Asset Manager
Development Manager (Assets) – Be First LtdSalary: Up to £55,000
Benefits: 10% employer pension contribution, 30 days annual leave
Location: Barking & Dagenham, London
Hays – Exclusively retained
Be First is a dynamic and innovative urban regeneration company, wholly owned by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. With a mission to accelerate growth and deliver inclusive regeneration, Be First is leading one of the most ambitious development programmes in the UK. The organisation is committed to transforming Barking and Dagenham into a place of opportunity, sustainability, and prosperity for all residents.Be First manages a diverse and growing portfolio of commercial assets, including industrial, retail, office, and land holdings. These assets play a critical role in supporting the borough's regeneration strategy, generating income, and enabling long-term social and economic impact.
Hays has exclusively partnered with Be First to recruit a Development Manager (Assets) to join their Asset Management team. This is a strategic role focused on active portfolio management, income generation, and supporting the delivery of new development projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage and enhance Be First's commercial property portfolio to support regeneration goals
Oversee third-party property managers and external consultants across leasing, compliance, and maintenance
Lead on lease negotiations, tenant relations, and asset performance
Support the transfer of additional council-owned assets into Be First's management
Deliver development appraisals and contribute to new project viability assessments
Report to senior stakeholders including the Be First Board and LBBD Investment Committee
Contribute to the Strategic Asset Management Plan and long-term asset strategy
Identify and drive opportunities for income growth and portfolio optimisation
What You'll Bring:
Essential:
Proven experience in commercial property asset management
Strong negotiation and communication skills
Proficiency in Excel for financial modelling and data analysis
Knowledge of property law, leasing, valuation, and investment appraisal
Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environmentDesirable:
MRICS or equivalent professional qualification
Experience with property management systems and valuation software
Background in local authority or consultancy portfolio management
Understanding of planning processes, RIBA stages, and construction delivery
Why Join Be First?
Be part of a purpose-driven organisation making a real impact in London
Work with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team committed to innovation and excellence
Enjoy generous benefits including a 10% pension contribution and 30 days annual leave
Play a key role in shaping the future of Barking and Dagenham through strategic asset managementApply by the 26th of November, and get in touch with Molly Spencer at Hays for more information!
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)