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.
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.
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 may be requested for 1 day per week. Occasional nationwide travel is a necessary part of this role.
Direct Reports: Property Manager Assistant/Administrator/H&S Officer
Key Responsibilities
1. Property Strategy & Estate Planning
Develop and deliver a 3 year property strategy aligned to retail & services growth targets.
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.
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.
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.
Person Specification
Degree Qualification in Property Management related field.
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.
Experience within charity retail or the voluntary sector.
Understanding of retail KPIs and commercial trading performance.
Experience managing mixed-use or warehouse properties.
Strategic thinker with commercial acumen.
Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
Analytical and data-driven decision making.
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
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.
Vision Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
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 the successful attainment of the organisation’s mission. In support of this, it is important to remember that differences between people, whether derived from their different backgrounds and personalities, cultures and/or their different abilities, can be a source of strength to the organisation.
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