David Shepherd
Commercial Property Management
North Ryde
Summary
Well-qualified Commercial Property Manager with proven success in improving operations and solving problems. Highly proficient in building lasting relationships with key decision makers, customers and team members to further company goals. Ready to leverage training and experience to take on new professional challenges.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Director of Property Management
APM Investment Management Pty Ltd
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Enhanced property value with strategic capital improvement projects and regular maintenance planning.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating favorable contracts and monitoring service quality to ensure optimal results.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for successful project completion of major renovations or construction projects on managed properties.
- Fostered a positive company culture by promoting open communication, teamwork, and recognition of employee achievements.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development activities to stay current on best practices within the property management industry.
- Directed on-site staff effectively, promoting a collaborative work environment that improved performance and morale.
- Improved tenant satisfaction by implementing efficient property management strategies and addressing concerns promptly.
- Analyzed market trends to inform rental pricing strategy, optimizing revenue generation for each property within the portfolio.
- Increased overall asset performance by conducting regular financial reviews and recommending adjustments as necessary.
- Streamlined leasing processes for faster tenant acquisition and reduced vacancy rates.
- Oversaw budget development, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources across all properties under management.
- Reduced operating expenses through the implementation of energy-efficient initiatives and cost-saving measures.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, mitigating potential legal issues related to property management practices.
- Supervised collections, write-offs and rent changes for property portfolio.
- Visited properties to conduct audits, monitor operations and support site teams.
- Researched financial data from Cirrius8 property management system and recommended changes to increase fiscal health.
- Developed, implemented and adjusted operational policies and procedures.
- Followed up on delinquent tenants and coordinated collection procedures.
- Maintained original leases and renewal documents in digital and hardcopy format for property management office.
- Maintained operational facilities attractive to potential tenants by organizing regular maintenance, major repairs, and capital improvement projects.
- Coordinated with legal counsel to resolve tenant disputes.
- Developed annual operating budgets and forecasts, as well as sales and marketing plans.
- Kept properties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Introduced and monitored effective lease renewal programs to maintain high occupancy rates.
- Responded to Common Area Maintenance (CAM) inquiries.
Senior Property Officer
NSW Land & Housing Corporation
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Managed financial budgets for multiple properties, ensuring all expenses were accounted for and reported accurately.
- Reduced maintenance costs for properties by negotiating with vendors and prioritizing necessary repairs.
- Collaborated with legal counsel to handle evictions or other disputes in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Managed lease negotiations, ensuring proper documentation while meeting the needs of both landlords and tenants.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions related to each property, ensuring streamlined reporting for tax purposes or audits as needed.
- Oversaw capital improvement projects from inception to completion, coordinating with contractors, architects, and other stakeholders as needed.
- Coordinated property inspections to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations, maintaining a positive reputation within the community.
- Mentored junior property officers, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
- Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
- Maintained original leases and renewal documents in digital and hardcopy format for property management office.
- Coordinated with legal counsel to resolve tenant disputes.
- Kept properties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Introduced and monitored effective lease renewal programs to maintain high occupancy rates.
- Developed annual operating budgets and forecasts, as well as sales and marketing plans.
General Manager
Elegant Australia Group Pty Ltd
03.2019 - 04.2021
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Managed capital improvement projects from inception to completion within budget parameters.
- Conducted market analyses frequently to stay competitive in the local rental market while maximizing return on investment.
- Negotiated lease agreements to secure long-term tenants and maximize rental income.
- Implemented energy-efficient initiatives that reduced utility costs while maintaining a comfortable living environment for tenants.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts for services such as landscaping, cleaning, and repairs.
- Collaborated with leasing agents to maintain high occupancy rates and reduce turnover time between tenants.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying up-to-date on local laws governing property management practices.
- Optimized space utilization in commercial properties by effectively marketing available units to prospective businesses.
- Coordinated move-in/move-out procedures efficiently to minimize vacancy periods between tenants.
- Improved curb appeal through regular upkeep of common areas and landscaping enhancements.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions, including rent payments, expenses, and vendor invoices.
- Conducted regular property inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations and identify areas for improvement.
- Streamlined rent collection processes, minimizing late payments and improving overall cash flow management.
- Proactively addressed potential liability concerns by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing mitigation measures where necessary.
- Managed property budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for optimal financial performance.
- Supervised maintenance teams, coordinating work schedules and prioritizing tasks for timely completion.
- Introduced prospective tenants to types of units available and performed tours of premises.
- Coordinated with janitorial and engineering staff on maintenance and upkeep.
- Maintained original leases and renewal documents in digital and hardcopy format for property management office.
- Monitored progress of construction and maintenance projects and notified appropriate individuals of project updates, delays, and schedule changes.
- Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
- Developed annual operating budgets and forecasts, as well as sales and marketing plans.
- Conducted regular inspections of both interior and exterior of properties for damage.
- Responded to Common Area Maintenance (CAM) inquiries.
- Introduced and monitored effective lease renewal programs to maintain high occupancy rates.
- Monitored and tracked payments and expenses, providing timely and accurate financial reports.
Property Manager/Company Secretary
Ambadell Pty Ltd
01.1998 - 01.2019
- Property management in terms of re-structuring property portfolio to maximise financial returns, advise on sale and acquisitions to the portfolio, advise on other options such as lease restructuring, development opportunities, planning construction projects and space planning, financial analysis
- Administered accruals accounting methods for building outgoings
- Lease and rental negotiations
- Active use of computerised property management system, internet and email
- Retail Leases Act 1994
- Managed a small property team
- Increased rental income for the property portfolio by 15%
- Implemented programmed maintenance resulting in reduced operating costs and fewer breakdowns
- Reduced rental arrears to less than 2%
- Launched marketing and promotional plans to the Sussex Centre that comprises 45 shops
- Reduced vacancy rate to less than 2% for the property portfolio
- Supervised major refurbishment of 500 seat food court 35 retail shops
- Co-ordinated lease negotiations with a number of telecommunications companies for the installation of data cabling and other communication equipment.
Property Manager
Bridge Real Estate Pty Ltd
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Managed a large industrial property portfolio in Frenchs Forest and Brookvale comprising 60 properties for various owners
- Obtained a good understanding of the industrial property market
- Undertook lease and rental negotiations, tenancy administration, and hands on day to day property management functions
- Trust accounts and computerised property management system
- Improved reporting methods to clients
- Implemented systems to reduce rental arrears
- Supervised 2 property managers and 3 trust account staff.
Management Consultant
Conner Management Associates
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Under took the preparation of business development plans showing companies how to develop a strategic framework core business plans and action plans, strategic management in terms of assisting companies establish objectives and values, preparation of competitive analysis reports and recruitment of personnel
- Developed competitive analysis plans for small and medium sized companies to help business growth
- Assisted the director to develop new business opportunities
- Undertook recruitment assignments to place staff from clerical to middle management positions.
Property Manager
Colliers Jardine NSW Pty Ltd
01.1991 - 01.1996
- Managed a selection of high profile properties in the Sydney CBD and North Sydney including some industrial properties on behalf of leading financial institutions
- My role involved rent reviews and lease renewals, advise on car parking agreements, signage and naming rights, and other types of licence agreements, analyse current market rentals provide reports and submissions to the building owner
- Carried out negotiations in line with recommendations
- Prepared annual operating plan for each building
- Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and yearly financial reports
- Leasing of vacant areas
- Maintain computerised property management system
- Developed a strategic plan for the refurbishment and leasing of 2 office buildings in North Sydney
- Assisted the director of property management establish the management of 42 offices buildings on behalf of the New South Wales Government
- Managed a team of 21 building supervisors and 2 Building Engineers in Sydney and New South Wales
- Performed successful lease negotiations with a leading information technology company to lease 3500 m2
- Supervised 3 large office building refurbishment programs in the CBD and North Sydney.
Senior Management Surveyor
Hunters Chartered Surveyors
01.1989 - 01.1991
- Commercial property management and valuations of commercial and residential properties for loan purposes on behalf of financial institutions
- Utilised cash flow analysis using net present values to compare property investments for sale or purchase
- Undertook valuations of development and refurbishment opportunities to assess their viability
- Leasing of vacant space or sale by private treaty or auction
- Provided advice on lease terms and conditions analyse current market rentals and outgoings
- Produced marketing brochures, technical reports, fliers and leasing boards
- Negotiated with new tenants to achieve the best terms for the client
- Rent reviews and lease negotiations
- Administered an office, industrial and retail property portfolio on behalf of Dalgety Pension Fund comprising 34 properties throughout England and Wales with a value of £150 million
- Coordinated and administered a commercial and residential property portfolio on behalf of Christ College Cambridge University
- Managed large refurbishment of Totten Shopping Centre comprising 45 shops and large car park.
Management Surveyor
Metropolitan and City Properties Ltd
01.1987 - 01.1989
- Management of a mixed commercial and residential property portfolio for a private property company with a value of £100 million
- Financial analysis and evaluate buildings suitable for refurbishment or sale
- Deals with tenants in various lease matters
- Assist in the evaluation of tenders, undertake tenant negotiations to relocate within the buildings or terminate their leases
- Arrange compensation payments to tenants where necessary
- Supervise consultants and contractors
- Managed residential properties, made applications to the rent officer for new registered rents, appealed against low rental determinations and appear at rent tribunals to give evidence, take action to recover rental arrears and if necessary serve notices to quit and attend court
- Prepared arbitration submission concerning tenant compensation and renewal of lease that was later reported in the law reports and published in the Estates Gazette
- Assisted in the acquisition of 3 large commercial properties
- Conducted financial assessments for investment acquisitions and development proposals.
Education
Graduate Diploma - Land Administration
North East London Polytechnic
London United Lingdom 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Economics And Geography
Middlesex Polytechnic
London United Kigdom 04.2001 -
Skills
Tenant relations
Asset Management
Property Management Expertise
Sustainability Initiatives
Contract Negotiation
Property Management
Staff Management
Business Administration
Compliance Monitoring
Leasing and sales
Building operations
Knowledge of NSW real estate laws
Preparing property agreements
Preventive Maintenance
Financial budgeting and reporting
Lease Renewals
Legal knowledge
Certification
Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
Timeline
Director of Property Management
APM Investment Management Pty Ltd
08.2022 - 07.2023
Senior Property Officer
NSW Land & Housing Corporation
08.2021 - 07.2022
General Manager
Elegant Australia Group Pty Ltd
03.2019 - 04.2021
Graduate Diploma - Land Administration
North East London Polytechnic
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Economics And Geography
Middlesex Polytechnic
04.2001 -
Property Manager/Company Secretary
Ambadell Pty Ltd
01.1998 - 01.2019
Property Manager
Bridge Real Estate Pty Ltd
01.1997 - 01.1998
Management Consultant
Conner Management Associates
01.1996 - 01.1997
Licensed Real Estate Agent (NSW) Class 1
07-1994
Property Manager
Colliers Jardine NSW Pty Ltd
01.1991 - 01.1996
Senior Management Surveyor
Hunters Chartered Surveyors
01.1989 - 01.1991
Management Surveyor
Metropolitan and City Properties Ltd
01.1987 - 01.1989
Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
10-1981