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 BoardsEssential 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: (phone number removed) or Email: (url removed)