Estate Manager in Chester-le-Street

Lambton Estate is seeking an experienced Estate Manager to help lead the next chapter of a historic yet forward-thinking estate. With a portfolio spanning rural enterprises, agriculture, sustainable forestry, and major new development projects, this role offers exceptional variety and long-term opportunity.

Working closely with the Estate Director—and supported by the professional strength of GSC Grays—you’ll play a key role in managing day-to-day operations while contributing to the estate’s strategic growth. This is a rare chance to join an organisation where heritage, innovation, and long-term strategic development come together.

With a diverse portfolio spanning traditional rural enterprises, agriculture, sustainable forestry, and an ambitious programme of modern expansion—including new housing development, commercial office space, and a growing leisure, hospitality, and events offering—the role promises variety, challenge, and significant scope for impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Estate Office and manage estate employees.
• Maintain the Estate Terrier, including mapping, tenancy and property records, ensuring full legislative compliance.
• Oversee the residential, agricultural, and commercial property portfolios, ensuring professional and effective management of all landlord and tenant matters.
• Manage estate woodlands and the in-hand farming operation.
• Take responsibility for Health & Safety across the estate.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities in collaboration with the Estate Director and Trustees.
• Build strong relationships with tenants, contractors, and local stakeholders to support smooth estate operations.
• Manage budgets, rent collection, and financial reporting alongside the estate accounts team.
• Work with the Property Manager to coordinate estate maintenance.
• Collaborate with the planning and development team on the delivery of a major housing development, including Section 106 obligations.

What we’re looking for:

• RICS accredited with a minimum of two years’ PQE.
• Experience working with developers beneficial but not required.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and reporting.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and IT skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Reliable, hardworking, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities.

Why Join GSC Grays?

GSC Grays is a leading firm of chartered surveyors, land and estate agents operating across the North of England and the Scottish Borders. Our multidisciplinary team—spanning surveyors, planners, farm business advisors, environmental consultants and estate agents—provides high-quality, forward-thinking advice across all areas of rural property.

We bring exceptional people together to shape a brighter future for the rural land and business community. We’re building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, and where curiosity, initiative and a willingness to challenge are valued.

You’ll have the support, development opportunities and encouragement to build the career you want. Through inspiring, hands-on experiences, we’ll help you become the best professional version of yourself.

Benefits include:

• 5% employer pension contribution (Aviva)
• 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Company sick pay
• Private health insurance (Bupa) via salary sacrifice
• Electric car scheme
• Professional development and training support