Senior Leasehold Manager in London

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide strategic and technical leadership on all leasehold management matters across a residential property portfolio. The role ensures compliance with UK leasehold legislation, service charge regulations, building safety requirements, and industry best practice while overseeing complex legal cases, leaseholder disputes, tribunal proceedings, and managing agent performance. The postholder will also lead a team of leasehold managers and support governance, risk management, and service improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the organisation’s technical expert on leasehold law and case law.
• Interpret complex lease clauses relating to service charges, repairs, insurance, and landlord obligations.
• Ensure compliance with leasehold legislation and statutory consultation requirements (Section 20).
• Lead on lease variations, Right to Manage (RTM), and collective enfranchisement matters.
• Manage complex leaseholder disputes and escalated complaints.
• Lead and manage First-tier Tribunal (FTT) and court cases.
• Prepare tribunal submissions, statements of case, and evidential bundles.
• Provide expert advice on dispute resolution and legal risk management.
• Liaise with legal advisers, valuers, RTM companies, and Resident Management Companies (RMCs).
• Ensure service charges comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee budgeting, reserve funds, cost allocation, and financial controls.
• Manage disputes relating to service charge recovery and major works.
• Oversee managing agents and monitor compliance with RICS Residential Management Code and industry standards.
• Monitor agent performance, procurement processes, and governance arrangements.
• Drive accountability and service improvement across managed stock.
• Ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 and related regulations.
• Develop governance frameworks, lease standards, and compliance policies.
• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks.
• Support audit readiness and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and oversee a team of leasehold managers.
• Deputise for the Head of Property Management when required.
• Provide expert advice and reports to senior stakeholders.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal teams, leaseholders, managing agents, and external partners.

Requirements

• Strong technical knowledge of UK leasehold legislation and case law.
• Extensive leasehold property/block management experience.
• Experience managing mixed tenure developments.
• Significant experience handling FTT/Upper Tribunal and court cases.
• Strong understanding of RTM, enfranchisement, lease variations, and service charge compliance.
• Experience managing complex leaseholder disputes and escalated complaints.
• Experience overseeing managing agents and residential portfolios.
• Understanding of RICS, ARMA, and Building Safety regulations.
• Staff management or team leadership experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Competent in CRM systems, management information systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new systems quickly.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Valid driving licence or ability to travel efficiently to sites and offices.
• Membership of TPI or RICS.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Professional qualification such as MRICS.