Client: Dorset Council (via Connect2Dorset)
Job Title: Service Manager – Estates
Location: Hybrid (minimum 2 days/week in Dorset Council offices + travel as required)
Contract: 3-month Temporary Contract
Pay Rate: £450 per day Umbrella LTD / £360 per day PAYE
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
About the Role: We are currently working on behalf of a Dorset based Council to appoint a temporary Service Manager for Estates – a key leadership role within the council’s property and asset management function. This is a critical post, responsible for managing the Estates team and delivering professional, compliant, and income-generating estate management services across a diverse portfolio of operational and commercial assets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the Estates team, ensuring efficient and compliant estate management
- Provide professional advice on landlord and tenant matters, lease terms, and asset strategy
- Drive income generation through new opportunities, yield improvements, and asset repurposing
- Oversee lettings, rent reviews, lease renewals, and legal instructions for council assets
- Collaborate closely with Strategic Asset Management colleagues on the Strategic Asset Management Plan
- Ensure properties under lease/licence meet HSE compliance and remain in fit condition per lease terms
- Manage all operational and commercial transactions, including:
- Occupational agreements and lease/tenancy arrangements
- Rent reviews and service charges
- Property repairs, insurance, dilapidations, and breaches of covenant
- Income and debt recovery
- Develop and implement a plan to resolve overdue lease renewals and estate management actions
- Report regularly to SMT, Head of Service, and Governance Boards
- Degree or equivalent qualification in a property, estates, surveying, or related discipline
- Substantial experience managing estate portfolios in a similar setting (local authority or public sector desirable)
- Strong leadership skills and ability to manage a professional estates team
- Knowledge of commercial lease terms, legal processes, and property compliance
- Proven track record of improving income performance and managing complex property issues
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
- Willingness to attend Dorset offices at least 2 days per week
How to Apply: If you’re an experienced estates leader ready to support strategic transformation in the public sector, please get in touch today.
Call: 01772 208967 or Email: james.glover@servicecare.org.uk
