At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a diverse property portfolio across the UK & Ireland in aviation.
- Company: Join Swissport, the global leader in aviation services with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy retail discounts, gym savings, cycle to work scheme, and enhanced leave options.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities in a dynamic global organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while driving sustainability and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: MRICS qualified with 5+ years in estates management and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: UK Headquarters, Runcorn, Liverpool
Contract Type: Hybrid - Required to work 3 days from the office
Join the Global Leader in Aviation Services. Swissport is the world’s largest provider of ground and cargo handling services, supporting airlines and airports across the globe. We are now seeking an exceptional Estates Manager to take ownership of our diverse and strategically critical property portfolio across the UK & Ireland.
This is a high-impact role for a confident estates professional who thrives on autonomy, complex stakeholder engagement, and the challenge of managing a unique aviation-focused estate. You will lead all lease and estates activity across 25 airport locations, shaping the future of Swissport’s operational footprint and ensuring our facilities continue to support world-class service delivery.
Reporting to the Head of Property & FM UK & I, you will play a pivotal role in managing a portfolio that includes airport lounges, cargo warehouses, industrial units, and airline operational spaces — a rare opportunity to work across one of the most varied estates in the aviation sector.
Responsibilities
- Lead Regional Estates Strategy — Own and manage all estates and lease activity across the UK & Ireland portfolio.
- Act as Primary Airport Liaison — Build strong relationships with airport authorities and regulatory bodies to secure approvals and maintain compliance.
- Manage a Diverse Property Portfolio — Oversee lease events, critical dates, obligations, risks, and reporting across multiple sites.
- Drive Strategic Property Planning — Implement estates strategies that enhance operational performance, optimise space, and support sustainability goals.
- Ensure Financial Discipline — Lead rent reviews, cost management, and financial oversight of all leases.
- Collaborate Across the Business — Work closely with legal, procurement, finance, and operations teams, as well as external consultants.
- Lead Negotiations & Dilapidations — Manage lease negotiations, dilapidation processes, and ensure obligations are fully understood and planned for.
- Champion Sustainability — Drive energy-efficient and environmentally responsible estate management.
- Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships — Maintain trusted partnerships with internal teams, airport contacts, and third-party suppliers.
Qualifications
- MRICS qualification (minimum).
- 5+ years post-qualification experience in estates management, lease preparation, and multi-site property oversight.
- Proven success managing complex lease portfolios in aviation, hospitality, travel, or similarly demanding environments.
- Strong financial, analytical, and negotiation skills.
- Experience managing third-party suppliers and acting as the interface with airport stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.
Desirable
- Direct experience working with airport authorities or within airport environments.
- Knowledge of JCT contracts.
- Strong understanding of health & safety, environmental regulations, and CDM compliance.
Benefits
- Retail Discounts — Access exclusive savings across major high-street brands, supermarkets, tech, travel, and more.
- Gym Membership Savings — Stay active with discounted memberships at leading gyms and fitness centres.
- Cycle to Work Scheme — Save on bikes and equipment while supporting a greener commute.
- Additional Leave Options — Benefit from enhanced leave entitlements to support work-life balance.
- Career Progression Pathways — Grow your career with structured development opportunities across a global organisation.
Estates Manager in Runcorn employer: Swissport-8ea42602
Swissport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our UK Headquarters in Runcorn, Liverpool. As the world’s largest provider of ground and cargo handling services, we provide our Estates Manager with the opportunity to manage a diverse property portfolio across 25 airport locations, fostering professional growth through structured development pathways and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Our hybrid working model, coupled with benefits like retail discounts, gym membership savings, and additional leave options, ensures a rewarding work-life balance for our employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Manager in Runcorn
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the aviation and property sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in managing complex lease portfolios and stakeholder engagement. Share specific examples of how you've driven strategic property planning or championed sustainability in past roles.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on Swissport and its operations. Understand their estate management challenges and come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute. This shows initiative and that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the team at Swissport.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager in Runcorn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estates Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing diverse property portfolios and any relevant qualifications, like MRICS. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Swissport. Mention your experience with airport authorities and your approach to stakeholder engagement. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your skills in financial oversight, lease negotiations, and strategic planning. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swissport-8ea42602
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Swissport's diverse property portfolio. Familiarise yourself with the types of properties they manage, such as airport lounges and cargo warehouses. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their estates strategy.
✨Build Relationships in Advance
Since the role involves liaising with airport authorities and regulatory bodies, it’s a good idea to research these stakeholders beforehand. If possible, mention any previous experiences where you successfully built relationships in similar environments. This will highlight your ability to engage effectively with key players.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Given the financial responsibilities tied to this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with rent reviews, cost management, and lease negotiations. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed financial oversight in past roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle Swissport's financial discipline.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Initiatives
Swissport is keen on championing sustainability, so come ready to discuss any relevant initiatives you've led or been part of. Share specific examples of how you've implemented energy-efficient practices or supported environmental goals in your previous roles to align with their vision.
