Property Data & Systems Manager

Job Description

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?  

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

The Canal & River Trust’s Estates Team manages a diverse portfolio of waterside properties—such as historic warehouses, cottages, offices, industrial sites and open land - ensuring these assets generate vital commercial income that is reinvested back into maintaining and improving 2,000 miles of canals and rivers.

As the Property Data Management Team Manager you will lead the management, governance and development of the Trust’s property data and systems, ensuring accurate, reliable and insightful information supports business decision-making across the Investment & Commercial Division. Managing a specialist team, you will drive best practice in property data management, reporting and analytics, while acting as the product owner for the MRI Horizon property management system. Working closely with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners, you will oversee a large and complex property portfolio, supporting the effective management of around 9,000 property contracts, 4,500 mooring agreements and over £70m of annual invoicing, while championing continuous improvement, system optimisation and data-led decision making.

Working Hours & Location

This role follows 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required. Regular travel across our network will be required. See here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers

Relevant Hubs: Leeds, Ellesmere Port, Burnley, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Gloucester.

A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Role Overview

You will lead the Trust’s property data, systems and reporting, ensuring accurate information supports effective decision-making and commercial performance. Managing a specialist team and driving continuous improvement, you will maximise the value of property data through strong governance, analytics and system management. You will also be accountable to the Commercial Investment Group (CIG), providing regular updates, insights and assurance on property information matters across the Investment & Commercial Division.

Key responsibilities:

• Property Data Management: Own and develop the Trust’s property data, ensuring accurate, reliable and well-governed information within the MRI Horizon property management system.
• Business Intelligence & Reporting: Act as the business lead for property data management, delivering high-quality reporting, insights and information that support decision-making across the Investment & Commercial Division.
• Analytics & Performance: Maximise the value of property data and analytics, identifying trends, risks and opportunities that support business objectives and respond to changes across the property portfolio.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive improvements in property systems, processes, policies and procedures, embedding best practice and delivering greater efficiency, productivity and commercial returns.
• Property Insurance Management: Oversee the Trust’s property insurance database, working with external consultants to maintain accurate records and minimise organisational risk.
• Information Governance & GDPR: Lead on GDPR compliance and information governance, acting as the division’s key point of contact and Information Asset Owner.
• Leadership & Team Development: Manage and develop a specialist team, building capability, technical expertise and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Management: Work closely with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners to ensure property information, systems and reporting meet business needs.
• Values, Safety & Inclusion: Champion the Trust’s values, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and safeguarding responsibilities in all aspects of the role.

About You

Skills & Qualifications

• Comprehensive experience of working in the property industry including the ability to impart knowledge of property management systems to internal colleagues both within and outside of the Investment Division.
• Development of colleagues through sharing knowledge and best practice on property data management principles.
• Experienced in managing technically complex data in a pressurised commercial property environment demonstrating strong attention to detail in their work outputs.
• Significant experience of using property data management systems, particularly MRI Horizon or equivalent and the ability to use these systems to generate efficiencies for the Trust including identifying opportunities for income generation through the analysis of our historic property records.
• Understanding of Property, Landlord and Tenant, Energy and Data Protection (GDPR) law including a practical application of the same in a variety of commercial circumstances.
• Strong negotiating, influencing and project management skills demonstrated by delivering complex tasks and projects for the benefit of the Investment Directorate.

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email removed].  We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer

In addition to your annual base salary of £42,000, we also offer a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.

Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits

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