Estates Service Manager

Job Advert – Service Manager: Estates (Dorset Council / Connect2Dorset)
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

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• 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: or Email: .uk