Estates Manager

Higgs; Brierley Hill; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Higgs LLP is seeking an Estate Manager within the Private Client department's Estates team. You will handle a varied caseload of estate administration files, including taxable and non-taxable estates, from instruction through to final distribution.

The role requires strong client liaison skills via calls, email, and meetings, and proficiency with IHT returns and estate accounting. Hybrid working is available, with a commitment to flexible, inclusive practices.

Qualifications

• Strong estate administration from instruction to final distribution.
• Experience communicating with clients via telephone, email and face-to-face.
• Experience preparing and submitting inheritance tax returns (IHT205, IHT400, IHT421).
• Knowledge of IHT allowances (Nil Rate Band, Transferable NRB) and reliefs.
• Knowledge of will validity and interpretation; seek specialist guidance when needed.
• Proficient in preparing and maintaining estate accounts with external accountants/tax advisers.
• Able to progress probate matters independently; support senior fee earners.

Responsibilities

• Strong understanding of the estate administration process end-to-end.
• Communicate with clients via telephone, email, and in person to provide professional support.
• Prepare and submit IHT returns and related documentation.
• Apply IHT allowances and reliefs to complex estates and structures.
• Assess will validity and interpretation; escalate when required.
• Maintain estate accounts and liaise with accountants and tax advisers.
• Manage probate matters independently, collaborate with the team to progress files.

Skills

Estate administration

Client communication

IHT returns

Will validity & interpretation

Estate accounts

Probate handling

Team collaboration

Microsoft 365

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

To forge long-term relationships that have a positive impact on our people, our clients, our business partners, and our communities.

Our Commitment to Our People

We do not think there is a magic formula to the Higgs culture. The key is to listen to and respect our people. If we take care of our people and our people take care of our clients, then everything we want as a firm will take care of itself. We are friendly and open to new ideas.

Our Core Values

Higgs core values are "CLEAR" - Care, Legacy, Excellence, Authenticity, Relationships

Role Purpose

To join the Private Client department as an estate manager in the Estates team. To take responsibility for a varied caseload of estate administration files to include taxable and non-taxable estates

Key Responsibilities

• Strong understanding of the estate administration process from instruction through to final distribution.
• Experienced in communicating with clients via telephone, email, and face-to-face meetings, providing clear and professional support throughout.
• Skilled in preparing and submitting inheritance tax returns, including IHT205, IHT400, and IHT421.
• Sound knowledge of inheritance tax allowances, including the Nil Rate Band and Transferable Nil Rate Band, with exposure to Business Relief, Agricultural Relief, and complex, high-value estates involving trust structures.
• Working knowledge of will validity and interpretation, with the ability to identify issues and seek specialist guidance on more complex matters where required.
• Proficient in preparing and maintaining estate accounts, liaising effectively with external professionals such as accountants and tax advisers.
• Confident in managing probate matters independently, using initiative to progress files to completion, while working collaboratively with senior fee earners, supporting junior colleagues, and utilising Probate Registry and HMRC systems and procedures.

Person Specification

We use a set of criteria to ensure our recruitment process is fair and consistent.

These criteria describe the skills, behaviours and attributes that are essential for success in this role.

The criteria below will be assessed via application (A), interview (I), Test (T) or multiple i.e. (A/I/T).

• Demonstrates initiative by staying informed of developments in their practice area and wider sector. Actively applies this knowledge to deliver high-quality outcomes and supports shared learning within the team through clear communication and collaboration. (A/I)
• Applies knowledge of the firm’s policies, regulatory, and accreditation requirements. Demonstrates commercial awareness by supporting efficient working practices, identifying risks, and contributing to the overall financial health of the team and matters. (A/I)
• Delivers excellent client service by producing accurate, timely work and anticipating client needs. Acts as a brand advocate by building strong relationships, representing the firm professionally and contributing to business development initiatives that enhance the firm’s reputation and growth. (A/I)
• Supports the smooth running and performance of the team by planning and allocating work effectively, responding positively to change, and assisting with performance improvement. Builds strong working relationships and encourages a consistent, collaborative approach across the team. (A/I)
• Takes responsibility for delivering high standards of work. Remains positive and professional during periods of change or challenge, contributes constructively to team initiatives, and seeks ongoing development to enhance performance. (A/I)

Technical Know How

• Proficient in using Microsoft 365 applications

Higgs offers hybrid working wherever possible. Our Higgs' Best FIT (flexible, inclusive, together) principles are designed to ensure that people can complete their best work from the most appropriate location. If you are looking to work flexibly then let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate your request.

We also encourage a 'dress for your diary' approach which means dressing in a manner appropriate for your schedule or the specific appointments you have on any given day.

Higgs LLP is proud to be a signatory of The Law Society's Diversity, Inclusion Charter and a Disability Confident Committed Employer. These commitments reflect our dedication to building a workplace that is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

As part of our Disability Confident commitment, we offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role and choose to opt into the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

We are also committed to ensuring that all applicants can fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know by contacting us at [e-mail]

We recognise that inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we regularly review and publish our diversity data, which can be accessed here .