and data-driven decision making.
• Excellent stakeholder management.
• Ability to balance mission impact with commercial returns.
• Resilient and solutions-focused.

Personal Attributes

• Values-driven and aligned to charitable objectives.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• High integrity and governance awareness.
• Adaptable in a changing retail environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Property cost ratio vs retail income.
• Successful lease renewals on favourable terms.
• Estate growth aligned to retail strategy.
• Reduction in void costs and dilapidation liabilities.
• Compliance metrics and audit outcomes.
• Delivery of budgeted capital projects.

Further Requirements

Full, clean driving license.

Willingness to travel as required.

Flexibility to work outside standard hours when necessary.

This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic property professional to make a meaningful impact, driving both commercial success and social good. If you are a results-driven professional with a passion for property and social change, we invite you to join our mission at Vision Ireland.

Further Information for Candidates:

All applicants must submit a current CV.

The successful candidate will be subject to garda vetting.

Candidates must be eligible to work full-time in Ireland.

Further information about Vision Ireland can be found on our website www.vi.ie

Informal enquiries to [email protected]

• Vision Ireland reserve the right to close this competition early should an adequate number of applications be received.

Garda Vetting required:

Garda Vetting may be conducted for the recommended candidate as part of the selection process for the post in accordance with the VI Garda Vetting policy.

Vision Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

Vision Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. It is our policy to recognise people as a key resource required for successful attainment of the organisation's mission. In support of this, it is important to remember that differences between people, whether devised from their different backgrounds and personalities, cultures and/or their different abilities, can be a source of strength to the organisation.

We welcome, encourage, and embrace people of all backgrounds, to include those with disabilities. Accessibility plays a huge part of ensuring that all our employees and service users can access our systems and services with ease and respect, in a supportive environment, - enabling all to effectively engage our services and achieve our goals whether they are an applicant for employment or an employee requiring special facilitation.