Job Description

VACANCY - ESTATE MANAGER

Applications are invited for an Estate Manager with the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Northern Ireland (RFCA NI). This full time Crown Service (Civil Service grade HEO equivalent) post is available for an immediate start.

RFCA NI

RFCA NI is one of 13 autonomous arms-length bodies of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) with Crown Status. The RFCA NI's role is to provide first-class support to tri-service reserves and MOD-sponsored cadet forces across Northern Ireland.

The Role

The RFCA NI Estate Manager plays a significant role in overseeing and supporting the management and assurance of Hard and Soft FM services in support of users of the Volunteer Estate, including Reserves and Cadets. In addition to Hard and Soft FM services the Estate Manager is responsible for Health and Safety management, scoping and managing delivery of Projects, Vehicle Fleet and other tasks as delegated.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate FM experience - both meeting customer needs and managing supplier relationships; and an understanding of statutory, regulatory, and professional requirements.

A full job description is available from ni-info@rfca.org.uk.

The post holder will be required to work a 37 hour week (excluding lunchbreaks).

Salary and Benefits

The salary for the appointment at commencement is

37,720

per annum plus a Northern Ireland Allowance of 750 per annum. The successful candidate will be eligible to elect to join the Council of RFCAs pension scheme. This is a Career Average Revalued Earnings scheme (CARE).

The successful candidate will be entitled to 25 days' annual leave entitlement on appointment, plus bank holidays. (Annual leave entitlement increases by 1 day per year up to 30 days; those with 5 years' prior service with HM Forces/OGD will start with 30 days' entitlement.)

Requirements

The successful candidate will be required to serve a probationary period of six months and final confirmation of the appointment is dependent upon the satisfactory completion of this probationary period. The successful candidate will be required to be Security Cleared (SC).

Application and interviews

Applications should be received no later than

noon on Friday 30th January 2026

and should be sent by email to ni-info@rfca.org.uk marked "Estate Manager Application". The shortlist of applicants called for interview will be notified shortly after this date.

Applications should comprise:

A completed application form (available at https://cloud.rfca.org.uk/s/cGKx963ZyC3nRbD or on request from: ni-info@rfca.org.uk).

A cover letter explaining the applicant's motivation for applying for the role and outlining their suitability and eligibility.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 16th February 2026.

Grade:

HEO

Department

: Estates

Reporting To:

Senior Estate Manager

Location:

25 Windsor Park, Belfast, BT9 6FR

General Description of Role

The RFCA Northern Ireland Estate Manager plays a significant role in overseeing and supporting the management and assurance of Hard and Soft FM services in support of users of the Volunteer Estate, including Reserves and Cadets. In addition to Hard and Soft FM services the Estate Manager is responsible for Scoping and Managing delivery of Projects, Non Domestic Rates, Vehicle Fleet and other tasks as delegated.

Reporting to the Deputy Head of Estate - Senior Estate Manager, the Estate Manager will work with industry partners and other stakeholders to support the assurance of the delivery of services to the Volunteer Estate for assets within their area of responsibility. This will include the oversight and support of all aspects of the delivery of day-to-day Hard and Soft FM services, contract and supplier management and the planning and assurance of the maintenance/minor works programme, acting as a point of contract to ensure customer needs are met. They will be expected to work closely with customers, industry partners, and other stakeholders in the planning, delivery and assurance of projects up to a value of EUR5m.

In addition to professional qualifications appropriate to the role, key skills include contract and relationship management.

The Estate Manager will be expected to deputise for the Senior Estate Manager as required.

Principal Areas of Accountability, Tasks and Duties

1. Leadership and Management

:

a. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders including customers, other RFCAs and wider Defence organisations as appropriate.

b. Develop team members and self, through the exchange of knowledge and experience and carry out line management duties ensuring that staff effectively meet their objectives and achieve their professional goals.

c. Ensure direct reports are compliant with mandatory training requirements appropriate to their role, including continuous professional development.

d. Encourage innovation to support the development of a high performing team through continuous improvement.

e. Promote strong working relationships both within the team, customers, industry partners and other RFCAs.

f. Demonstrate a personal commitment to the aims and objectives of the RFCA.

2. Communication/Engagement and Stakeholder Management:

a. Act as point of contact for the assets within their area of responsibility, proactively addressing all internal and external stakeholders' concerns and issues, ensuring they are effectively addressed and/or escalated. Ensure all stakeholders are kept informed of the status of the concerns and issues raised.

b. Develop and maintain open, honest and collaborative working relationships with customers, industry partners and other stakeholders as appropriate.

c. Work collaboratively with Suppliers to support the delivery of services to ensure performance against contract performance measures and identify opportunities for efficiencies and improvements.

d. Provide an active site presence to help develop and maintain open, honest and collaborative working relationships with customers, industry partners and other stakeholders as appropriate.

e. Ensure stakeholders, especially customers, are kept informed and willing to support delivery activity as required.

f. Ensure compliance with CRFCA and RFCA corporate approaches and messaging.

3. Programme management:

a. Adopt a programme management approach for assets within their area of responsibility, including working closely with customers and industry partners in respect of delegated Billable Works projects, including supporting the development of the Statement of Need and assurance of completed works.

b. Support the review and monitoring of progress of works against the Billable Works programme of activity, escalating any issues using the respective Early Warning, Recompense Events, Supplier Non-Performance, Defects, and risk management processes.

c. Work closely with all stakeholders to develop strategies to deal with programme issues, agree corrective actions, closely monitor developments on site, report progress and escalate as appropriate.

d. Support the development of draft business cases ensuring they are of the required quality and output in accordance with CRFCA and wider Defence policy.

e. Work with customers and industry partners to support the Senior Estate Manager in the development of future Billable Works plans and programmes.

4. Performance and Contract Management/Assurance:

a. Carry out the delegated performance and contract management/assurance duties and responsibilities on behalf of the Senior Estate Manager, working closely with the industry partners and Independent Auditors on the preselected Hard FM works orders and tasks, to include High Value Works Audits, Work in Progress, Retrospective Audits, PPM, Grounds Maintenance and Asset File Checks, as required under Practitioner Guide EM02.

b. Ensure Health and Safety compliance of Hard FM industry partner deliverables in accordance with SFG20 and SOP19/02 reporting and escalating any instances of non-compliance to the Senior Estate Manager as necessary.

c. Address matters falling short of the contracted standards and escalate to Senior Estate Manager any concerns that cannot be mitigated at a local level.

d. Ensure customers receive regular reports on the delivery of Hard FM services to their respective area of responsibility.

e. Ensure opportunities for exploiting benefits of the contract, including continuous improvement and innovation in the delivery of Hard FM services, are identified.

f. As required, support all meetings with industry partners and/or customers as laid down in the contract to support the effective delivery of Hard FM services

5.

Financial management:

a. Ensure that Billable Works are only authorised in accordance with the agreed Business Rules and within Financial Delegations.

b. Provide progress reports on site budget expenditure and updates to stakeholders on delegated Billable Works tasks.

c. Ensure Financial Propriety for all T&S transactions and other manpower associated delegations under your control is maintained, including record keeping and audit requirements.

6. Staff management responsibilities:

a. TBC.

7. Budgetary responsibilities:

a. To manage delegated budgets in line with Managing Public Finance Principles

b. Approval of billable works from the Hard FM contractor

c. Audit and approval of Soft FM expenditure and budgetary management

d. Prudent management of vehicle maintenance expenditure and monthly hire costs

e. Oversight and management of Non Domestic Rates expenditure and rebates.

This will be reviewed annually and may be amended from time to time, however the job holder will be consulted if such a situation occurs.

The post holder must have, or agree to applying for, Security Clearance (SC). Failure to gain the clearance will result in cessation of employment.

Success profile

8. Technical skills and qualifications:

The skills and training identified below represent those required on appointment or within a short time scale (up to 12 months) from appointment to this position:

a. DIO Service Delivery Infrastructure Management System (IMS) - modules applicable to role.

b. ISO 44001 Collaborative Business Relationships Management.

c. Finance Certificate Foundation v1.10.

d. Commercial Awareness and (where mandated) Managing Defence Contracts Online Training (MDCOLT).

e. ISO 44001 Collaborative Business Relationships Management.

f. Asbestos Awareness - for DIO Service Manager Representative.

g. Legionella Awareness and ACOP L8 (BS6) - for Service Manager Representative (L8 Duty Holder).

h. Dangerous Substances Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) Awareness.

i. SPEC 024 (Asset Management).

j. Practitioner Guide EM02.

k. FDIS Training.

9. Experience:

a.

Essential

(1) Health & Safety management experience.

(2) Clear demonstration of FM skills in both meeting customer needs and managing supplier relationships.

(3) Understanding and complying with statutory, regulatory, and professional requirements.

b.

Desirable

(1) Clear demonstration of contract management and assurance in an all FM environment.

(2) Local management of key suppliers, able to support negotiations, management, or escalation issues.

(3) Commercial experience gained within a property, facilities management, or similar function.

(4) NEBOSH or equivalent qualification

10. Government Property Career Framework Requirements (Workforce & FM - Facilities Management Practitioner):

Professional membership:

Hold or be willing to work towards full membership of relevant professional body or have equivalent relevant experience.
This will be reviewed annually and may be amended from time to time, however the job holder will be consulted if such a situation occurs.

The post holder must have, or agree to applying for, Security Clearance (SC). Failure to gain the clearance will result in cessation of employment.

In addition to regular visits to sites within the RFCA area, this role may require occasional travel throughout the UK to other sites.

Skills & Behaviours (HEO grade)

(Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours)

Seeing the Big Picture -

Understand the strategic drivers for your area of work. Align activities to contribute to wider organisational priorities. Remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact your work area. Seek out and share experiences to develop knowledge of the team's business area. Understand how the strategies and activities of the team create value and meet the diverse needs of all stakeholders.

Changing and Improving -

Work with others to identify areas for improvement and simplify processes to use fewer resources. Use technology where possible to increase efficiency. Encourage ideas for change from a wide range of sources. Clearly explain the reasons for change to colleagues and how to implement them, supporting individuals with different needs to adapt to change. Encourage an environment where colleagues know that they can challenge decisions and issues safely. Take managed risks by fully considering the varied impacts changes could have on the diverse range of end users.

Making Effective Decisions -

Understand own level of responsibility and empower others to make decisions where appropriate. Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and external sources to support decisions. Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making. Display confidence when making difficult decisions, even if they prove to be unpopular. Consult with others to ensure the potential impacts on end users have been considered. Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.

Leadership -

Ensure colleagues and stakeholders have a clear understanding of objectives, activities and time-frames. Take into account different individual needs, views, and ideas, championing inclusion and equality of opportunity for all. Consider the impacts of own and team's activities on stakeholders and end users. Role-model commitment and satisfaction with role. Recognise and praise the achievements of others to drive positivity within the team. Effectively manage conflict, misconduct and non-inclusive behaviour, raising with senior managers where appropriate.

Communicating and Influencing -

Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact. Encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness. Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people's individual needs. Share information as appropriate and check understanding. Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same. Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests.

Working Together -

Encourage joined up team work within own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders. Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support. Invest time to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another. Put in place support for the wellbeing of individuals within the team, including consideration of your own needs. Make it clear to all team members that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Actively seek and consider input of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Developing Self and Others -

Identify capability gaps for self and team. Ensure development objectives are set and achieved to address any gaps and enable delivery of current and future work. Take time to coach, mentor and develop other colleagues to support succession planning. Promote inclusiveness by respecting different personal needs in the team and use these to develop others. Reflect on own work, continuously seek and act on feedback to improve own and team's performance.

Managing a Quality Service -

Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence. Work with stakeholders to set priorities, objectives and timescales. Successfully deliver high quality outcomes that meet the customers' needs and gives value for money. Identify risks and resolve issues efficiently. Involve a diverse range of colleagues, stakeholders and delivery partners in developing suggestions for improvements. Establish ways to find and respond to feedback from customers about the services provided.

Delivering at Pace -

Show a positive approach to keeping the whole team's efforts focused on the top priorities. Promote a culture of following the appropriate procedures to ensure results are achieved on time whilst still enabling innovation. Ensure the most appropriate resources are available for colleagues to use to do their job effectively. Regularly monitor your own and team's work against milestones ensuring individual needs are considered when setting tasks. Act promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance. Allow individuals the space and authority to meet objectives, providing additional support where necessary, whilst keeping overall responsibility.

Benefits Package

Salary of 37,720 plus Northern Ireland allowance of 750 pa

Pension Scheme 5% Employee and 13% Employer

Annual Leave 25 Days (rising by up to 5 days for reckonable service) plus bank holidays

Hybrid working is negotiable, with up to 2 days working from home

Bonus Scheme

Support for further training and CPD

Application Process

Applications should be received no later than

12 noon on Friday 30th January 2026

and should be sent by email to ni-info@rfca.org.uk marked "Estate Manager". The shortlist of applicants called for interview will be notified shortly after this date.

Applications should comprise:

A completed application form (available at https://cloud.rfca.org.uk/s/cGKx963ZyC3nRbD or on request from: ni-info@rfca.org.uk).

A cover letter explaining the applicant's motivation for applying for the role and outlining their suitability and eligibility.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 16th February 2026.

The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Northern Ireland is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from eligible candidates no matter what their gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin or religious belief.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 37,720.00 per year

Work Location: In person