Job Description

Company Description

Do you want to work in a well-connected rural location managing a wealth of heritage assets, homes and traditional/modern business premises? At The Southill Estate an opportunity exists to share delivery of the Estate's social, environmental, and economic objectives through prudent maintenance of built fabric (around 750,000 sq ft under occupation for agricultural, residential, and commercial uses).

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) role and experience of working on a rural Estate would be helpful but is not essential. Candidates will be expected to have experience in the maintenance, repair and compliance of the built environment and a strong interest or desire to develop knowledge of historic buildings and traditional construction. Salary range 35-45K depending on experience. For full details, contact The Estate Office, Southill Park, Biggleswade SG18 9LJ Tel: 01462813209 or email jobs@southillestate.co.uk. Closing date 5th January 2025.

Role Description

The Assistant Building Manager will play a critical role in the ongoing upkeep and development of a diverse portfolio of buildings across the estate including residential, agricultural structures, and light commercial units. The successful candidate will be appointed to a full-time position and work for the Estate Building Manager to ensure high standards of maintenance and repair, deliver planned and reactive maintenance, and support projects and contractor management.

Over the next 12 months the department is embarking on a journey to improve its processes and systems, and this role will provide key support in this transformation. As such you will play a key role in the improvement our digital environment and records management streamlining contractor onboarding, compliance, surveys, asset management, GIS and repair orders.

Working with the lettings and administration team you will help triage and instruct maintenance activities reported by tenants as well as our cyclical planned maintenance schedule including compliance certificates and coordinating any follow-on actions. You will audit repairs by contractors and ensure works are completed to specifications and schedule. Data collection and management will be a primary area of focus, assisting the Building Manager develop a 30-year strategic asset investment plan.

A passion for or willingness to develop expertise in traditional buildings, materials, and repair methodologies is essential, as the estate includes heritage and character properties requiring sensitive and appropriate care and maintenance. We are charged with looking after 750,000 sq ft of built environment across 11,000 acres of the Greensands Ridge landscape including over 100 Listed Buildings, two Registered Park and Gardens and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

We are a small team and need you to be flexible and able to balance conflicting interests and priorities but also able to work independently. You must be confident, conscientious and practical in your abilities to meet the highest standards of customer service and customer expectations. Everyone that works and lives on the Estate are our family and we strive to Build, Maintain and Sustain it for future generations.

Qualifications

Essential:

Experience in building maintenance, surveying, or facilities/property management Knowledge or strong interest in developing knowledge of traditional buildings/material Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects concurrently Strong communication and interpersonal skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general strong IT systems experience Full UK driving license

Desirable:

Knowledge of rural estate environments and the unique challenges they present Understanding of building pathology, defects, and maintenance practices Ability to use building management software/systems Familiarity with health and safety regulations, including CDM2015 Experience in building surveying, construction, or a related field (RICS, CIOB, IWFM) Ability to complete drawings, etc. in Auto CAD

Key Responsibilities:

Planned and Reactive Maintenance:

Conduct inspections of estate buildings for condition and maintenance needs Review maintenance schedules and monitor performance of planned works Respond promptly to reactive maintenance and address urgent defects

Project Assistance:

Assist the Building Manager in planning and delivering refurbishment projects Provide input into project scopes, budgets, and timelines

Contractor and Team Management:

Ensure contractor adherence to H&S, specification, budget, and timeline Assist in procuring and managing services, including obtaining quotes

Building Surveys and Reporting:

Assist Property and Building Managers with regular property inspections Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance tasks, and projects

Traditional Building Knowledge:

Use or develop knowledge of traditional building techniques and materials Collaborate with specialist consultants and contractors when necessary

Health, Safety, and Compliance:

Ensure all works are compliant with relevant regulations and policies Promote a culture of health and safety awareness across the estate

General Support:

Work collaboratively with the Estate Building Manager and other estate staff to achieve the estate's strategic objectives Contribute to improving energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 35,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person