Urban Assistant Asset Manager - Jon

What do you do?

I have worked for 8 years in the urban department at The Crown Estate; during that time I have undertaken a number of roles including an Estate Administrator, Customer Service Adviser, and more recently Assistant Asset Manager.

I have been promoted twice, both times as part of a reorganisation. Most recently I successfully applied for my current role – a horizontal switch – from urban customer management to my role as Urban Assistant Asset Manager.

Where did you come from?

I graduated from Kings College London 1998 with a BSC in geography, followed by a year's temping. I started at The Crown Estate in March 1999.

How does your role fit into your department and The Crown Estate as a business?

I work on the Retail Portfolio, primarily responsible for asset managing offices above the retail space. Within this role I manage the whole process from upcoming lease expiry through renewal / vacation, refurbishment, marketing and letting. I am also involved with the execution of investment transactions, primarily in and around our core estate in line with our investment strategy. By minimising voids and producing modern, well designed office space that meets the demands of occupiers we maximise income and therefore return on our investments. The overall aim of our department is to meet revenue and capital targets within the framework of our investment strategy.

What are your favourite aspects of the role and why do you enjoy working for The Crown Estate?

The Crown Estate is a unique organisation where you have the opportunity to work with one of the most interesting portfolios of property assets in the world. The recent and ongoing changes to the way we work, including moving to our corporate headquarters at 16 New Burlington Place, create an exciting atmosphere within which to work.

What are your future career plans?

I am in the process of becoming a qualified surveyor, sponsored by The Crown Estate. That will complete a 4 year programme of training after which I'm looking forward to getting my free time back! I hope that qualifying professionally will allow me to continue my career progression with the eventual aim of becoming a portfolio or fund manager.