Your newpany
We are delighted to be partnering exclusively with Emmanuel College, Cambridge to recruit an exceptional Estates Manager & Surveyor to join their team. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the stewardship, enhancement, and future development of one of Cambridge’s most historic and distinctive College estates.
The college is set in extensive, beautiful yet peaceful grounds in the heart of central Cambridge. With a reputation as an inclusive, vibrant, and friendlymunity, the college is home to around 700 students (undergraduate and postgraduate), 90 Fellows, and approximately 170 college staff, and is led by the Master, Bursar, and Senior Tutor. You'll be joining a long-standing collegemunity, steeped in history, heritage, and academic prestige—while benefiting from a forward-looking approach to estate development and modern living.
The Estate & Vision
Emmanuel College ismitted to ensuring that everyone who lives and works within the College benefits from modern, high-quality facilities, thoughtfully integrated within its historic environment. There has been a significant programme of investment across the college, ranging from estate improvements, refurbishments and new build, as well as sustainability-linked projects going forward.
Recent developments include:
• The construction of 48 new ensuite student rooms in Young’s Court, enabling all undergraduates to be housed on the main College site for their first three years—strengtheningmunity, wellbeing, and connection
• Ongoing improvements to accessible amodation and inclusive living spaces
• The creation of vibrant shared environments, including Fiona’s café and the new College bar with an underground function space, forming a social hub at the heart of college life
This blend of heritage and innovation ensures the estate continues to evolve to meet the needs of a modern academicmunity.
Your new role
Working closely with the Director of Estates, you will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of listed and modern buildings, leading a programme of planned maintenance and capital improvement projects. From refurbishment schemes to estate-wide enhancements, your expertise will help shape a sustainable and future-ready built environment.
As Estates Manager & Surveyor, you will:
• Lead the delivery of planned maintenance and small–medium scale refurbishment projects
• Lead projects from specification topletion
• Manage tenders and assemble external consultant teams as required
• Overseepliance and ensure adherence to all relevant building regulations and standards
• Manage and support the Maintenance Manager and an experienced in-house trades team
• Act as key liaison for contractors, ensuring quality, performance, and value for money
• Contribute to long-term estate strategy, including sustainability and development planning
• Exercise strong financial oversight, including budget management and cost control
What you'll need to succeed
We are seeking a proactive, technically strong professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality oues.
You will have:
• A degree in Building Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline
• Proven experience managing maintenance and construction projects
• Strong knowledge of building pathology, regulations, and industry standards
• Experience in contract management and leading teams
• Experience of managing budgets
Desirable:
• Professional accreditation ( MRICS, MCIOB, CABE)
• A track record of working with historic or listed buildings
What you'll get in return
This is a rare opportunity to work within a prestigious Cambridge College where the estate is central to its identity and future. You’ll have the chance to directly influence how historic buildings are maintained and adapted to support a thriving, modern academicmunity.
Benefits include:
• 25 days holiday
• Central Cambridge location
• Free on-site parking / walking distance from the train and bus station
• Excellent pension scheme
• Free lunch provided on-site daily
• Travel to work loans
• Access to on-site facilities including swimming pool and gym
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Additional Information
• Full-time position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
• Based on-site at Emmanuel College, Cambridge