Job Description

Estate Secretary

Holker Estate is a privately owned, 17,000-acre rural estate located on the beautiful South Lakeland Peninsula of Cumbria. With a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, the Estate is home to a diverse portfolio of land, residential, agricultural, and commercial property interests. Guided by the core values of People, Place and Pride, Holker Estate is committed to creating a sustainable legacy for future generations.

About The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a pro-active, amenable, professional and highly organised Estate Secretary to join our dynamic Land and Property team. Reporting directly to the Estate Operations Director, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Land and Property team with both the day to day and strategic workflows of a busy and diverse estate. The team comprises an Estate Operations Director, Land Agent, Property Manager and Heritage Architect.

The role is a pivotal professional position within the team, requiring exceptional organisational skills, a strong understanding of (or willingness to learn) property compliance, health and safety and the ability to work confidently in a fast-paced, property environment.

Working hours 40 hours per week:
Monday-Friday 8am-4pm or can be flexible
Salary up to 30,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Key Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive secretarial and professional support to the Land and Property team, including (but not limited to):

Professional Support

Maintain accurate and up-to-date Estate records, acting as a super-user of the estate management software. Overseeing property files, agreements, and compliance documentation. Assist in the preparation of correspondence, reports, and meeting minutes, ensuring timely distribution to relevant stakeholders. Manage diaries, arrange meetings, co-ordinate Estate events and assist in project scheduling and tracking. Act as a key point of contact for all communications to; tenants, contractors, consultants, the wider company businesses and other external statutory bodies. Oversee the scanning & digitising or Estate plans, records and correspondence. Actively contribute to the efficient, professional and forward-thinking operations of the Land and Property team and the wider Holker Group of businesses.

Property & Tenancy Management

Handling enquiries and requests for the team via telephone, email, and in person, providing a helpful and responsive service to internal and external contacts. Assist with the preparation and renewal of agreements, licences and permissions. Maintain rent schedules and support rent collection processes. Oversee the management of tenancy compliance, including referencing, deposit protection and utility account transition.

Financial Administration

Assist with the processing of purchase and sales invoices, tenancy recharges and purchase orders Provide support with budget tracking and financial reporting, including debtors and utility management.

Compliance & Health and Safety

Ensure all statutory compliance records are maintained (e.g. gas safety, insurance, risk assessments). Manage and maintain the approved contractor list, including renewal of documentation. Support the implementation of health and safety policies across the Estate.

Communication & Liaison

Co-ordinate staff, tenants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure the efficient use of time and resources across Estate operations and projects. Liaise with key stakeholders as required. Support community engagement and Estate communications (e.g. newsletters, social media updates).

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Experience in a similar Estate Secretary, PA, or other senior support roles with an understanding of Rural Property matters. A sound working knowledge of property compliance and health & safety legislation. Exceptional organisational and time management skills with great attention to detail. A confident and discreet manner, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. High IT literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel. Adaptable to new software. A full UK driving licence and access to own transport.

What We Offer:

A rewarding and varied role as a vital part of a great team within a nationally important private rural Estate. The opportunity to work in a beautiful landscape with a supportive team culture. The chance to contribute to a forward-looking Estate built on heritage and purpose. Holker Benefits:
- Free entry into Holker Hall and Gardens for you and one guest, including events,
all year round.
- Free tickets to the Cartmel Racecourse for you and one guest.
- Discount in the Holker Courtyard Cafe and Giftshop.
- Discounted Holker Hall and Gardens annual memberships for up to 4 members
of friends and family.
- Discounted products at Burlington Slate and Burlington Aggregates.
- Life Assurance; includes access to 24/7 GP, nutitionists, mental health support,
financial and legal support, probate helpline, bereavement counselling and an
Employee Assistance Programme.

Training and professional development.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please send your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to our HR department, jessica@holker.co.uk or simply apply via Indeed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We have the right to close the job early should we receive a mass amount of applications.

Early applications are encouraged.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person