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 by managing unique estates and driving sustainability.
- Qualifications: MRICS qualified with 5+ years in estates management and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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 International
Swissport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our UK Headquarters in Runcorn, Liverpool. As the world’s largest provider of aviation services, we provide our Estates Manager with unique opportunities to manage a diverse property portfolio across 25 airport locations, fostering professional growth and collaboration within a supportive culture. With benefits like retail discounts, gym membership savings, and enhanced leave options, we prioritise employee well-being and career progression, making Swissport a rewarding place to build your future.
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 LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Swissport. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with complex lease portfolios and stakeholder management. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in estates management to demonstrate your value.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Research Swissport’s operations and their estate management strategies. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, especially around sustainability and operational performance. Tailoring your responses to align with their values will show you’re a perfect fit.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through the Swissport careers page! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager in Runcorn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Estates Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing diverse property portfolios and any relevant qualifications, like MRICS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex lease portfolios or built strong relationships with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved operational performance or driven sustainability initiatives in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Swissport!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swissport International
✨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 knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Build Relationships in Advance
Since the role involves liaising with airport authorities and stakeholders, try to research key contacts or recent developments in the aviation sector. Mentioning these connections or insights during your interview can showcase your proactive approach and ability to engage effectively with stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Given the financial oversight responsibilities, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've handled rent reviews, cost management, and lease negotiations in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your experience and success in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Sustainability Mindset
Sustainability is a key focus for Swissport, so be prepared to discuss how you've championed energy-efficient practices in previous roles. Share any relevant initiatives you've led or participated in, and express your commitment to environmentally responsible estate management.
