Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023
Principle is proud to support International Women’s Day and to be joining organisations across the world in celebrating the achievements of women and in raising the awareness of the importance of gender equality.
Property management has a history of having a male dominated workforce and, at Principle, we are very proud to be breaking the mould with an almost 50-50 gender split. 48% of our colleagues are female working across a variety of roles including finance, operations, business development, customer service and property management.
Brett Williams, founder and joint managing director at Principle commented: “Our industry is perceived as quite male dominated but almost half of the workforce at Principle are women. This was never a conscious move, we always employ the person who is best for the job and fits with the values and culture we have here at Principle.
“I think it’s fitting to take this day to listen to what some of the women in our business have to say about their careers and experiences. We really do have an incredible team of people working for Principle and today’s a great day to acknowledge their successes and say thank you”.
In recognition of International Women’s Day, two female members of the Principle team shared their own take on what it’s like to have a career within the property management industry. Read more about their experiences below.
ALEX JORDAN MIRPM
Property Manager
How long have you worked in Property Management and for Principle?
I have worked in Property Management for nearly 16 years and joined Principle in December last year.
What’s your role at Principle?
I am a Property Manager and manage a portfolio of properties across the country which vary from small blocks to large estates. What I love about my role is that it is very varied dealing with everything from general maintenance, making sure that developments are safe environments, responding to customers, working with clients and taking responsibility for the finance on site as well as planning for the future.
In my new role I’m starting to build good relationships with contractors so that we can work together to resolve issues on site proactively but also demonstrate value for money. Communication is really important and, whilst I’m new to my current role, I’m keen to work with customers and take ownership to help create a sense of community and a better understanding of how sites are run so that they can take pride in their home. I’m already starting to visit sites within my portfolio so that I can understand the developments better and this gives me an ideal opportunity to meet with customers and take time to listen to their concerns.
Why did you choose this career?
Property Management wasn’t something I initially chose; I think it chose me. I come from a business background and this role enables me to bring together my previous experience and transferable skills including, for example, finance which really helps when discussing budgets and accounts with customers. I’m very organised and I’ve always been able to adapt and I’m not afraid of change. One of the important factors for me was also joining an organisation that shares my own values and, whilst I’ve only been with Principle for a few months, I feel really proud to be part of the team and represent the business.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Getting to know our customers and connecting with them so that I can understand what is important to them. I’m never afraid to pick up the telephone and talk to a customer, it helps to build up good customer relationships. You can learn so much by taking time to listen and working in property management there are so many opportunities to enhance your knowledge and understanding and develop your career – I love to learn, even if it means picking yourself up after you’ve made a mistake.
What piece of advice would you give someone looking to get into Property Management?
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions as it will help to build your confidence. We don’t always know the answer, I continue to learn every day, but we take the ownership to find out. And remember, if in doubt, always refer to the lease!
JESSICA GONSALVES
Senior Property Assistant
How long have you worked in Property Management and for Principle?
I’ve been working Property Management for over 5 years and have been at Principle since October 2022.
What’s your role at Principle?
I am a Senior Assistant Property Manager, training to be a Junior Property Manager. My role as a Property Assistant can vary depending on the size and type of property we manage, but in general, I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a property on behalf of the owner and Freeholder. Some of my key roles and responsibilities include:
Property maintenance: I am responsible for ensuring that the property is well-maintained and in good condition. This includes overseeing repairs and maintenance tasks, scheduling inspections, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Financial management: As a Senior Property Assistant, I need to have an overall knowledge of the funds available to ensure we do not overspend.
Compliance: I work alongside my property manager to ensure that the property is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
Communication and relationship building: My communication skills as a Property Assistant must be outstanding to ensure that I communicate effectively with tenants, owners, contractors, and other stakeholders to build positive relationships and ensure that everyone is informed and on the same page.
Why did you choose this career?
I chose this career because it offers a unique blend of responsibilities that I find personally fulfilling. I have a strong passion for property management and a desire to help people. I enjoy working with tenants and owners to find solutions to any challenges that may arise, and I take pride in maintaining properties to ensure they are in top condition.
Additionally, I appreciate the level of autonomy and responsibility that the role offers. I am drawn to the diverse range of tasks and challenges that come with property management. There is always something new to learn and different ways to approach each situation. This keeps me engaged and motivated in my work.
Overall, property management is a career that aligns with my interests, values, and strengths, and I am excited to continue growing and learning in this field.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to positively impact the everyday lives of our community. By ensuring that properties are well-maintained, safe, and comfortable, I play a crucial role in creating welcoming environments for tenants and building communities. I love the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment where no two days are ever the same.
What piece of advice would you give someone looking to get into Property Management?
I would recommend starting by gaining a solid understanding of the industry and the various roles and responsibilities involved. This can be achieved through research and by seeking out opportunities to gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions.
In addition, it's important to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Finally, it's important to be organised, detail-oriented, and able to multitask, as property management can often involve juggling multiple priorities and tasks at once.
If you are interested in kick starting your career in property management in a supportive and values-driven team, see our current vacancies here.