Estates Manager

Company Name: The Countryside Regeneration Trust

Location: Surrey (Hybrid working: 3 days in the office, 2 days remote)

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week.

Contract: Permanent

Restrictions: No agency Applications

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and organised Estates Manager. This is a core role within the Countryside Regeneration Trust. You will be responsible for property management oversight and implementation of a diverse range of tasks on our 16 properties throughout the UK, each with its own approach to sensitive land management, conservation projects and nature-friendly farming practices, all aimed at reversing the decline in biodiversity.

The holdings in Surrey, Sussex, Dorset, East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Herefordshire are diverse and of varying sizes. Some are already models of nature-friendly farming, while others have ambitious plans and work underway to increase their ecology. Several are rural hubs for commercial units, exercise, learning, arts, crafts, and markets; places you can enjoy a family day out, or stay for a relaxing break in the countryside.

Role Overview

You will have comprehensive knowledge of land and property management matters, and a qualification in rural land/estate management. An understanding of nature-friendly farming and woodland management is vital. The successful candidate will also have strong people skills, as you will be a key point of contact with those who farm and care for our land, whether eFBT tenants, graziers or other contractors. There can be challenging relationships to manage and a diversity of specialist contractors to work with, including planning consultants, local land agents and individuals carrying out work operationally on holdings.

You will work closely with other CRT staff in assisting the development and delivery of Site Management Plans, with an initial focus on Priority Holdings and with the management of environmental stewardship applications and claims. The role has one direct report, the Estates and Conservation Assistant based at the Surrey office.

You will work from an office near Frensham, Surrey with some work from home as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Land Management

• Letting of land
• Tenancy agreements
• Tenant point of contact
• Surveyor/Inspector of new parcels of land
• Administer and submit BPS/delinked payment claims
• Administer and submit environmental stewardship claims
• Apply for CSS Capital Grants
• Boundary management
• Tree safety and tree management
• Woodland management
• Acquisitions and disposals
• Neighbours – point of contact
• Volunteer Work Party Projects in conjunction with the Head of Volunteering
• Identify diversification/business opportunities

Building Management including commercial, residential and infrastructure

• Landlord Regulatory obligations – EPC, EICR, Gas checks
• Service and maintenance of appliances – boilers, STPs, Chimneys, PAT tests etc
• Coordinate repair and maintenance and draft annual work plan for all properties
• Sourcing contractors and materials
• Planning permissions/Change of use/Listed Building Consent
• Finding tenants, negotiating and drawing up letting agreements; exiting tenants at end of lease
• Provision of new services – Sewage Treatment Plants, Electricity etc
• Breakdown and emergency contact
• Initiate and coordinate major refurbishment including planning sustainable building assessments and refurbishments to meet 2028 EPC requirements
• Acquisitions and disposals

Land Management

• Insurance – property insurance and desktop valuations
• Oversee commissioned book valuations for audit
• Liaise with other CRT staff and contractors, contract management
• Manage the Health & Safety of CRT properties and sites
• Deal with urgent matters, such as fallen trees and boundary breaches
• Actively assist in the development and implementation of 'best practice' internal systems and processes, optimising Released, the CRT's property management system

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel regularly throughout the UK including to remote locations

Attributions

• Committed to our ambitions for climate and nature
• Ability to innovate and use initiative
• Ability to manage and lead staff
• Confident with good interpersonal and presentational skills
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with a track record of project delivery
• Conflict resolution and performance management expertise
• Experience in utilising GIS and other digital platforms

Compliance and Application Note

• Right to Work: All applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to appointment.
• Checks: This role is subject to satisfactory employment or professional references appropriate to the role.
• Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

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