Estates Manager (Interim)Temporary 12 Weeks Inside IR35Ribble Recruitment is supporting a Local Authority in the recruitment of an Interim Estates Manager to provide cover for a permanent vacancy within the Property service.This is a senior operational role responsible for the day-to-day management of the council's non-housing property portfolio, with direct line management responsibility for professional surveyors and oversight of all routine and reactive estate management activity.Key DetailsStart Date: 10 February 2026Duration: 12 weeksHours: 37 hours per weekLocation: Grays, Essex (minimum 2 days per week office-based)Rates:PAYE: £55.30 per hourUmbrella/Ltd: £74.32 per hourThe RoleThe Interim Estates Manager will provide operational leadership across the non-housing estate, ensuring assets are managed efficiently, compliantly, and in line with council policies. You will act as the key point of contact for estate management matters, oversee landlord and tenant activity, and manage risk, income protection, and service delivery.Key ResponsibilitiesManage the day-to-day operation of the council's non-housing property portfolioLine manage two Estates Surveyors, including workload allocation, performance management, appraisals, and quality assuranceOversee landlord and tenant matters including:Rent reviewsLease renewals and re-gearsLease terminations, licences, assignments, and enforcementInstruct and manage external professional advisers (agents, valuers, solicitors), ensuring value for money and quality of adviceAct as the primary operational contact for tenants, internal services, and external stakeholdersManage competing priorities and respond to urgent or high-risk property issuesIdentify, manage, and escalate financial, legal, and reputational risksSupport income protection and financial performance through effective lease managementDeputise for senior property management on operational matters where requiredEssential Experience & SkillsProven experience managing a commercial or non-housing property portfolioStrong background in estate management within a local authority or public sector environmentExperience line managing professional surveyorsSound knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation and best practiceAbility to manage risk, resolve disputes, and protect incomeStrong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing prioritiesExcellent communication skills with the ability to deal confidently with tenants, members, and senior stakeholdersStrong understanding of health & safety, data protection, and governance requirementsDesirableData Protection Level 1 trainingMRICS or working towards professional accreditationInterview InformationDate: 4 February 2026Format: OnlinePlatform: Microsoft TeamsCompliance RequirementsCandidates must:Have the right to work in the UKProvide a CVProvide 3 years' employment history and referencesComplete a confidentiality agreementComplete a criminal convictions declaration