Residential Lettings Negotiator (12-month fixed-term contract)

About the role:

The Residential Lettings department is responsible for marketing and letting our residential portfolio with the central aim of providing an excellent service to customers from the point of enquiry to move in and increasing income. The department prepares units for marketing, responds to enquiries, generates viewings, and negotiates offers (internally and with our agents). The department aims to minimise void periods between tenancies and once an offer is agreed, deliver a seamless tenancy progression process.

The purpose of the Lettings Negotiator is to increase the number of opportunities and in-house transactions, and process offers from our panel of external agents. Our aim is to minimise costs by reducing the amount of commission paid to external agents, and at all times, to promote the Howard de Walden Estate to new and current customers. The Lettings Negotiator will follow up new enquiries from prospective new tenants and also current customers, who wish to move within the Estate. The Lettings Negotiator’s role also aims to proactively reduce the void times between tenancies, achieve the best possible rent and beneficial terms, and find the most suitable applicant with the best credentials.

The role reports into the Head of Residential Lettings.

What you will do:

• Arrange marketing material (floorplans, photos, virtual tours, etc.) for properties once they are handed back from the Residential Management and Projects departments. Liaise with other internal teams across the company to ensure properties are marketed as soon as possible.
• Ensure CRM systems are up to date - maintain property and customer records.
• Prepare the website listings for properties once vacant, ensuring all legal documentation is available (e.g., EPCs).
• Handle all enquiries in an efficient and professional manner.
• Manage and maintain a database of registered applicants comprising of both current and prospective customers.
• Match available properties with suitable applicants to create opportunities for a new let.
• Generate interest in properties that are coming soon (i.e. properties vacating soon or refurbishments completing soon).
• Arrange and complete viewings with registered applicants.
• Negotiate terms of an offer with interested applicants to secure a new let.
• Prepare and manage initial offer documents for all agreed new lets.
• Prepare all necessary documentation to comply with internal compliance policies and legislation (e.g. AML, Right to Rent, Canopy (reference checks) etc.
• Promote the Estate and the services that we offer (i.e. G-Network, Marylebone Village Card, in-house residential management team, commercial lettings including ElmTree etc.) and in general, actively represent the Estate in a positive manner.
• Keep the Head of Residential Lettings updated on all progress and any problems.
• Maintain and update the website to ensure the correct status shows for properties and remove properties from the market when a new let has been agreed and finalised.
• Collaborate with other departments in the business to ensure a seamless customer experience is achieved
• Attend and contribute to Agents Meetings.
• If requested, attend, and contribute to working groups (e.g. Digital Strategy, Sustainability, Customer Experience).

What you will need:

• Experience, knowledge and interest in the PCL (Prime Central London) lettings market.
• An awareness and knowledge of key legislation affecting residential lettings including the Renters Rights Act (an ARLA qualification is desirable).
• Self-motivation and the ability to use initiative to drive income - by increasing deal numbers and rent achieved.
• Strong sales skills, a passion for negotiation and working to and achieving targets.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to develop excellent relationships with existing and potential customers.
• Ability to think proactively to identify new opportunities.
• Ability to problem and solve and think quickly.
• A commitment and drive to contribute to the wider company.
• Demonstrate highly developed listening, written and oral communication skills.
• Prepare marketing materials and manage website.
• Be a team player and be able to foster relationships with other members of the cross functional team. Exhibit ability to develop relationships and partner with members of the organisation outside of the cross functional team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Health and Safety Legislation knowledge and understanding.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and Real Estate software packages.

What we offer you:

• 25 days holiday per year, plus statutory holidays and 3 discretionary days to cover the Christmas office closure.
• Private medical insurance with Bupa.
• Defined contribution pension scheme with 12.5% employer contributions.
• Discretionary bonus.
• Life assurance at 7x salary.
• Group Income Protection Scheme.
• Interest free season ticket loan.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing app “Help@hand”.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Onsite gym with 7 weekly classes and 2 Wattbikes.
• Regular staff socials and an annual company away day.
• Free fruit and breakfast cereals.
• Hybrid working arrangements – 155 days in the office per year with minimum of 2 days (not fixed) per week in the office.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave policies (12-month qualifying period).
• Volunteering opportunities aligned with the HdWE Community Investment Programme.