Head of Corporate Services

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

What working at Columbia Threadneedle offers....

You'll find the promise we make to our clients is the same one we make to our employees: Your success is our priority.

Here, you'll find growth and career opportunities across all our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,000 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 450 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that supports the diversity of our employees and reflects our broader communities and client-base. We welcome applications from returners to the industry.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Job Purpose Statement

Where you'll fit in & what our team goals are...

In this role you will lead the Corporate Services Team based in the UK. The following are some of the areas you will be responsible for: Real Estate, Invoice Administration, Hard and Soft services, and Postal and Reception Teams. In addition, you will oversee on-site outsourced services including reprographics and catering for our EMEA offices.

As part of the Global Enterprise Real Estate team, you will be the key contact for all premises matters in Columbia Threadneedle Investments operational offices in EMEA and APAC including working with Business Heads and Enterprise Real Estate with office selection, leasing, fit out and relocation projects.

Role Responsibilities

How you'll spend your time...

• Day-to-day management of the UK-based Corporate Services Team to ensure the business is supported and can operate seamlessly with first class facilities and real estate functions. General management of corporate services organisation structure, including development, hiring, and managing team. Manage and report on the department's budget.
• Ensure appropriate site-level operations are in place and run smoothly, including janitorial, facilities management, mail, and conferencing. Plan and provide oversight of the portfolio management programme for plant and equipment with our facility management hard services providers.
• Procure and manage vendor contracts and budgets related to Corporate Services and Premises including regular review meetings to ensure SLA and KPIs are met. Provide oversight of the enterprise-wide Vendor Risk Assessment process to assure vendors are compliant with corporate standards.
• Review and sign-off on invoices related to operational premises including rent, service charges, rates, etc.
• Partner with the broader Enterprise Real Estate team to ensure the end-to-end process of premises selection, fit out and relocation is delivered in line with company standards, agreed budget and business requirements across EMEA.
• Coordinate site safety programs with the health safety and environment manager to ensure a safe and compliant working environment for all employees across EMEA/APAC. Ensure all Business Continuity Plan and Risk and Compliance programs are identified and met, including fire safety, legionella regulations, building power resilience, physical security and data protection.
• Manage office space allocation and liaise with landlords and managing agents on all real estate matters.
• Prepare business cases and budget proposals for any remedial works, improvements, or projects.
• Manage the collection of data for carbon and environmental reporting.
• Partner with Enterprise Security to ensure corporate physical security standards are applied and maintained across the portfolio, including audits of access permissions for restricted areas.

Key Capabilities

To be successful in this role you will have...

• Extensive experience in Real Estate or Facilities Management
• Demonstratable, in-depth experience with managing corporate real estate within the financial services industry
• Experienced negotiator of real estate transactions, as the occupier
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with all levels and areas of the business
• Proven leadership skills with significant experience of leading a team
• Demonstrated project management experience
• Broad knowledge of regulations relating to premises including health, safety, and environmental matters
• Proficient use of Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Project)

Desired Capabilities

If you also had this, it would be great...

• Recognized health and safety qualifications (NEBOSH, IOSH, etc.)
• Experience with operational risk reporting
• Knowledge of carbon reporting requirements and targets