At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead maintenance and refurbishment projects for historic and modern buildings.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, free lunch, and access to on-site facilities.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving and enhancing a prestigious college estate.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building Surveying or related field; project management experience required.
We are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Emmanuel College, Cambridge to recruit an exceptional Estates Manager & Surveyor to join their team. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the stewardship, enhancement, and future development of one of Cambridge's most historic and distinctive College estates.
Emmanuel College, affectionately known as "Emma", is set in extensive, beautiful yet peaceful grounds in the heart of central Cambridge. With a reputation as an inclusive, vibrant, and friendly community, Emma is home to around 700 students (undergraduate and postgraduate), 90 Fellows, and approximately 170 College staff, and is led by the Master, Bursar, and Senior Tutor.
Being employed at Emma means becoming part of a long-standing College community, steeped in history, heritage, and academic prestige-while benefiting from a forward-looking approach to estate development and modern living.
The Estate & Vision
Emmanuel College is committed to ensuring that everyone who lives and works within the College benefits from modern, high-quality facilities, thoughtfully integrated within its historic environment. There has been a significant programme of investment across the college, ranging from estate improvements, refurbishments and new build, as well as sustainability-linked projects going forward. Recent developments include:
- The construction of 48 new ensuite student rooms in Young's Court, enabling all undergraduates to be housed on the main College site for their first three years-strengthening community, wellbeing, and connection
- Ongoing improvements to accessible accommodation and inclusive living spaces
- The creation of vibrant shared environments, including Fiona's cafe and the new College bar with an underground function space, forming a social hub at the heart of College life
This blend of heritage and innovation ensures the estate continues to evolve to meet the needs of a modern academic community.
Your new role
Working closely with the Director of Estates, you will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of listed and modern buildings, leading a programme of planned maintenance and capital improvement projects. From refurbishment schemes to estate-wide enhancements, your expertise will help shape a sustainable and future-ready built environment.
As Estates Manager & Surveyor, you will:
- Lead the delivery of planned maintenance and small-medium scale refurbishment projects
- Lead projects from specification to completion
- Manage tenders and assemble external consultant teams as required
- Oversee compliance and ensure adherence to all relevant building regulations and standards
- Manage and support the Maintenance Manager and an experienced in-house trades team
- Act as key liaison for contractors, ensuring quality, performance, and value for money
- Contribute to long-term estate strategy, including sustainability and development planning
- Exercise strong financial oversight, including budget management and cost control
What you'll need to succeed
We are seeking a proactive, technically strong professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality outcomes.
You will have:
- A degree in Building Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline
- Proven experience managing maintenance and construction projects
- Strong knowledge of building pathology, regulations, and industry standards
- Experience in contract management and leading teams
- Experience of managing budgets
Desirable:
- Professional accreditation (e.g. MRICS, MCIOB, CABE)
- A track record of working with historic or listed buildings
What you'll get in return
This is a rare opportunity to work within a prestigious Cambridge College where the estate is central to its identity and future. You'll have the chance to directly influence how historic buildings are maintained and adapted to support a thriving, modern academic community.
Benefits include:
- 25 days holiday
- Central Cambridge location
- Free on-site parking / walking distance from the train and bus station
- Excellent pension scheme
- Free lunch provided on-site daily
- Travel to work loans
- Access to on-site facilities including swimming pool and gym
Additional Information
- Full-time position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
- Based on-site at Emmanuel College, Cambridge
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Estates Manager and Surveyor employer: Hays
Emmanuel College, Cambridge offers a unique and enriching work environment for the Estates Manager & Surveyor role, set in the heart of a historic and vibrant academic community. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation, alongside excellent perks such as 25 days of holiday, free daily lunches, and access to on-site facilities like a swimming pool and gym. This position not only allows you to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of a prestigious estate but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth within a forward-thinking institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Manager and Surveyor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might have ties to Emmanuel College. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's recent projects and sustainability initiatives. Show them you’re not just interested in the role, but also in their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around managing maintenance and working with historic buildings. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager and Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estates Manager & Surveyor role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing maintenance and construction projects, and don’t forget to mention any work with historic buildings!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working at Emmanuel College and how your skills align with their vision for the estate. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and lead teams effectively. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of building surveying and estate management. Familiarise yourself with Emmanuel College's recent developments and sustainability projects, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage maintenance and construction projects. Highlight any experience you have with historic buildings, as this is particularly relevant for the Estates Manager & Surveyor position.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the college's future estate strategy and how you can contribute to it. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Emphasise your collaborative skills during the interview. Talk about how you've successfully led teams or worked with contractors in the past, as this role requires strong teamwork and communication to ensure quality outcomes.
