Manager, Real Estate Services

at  Region of Waterloo

ABOUT US!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core values emphasize caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.
Dish with One Spoon Wampum:

Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Recognizing our shared humanity and land
• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and skills normally acquired through a university degree in a related field (e.g., business administration, economics, planning, real estate, property management), plus progressively responsible related municipal experience.
• Must have designation through the Appraisal Institute of Canada or the International Right of Way Association.
• Knowledge of principles, procedures, and theories in appraisal, property management, and real estate, finance and accounting.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, and related legislation (e.g., Planning Act, Expropriation Act, Municipal Act, Tenant Protection Act, Commercial Tenancies Act, Landlord and Tenant Act).
• Knowledge of development approvals and processes.
• Knowledge of the local real estate market and market trends.
• Analytical, research, organizational, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to plan and develop objectives; collect and analyze data; develop fair valuations and appraisals; recommend property acquisitions and disposals; prepare budget estimates; track and manage land transactions and deadlines; and organize, schedule, and prioritize work in the unit.
• Leadership, human relations, negotiation skills, and political acuity to manage, develop, and motivate staff; negotiate property agreements; provide advice and recommendations on controversial and complex initiatives/projects; respond to inquiries, complaints, concerns from property owners and the public; present to Council and Committees; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents, plans, engineering drawings, technical reports, real estate literature, and news media. Ability to write analytical technical reports, business cases, property agreements, correspondence, leases, and other documents.
• Computer skills using software such as Microsoft Office and web-based applications (e.g., Municipal Connect), Map Info, GIS, and title and registry system.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.
  The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. The Region of Waterloo invites applications from all qualified individuals. We are strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourage applications from Black, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
  The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400, TTY number (519-575-4608) to request an alternate format.
  Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).

THE ROLE

The Manager, Real Estate Services is a key member of the Legal Services Division within the Planning, Development and Legislative Services Department Team, an enthusiastic and committed group of public service leaders. The Department is focused on supporting the development of a thriving and sustainable community. In this strategic role, you will oversee Real Estate Services including land acquisitions, dispositions and valuations to meet strategic objectives of the corporation. We care deeply for our community and our Real Estate Services team is an outstanding group of professionals committed to the future of Waterloo Region.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulates and monitors land rationalization and long range acquisition/disposition strategies in collaboration with Senior Management and relevant Steering Committees; leads cross-divisional teams to implement Region-wide strategies and initiatives as directed by Council to maximize returns and further strategic goals.
• Collaborates with the Senior Management Team, Steering Committees, stakeholders, and other departments as required to identify specific property disposition and acquisition priorities and opportunities for enhancement of Corporate Lands Portfolio and to maximize returns on disposition. Identifies (through participation in the conception and planning of future initiatives and projects involving potential land transactions) potential opportunities for enhancement (e.g., through acquisition/disposition/land exchange, private/public partnership) of all Regional land/property holdings and portfolios. Initiates, directs, and oversees planning and execution of such opportunities.
• Supervises a Senior Property Agent and Property Agents. Administers contracts with consultants, real estate agents, and accredited appraisers to represent the Region for negotiation, valuation, and planning/services. Participates to prepare and evaluate RFPs. Negotiates fee schedules; reviews work; and approves payments.
• Oversees and manages all real estate transactional and valuation related activity including acquisition/disposition, real estate valuation and non-RFP, non-development approval land transactional activities, strategies, and components in accordance and compliance with applicable Regional by-laws, legislation, corporate policy and procedures.
• Manages the structuring and execution of large complex real estate transactions with private sector corporations and public sector institutions that will have significant economic and social impact on the Region.
• Advises clients on real estate matters, processes, and issues by providing analysis, input, and strategic consultation. Prepares budget estimates for property acquisitions for incorporation into client project/program budgets and planning.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages property acquisition projects. Participates on senior management project teams and steering committees for all Region initiatives involving land acquisition, disposition, and related real estate matters. Advises clients to assess their property needs for capital projects, forecast demand for services, and develop strategies regarding long-term or immediate real estate requirements and issues.
• Ensures Real Estate Services is the corporate ‘go-to’ source for property valuation and market trends, projections for business cases, and other analysis for decision-making and planning through compilation of market data, following trends, and access to a variety external and internal sources.
• Recommends changes and modifications to streamline acquisition and disposition processes and procedures, including custom modifications for specific initiatives and/or in general practices to meet strategic objectives.
• Prepares business cases and reports for Council review/approval, recommending high value land strategic acquisitions and disposition, appropriate valuations, and agreement conditions for complex, political projects.
• Advises on risk of real estate-related initiatives and proposals, including value added preparatory activities, assessment and projection of potential damage claims, and litigation costs.
• Negotiates high value land acquisitions and dispositions with senior staff of private sector and public sector entities. Works with Solicitors to prepare agreements and conditions for complex real estate transactions.
• Provides forecasts and estimates for the 10-Year capital program and other major corporate initiatives (e.g., Rapid Transit, Police, Emergency Services, Facilities).
• Prepares appraisals for testimony at expropriation proceedings with Solicitors or outside Counsel. Makes presentations at Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) negotiation hearings and arbitration hearings.
• Updates property information for Finance, as required for property taxes and insurance.
• Authorizes purchase/cheque requisitions.
• Provides information to the media and public as requested.
• Performs related duties as required.