Job Description
3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Role Purpose
* Ensure estates are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, security, and appearance.
* Lead and manage a team of caretakers, providing full line-management support.
* Monitor and manage estate services including waste and recycling, grounds/greenspace maintenance, communal repairs, and estate lighting.
* Build effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners, including tenancy services, repairs, refuse, police, and community safety.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a dispersed team of caretakers, mobile relief staff, and agency workers to deliver a high-quality, responsive service.
* Complete full line-management duties including staff induction, training, supervision, performance management, sickness and conduct management, wellbeing assessments, and workload monitoring.
* Ensure staffing levels remain adequate at all times and maintain accurate staff records.
* Provide caretaker supervision on a rotational weekend basis (one weekend in eight) and arrange cover when required.
* Conduct regular inspections of communal areas and estate-based services including:
o Cleaning standards
o Estate lighting
o Horticulture
o Communal repairs
o Waste and recycling
o Play areas, sports pitches, and garages
* Follow up on actions and track to completion.
* Review inspection findings, resident feedback, and complaints to identify service improvements.
* Ensure all health and safety tasks—including fire safety inspections and Fire Risk Assessment actions—are completed within required timescales.
* Maintain accurate records on management systems.
* Inspect caretaker stores and welfare facilities to ensure compliance with H&S regulations.
* Ensure staff have sufficient materials, equipment, and PPE.
* Work with Corporate and Neighbourhood H&S colleagues to address concerns.
* Respond to correspondence from residents, councillors, MPs, and external agencies with clear, accurate, and well-written responses within required timeframes.
* Attend residents’ meetings, Tenant & Resident Association (TRA) meetings, and occasional evening events.
* Carry out joint estate inspections with residents, councillors, and managers.
* Support Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs) and Co-operatives, ensuring compliance with Management Agreements.
* Assist residents, emergency services, utility companies, and other teams during emergencies.
* Take prompt actions to minimise inconvenience and protect Council property.
* Work collaboratively with other Estate Services Coordinators, covering absences and supporting the wider service.
* Partner with internal departments (Repairs, Refuse, Community Safety, Tenancy Management) and external agencies (police, contractors) to address complex issues such as antisocial behaviour.
* Share ideas and contribute to new policies, procedures and guidelines.
* Develop strong local knowledge of estates and neighbourhoods.
* Produce estate development recommendations and identify opportunities for improvements and funding.
* Use approved IT systems for recording inspections, estate tasks, and fire safety compliance.
* Adhere to GDPR, H&S legislation, the Employee Code of Conduct, and all council policies.
* Maintain awareness of safeguarding requirements and report concerns appropriately.
* Undertake additional duties consistent with the grade and responsibilities of the role.
Requirements
* Strong experience managing and leading staff, including performance, conduct, training, and ensuring service targets are met.
* Good knowledge of Health & Safety relevant to estate and caretaking services, with willingness to complete required training (NEBOSH/IOSH).
* Solid understanding of estate services, including cleaning, waste/recycling, grounds maintenance, and repairs, with the ability to inspect and take corrective action.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal — able to write clear reports/letters and maintain positive relationships with residents, councillors, and colleagues.
* Ability to work independently, use initiative, think creatively and remain solution-focused.
* Physically able to carry out inspections (stairs, long distances, all weather).
* Flexible to work evenings and weekends on a rota and undertake occasional out-of-hours duties.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and ability to work respectfully with diverse communities.
Requirements
Previous experience as an estate cleaner General education qualification (desirable) UK driving licence