At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee diverse properties, manage projects from planning to handover, and ensure compliance.
- Company: Established public-sector organisation with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, gym access, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and travel across the region.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on property management while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Experience in property, surveying, or construction; MRICS or equivalent preferred.
A well-established public-sector organisation is seeking an experienced Estates Manager to help oversee and enhance a diverse portfolio of operational properties. Working as part of an established Estates function, you’ll combine project delivery with broader property management responsibilities, helping ensure buildings are well maintained, compliant and able to meet ongoing operational requirements.
The Role
Joining as Estates Manager, you’ll take projects from early planning and design through procurement, construction and final handover. You’ll also contribute to the delivery of a capital investment programme worth approximately £5.5m.
Your remit will include:
- Delivering refurbishment, construction, maintenance and improvement schemes.
- Controlling project costs, programmes, quality and risk.
- Producing specifications, tender packs, cost plans and project briefs.
- Coordinating contractors, consultants and other project stakeholders.
- Supporting procurement exercises and evaluating tenders.
- Carrying out Contract Administrator responsibilities under relevant contracts.
- Overseeing CDM, Health & Safety, Building Regulations and wider statutory compliance.
- Coordinating property condition, structural and asbestos surveys.
- Advising on technical property and maintenance matters.
- Supporting wider estate activity, including leases, acquisitions, disposals and valuations.
- Overseeing commissioning, handover and the management of defects.
What We’re Looking For
To succeed as Estates Manager, you’ll need a strong property, surveying or construction background with experience managing projects across an operational estate.
Ideally, you’ll bring:
- MRICS, MCIOB, RIBA, a relevant Building Surveying degree, or equivalent industry experience.
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
- A track record of delivering both major and minor construction projects.
- Strong commercial, budget and contract administration experience.
- Knowledge of JCT and/or NEC3 contracts and NBS Specifications.
- Experience producing tenders, specifications and associated project documentation.
- Building surveying and asbestos-management knowledge.
- A sound understanding of procurement and construction legislation.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and build effective stakeholder relationships.
- Flexibility to travel between operational sites across the region.
- Experience gained within the public sector, a Local Authority or another complex operational estate would be useful, although it isn’t essential.
Package & Benefits
The Estates Manager position comes with a salary of £48,000 – £55,000 + package, alongside:
- Flexible working arrangements
- Generous pension scheme
- Generous annual leave
- Free gym access
- Access to fitness coaching
- Eye Care
- Blue Light Membership discounts
This is a broad Estates role for someone who enjoys balancing hands-on project delivery with the technical and strategic demands of managing a substantial property portfolio.
Estates Manager employer: Girling Jones Ltd
As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with us, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all set against the backdrop of exciting projects in diverse environments. Join our team and make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a supportive and engaging atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Girling Jones Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Estates Manager at Girling Jones Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Girling Jones Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
