Head of Asset Management (BENELUX)

Job description

Our client 

Our client is an internationally recognized real estate investment company that specializes in commercial real estate. 

Role Objectives

The Head of Asset Management, will be part of the Benelux management team and is responsible for leading the Asset Management function, including team leadership, execution of asset business plans, and performance management of client assets in the region. This role involves overseeing the annual business planning process, closely collaborating with key internal stakeholders, and delivering expert recommendations on asset management initiatives, including leasing, capital expenditures, maintenance, and development.

The Head of Asset Management, will work closely with the transaction team on asset acquisitions and will be actively involved in the onboarding of new assets and the asset disposal process. This role, in coordination with the Head of Real Estate Operations, Europe, is responsible for setting standards and policies for engaging property management and brokers, as well as fostering key service provider and tenant relationships. The Head of Asset Management will also promote operational excellence and sustainability initiatives across the portfolio and represent the organization both internally and externally to investors and partners, advocating best practices and building real estate operating expertise in the Benelux region.

Position Responsibilities

Asset Management Performance

• Oversee the operational performance (financial and non-financial) of the existing and expanding real estate portfolio in the Benelux.
• Manage relationships with external asset management partners.
• Achieve annual net operating income targets for the assets.
• Collaborate with the Head of Transactions Benelux, to ensure clear and regular communication within the asset management team.
• Work with the Fund Management Team to develop, execute, and review quarterly/monthly performance and business plans for each asset, covering leasing, revenues, operating, and capital expenses.
• Define and execute disposal strategies with the Fund Management team to optimize return timing.
• Drive leasing strategies, income growth, and value creation initiatives across properties.
• Represent the interests of funds and owners to key partners and tenants.
• Collaborate closely with the Finance and Fund Management teams on reporting and control matters for Benelux clients and portfolios.
• Support special projects, such as new business or fund initiatives.
• Coordinate with the ESG team to implement corporate responsibility and sustainability policies, including preparing the annual GRESB survey.

Resource Management

• Coordinate hiring and resource allocation for the Benelux Asset Management and Project Management team according to the business plan.
• Address key asset management challenges proactively and allocate resources as needed.
• Make recommendations on staffing and property management strategies.

Best Practices, Operational Excellence & Thought Leadership

• Drive high-quality operational standards and best practices in real estate asset management.
• Establish and enforce policies for purchasing and expense management, including property maintenance, energy usage, and tax strategies.
• Benchmark operational performance against market standards and business plans.
• Represent the organization with key intermediaries, investors, competitors, and partners as a thought leader in the industry.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in all dealings.
• Champion sustainable asset management practices.
• Lead the implementation of new asset management initiatives, including technology adoption.

Fund Management

• Assist in the initiation and annual preparation of Investment Plans and bi-annual Health Checks for all products under management.
• Review and update onboarding plans for acquisitions, including 100-day action plans.
• Participate in quarterly valuation meetings with third-party valuers alongside the Fund Management team.
• Support the real estate insurance program in coordination with Fund Management, including liaising with brokers, coordinating claims, and reviewing policy terms.
• Provide board updates on Benelux real estate activities.

Asset Management Operations

• Regularly meet with team members and internal stakeholders to address challenges and concerns and promote collaborative problem-solving.
• Attend asset management conferences as needed, focusing on strategy, team collaboration, and best practices across the European platform.

Property Management

• Collaborate with the Head of Real Estate Operations, Europe, to review external property managers and appoint suitable managers for new mandates and funds.

Real Estate Technology Platforms

• Initiate and lead technology projects related to real estate, such as implementing platforms like Yardi and Deepki.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Significant hands-on experience in asset management of real estate, particularly within office, logistics, and light industrial sectors in the Benelux.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing best practices in asset management.

Personal Competencies

• Strong team-building and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated success in leading diverse teams.
• Strategic investment perspective with experience in executing core, value-add, and development strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of commercial property operations and experience in lease negotiations and contract renewals.
• Ability to partner effectively with various client types, including institutional investors and private equity.
• Established network within the industry, including brokers, technical and legal advisors, and property managers.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Strong financial and analytical skills.
• Marketing capabilities.
• Ability to represent the organization confidently in the marketplace.

Leadership Competencies

• Thinks Strategically: Aligns actions with the company’s strategy.
• Motivates People: Inspires commitment through clear communication and adaptable leadership.
• Creates Partnerships: Builds trusted relationships and collaborates effectively across diverse teams.
• Seizes Opportunity: Pursues balanced growth and operational improvement.
• Grows Talent: Develops and empowers team members to drive engagement and performance.
• Models Values: Upholds and promotes company values and standards.
• Focuses on Customers: Ensures a customer-centric approach to create competitive advantages.
• Drives Results: Sets ambitious goals, leads change, and ensures high performance standards.
   

Company Values

• Accountable: Delivers on commitments with integrity and aims for outstanding performance.
• Progressive: Embraces new perspectives and drives change by seeking value and improvement.
• Collaborative: Values teamwork and partnerships across teams and with stakeholders.

Contact

If you are interested in this position please send your application (in English) to Martijn van der Wal (wal@solid-executives.nl) and for questions you can contact Martijn van der Wal on this number +31(0)6–28201774.

Solid Executives is a leading executive search firm exclusively focused on the real estate sector. We offer unique career opportunities at management and board level and operate on behalf of a wide arrange of real estate companies.