James Dickin
Edinburgh
Summary
Experienced property professional with a background in portfolio and estates management, specialising in cost optimisation, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Proven track record within a portfolio management role of delivering circa £5 million per annum in cost savings through strategic negotiation of lease events, including renewals, rent reviews, and re-gears. Strong negotiation skills, with a detailed understanding of lease clauses, landlord and tenant legislation, and associated legal considerations.
Estates management responsibility across a large portfolio, with a focus on optimising service charge and business rates liabilities, alongside contractor management and cost control to support overall portfolio performance, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and maintaining effective day-to-day operations across the estate.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Portfolio Manager
Poundland Limited
Walsall, Westmidlands
2023.08 - Current
- Drove asset performance and value through proactive portfolio management strategies.
- Analysed retail market trends and unit values to drive informed asset management decisions
- Overseeing lagre porfolio aquisitions and managing company wide restructure from a property perspective.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of lease legislation to minimise and mitigate legal risk.
- Reported on overall portfolio management, outlining progress, issues and forecasting for effective planning.
- Oversaw lease events including rent reviews, renewals and break options to optimise income and reduce
- Oversaw potential acquisitions to provide due diligence and maintain financial integrity.
- Maintained awareness of competitors' activities to identify and capitalise on market gaps.
Estates Manager
Poundland Limited
Walsall, Westmidlands
2022.07 - 2023.08
- Coordinated with legal teams to resolve property disputes efficiently.
- Led lease renewal negotiations and associated litigation, working with legal teams to mitigate risk and achieve favourable outcomes.
- Managed business rates and service charges across a large estate portfolio, ensuring accuracy and cost control.
- Negotiated supplier contracts and service agreements to deliver cost efficiencies
- Negotiated lease renewals, resulting in favourable terms for both parties.
- Oversaw construction projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Supported and developed junior team members to maintain high professional standards.
- Collaborated with clients, solicitors and surveyors to progress property transactions.
Property Surveyor
Poundland Limited
Walsall, Westmidlands
2020.11 - 2022.07
- Produced valuations and supporting town reports for the existing estate, as well as potential sites.
- Identified risks and proposed mitigation strategies through thorough assessment of sites.
- Conducted boundary analysis for accurate property delineation.
- Managed underlettings, vacant unit marketing and rates mitigation activities.
- Managed licences to alter, wayleaves, and related legal documentation across the estate.
- Reviewed and interpreted lease clauses to ensure compliance and support property and asset management decisions.
- Led the management and optimisation of the car park estate, increasing income through improved operations and new provider sourcing.
Property coordinator
Poundland Limited
Walsall, Westmidlands
2018.09 - 2020.11
- Acting as a key point of contact for tenants, landlords, and internal stakeholders, handling queries and resolving issues promptly.
- Working closely with facilities to coordinate maintenance works with Landlords and agents.
- Maintaining accurate property records, including leases, licences, compliance documents, and insurance details.
- Supporting the administration of legal documentation such as leases, licences to alter, and wayleaves.
Education
Certificate in Commercial Real Estate - Real Estate
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Walsall 2019.07 - 2020.05
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician - I.T
Walsall College
Walsall 2006.09 - 2008.09
Skills
- Property portfolio management
- Asset performance optimisation
- Rent and service charge management
- Lease administration and interpretation
- Contractor and supplier management
- Budgeting and cost control
- Data analysis and reporting
Timeline
Portfolio Manager
Poundland Limited
2023.08 - Current
Estates Manager
Poundland Limited
2022.07 - 2023.08
Property Surveyor
Poundland Limited
2020.11 - 2022.07
Certificate in Commercial Real Estate - Real Estate
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
2019.07 - 2020.05
Property coordinator
Poundland Limited
2018.09 - 2020.11
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician - I.T
Walsall College
2006.09 - 2008.09