Operations Manager - Estate Services

LiveWest Homes Ltd; East Devon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent community-focused organization in East Devon is seeking an Operations Manager for Estate Services. This role involves leading teams, managing contracts and improving customer satisfaction. You will need substantial team leadership experience and a relevant qualification in Horticulture or Estate Management. Join us to make a difference in community life, with generous benefits and a hybrid working style.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Pension Contributions up to 9%

Health care cash plan

Learning and Development opportunities

Family support policies

Mental health support

Paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of leading a team.
• Experience in improving customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of estate and grounds management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Estate Services teams.
• Prepare and manage budgets and operational plans.
• Oversee the procurement and management of large-scale contracts.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer satisfaction improvement

Procurement

Contract management

Project management

Education

NQF Level 4 qualification in Horticulture, Arboriculture or Estate Management

Tools

Geospatial mapping tools

Job description

Are you passionate about creating and maintaining vibrant, well-managed communities? LiveWest is seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager to lead our Estate Services team. In this role, you will be instrumental in delivering our vision and business objectives through strong leadership and a focus on excellence in estate services, including grounds maintenance, cleaning, waste management, and more.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Development: Lead and develop the Estate Services teams across LiveWest, ensuring top performance and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Operational and Financial Management: Prepare and manage budgets and operational plans for all work streams, ensuring optimal performance and value for money.
• Customer Focus: Actively seek and act on customer feedback to inform service planning and delivery, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Contract Management: Oversee the procurement and management of large-scale contracts, ensuring compliance with LiveWest standards and best practices.
• Innovation and Improvement: Lead projects and work streams to develop and deliver seamless, tenure-blind services, continuously improving processes, systems, and policies.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups. Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.

To be successful in your application for the role of Operations Manager - Estate Services, you will have the essential skills and experience for a level 3 role and the following role-specific skills and experience:

• Substantial experience of leading a team.
• Leading and delivering Estate Services for a comparable Social Housing provider or other large landowner.
• Experience in improving customer satisfaction.
• Enhancing performance or working practices to deliver improved value for money.
• Knowledge of estate and grounds management.
• Knowledge of geospatial mapping tools.
• Understanding of Social housing policy, good practice, current trends and application.
• Procurement experience.
• Contract management experience.
• Project management experience.
• Knowledge of service charge legislation.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• NQF Level 4 qualification in Horticulture, Arboriculture or Estate Management (or equivalent expertise through study and experience).

Why Join LiveWest? At LiveWest, we are committed to creating thriving communities and delivering exceptional services to our customers. As an Operations Manager for Estate Services, you will play a crucial role in achieving our mission. We value innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity, and we are dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Join us and be part of a team that makes a real difference in people's lives. Apply now to become a key player in shaping the future of our communities with LiveWest! At LiveWest, we are united by a shared mission: to create a home for everyone. Each of us takes pride in playing our part in achieving this goal.

Our values guide everything we do - from how we work together to how we deliver exceptional services to our customers. Collaboration is at the heart of LiveWest, and we believe that we achieve more when we deliver together. As one of the largest employers in the South West, our team of 1,800 talented colleagues provides a wide range of services to our 80,000 customers.

We are passionate about nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for people within the communities we serve. We are committed to supporting our colleagues, giving them the autonomy and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are building brighter futures for everyone.

Inclusion at LiveWest:

At LiveWest, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that our differences drive innovation, creativity, and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where all colleagues can thrive. As a proud member of Inclusive Employers, a Disability Confident Employer, and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are dedicated to supporting all our colleagues and ensuring that our workplace is welcoming and accessible to all.

We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. LiveWest is dedicated to equal opportunity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity at all levels. Join us in our mission to create vibrant and inclusive communities. Make a difference with LiveWest, where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.

Working Style: Hybrid working with 2 - 3 days in the office to support your work/life balance.

Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave: Start with 26 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service - and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days (pro rated for part time roles).
• Pension Contributions: Enjoy up to 9% employer contributions with our Defined Contribution scheme.
• Health Benefits and Perks: Access to a health care cash plan (worth up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts including access to a Blue Light Card.
• Learning and Development: Invest in your future with ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Family Support: Policies designed to help you balance work and family life, including a new child payment.
• Wellbeing Matters: Prioritise your health with mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, and free flu jabs.
• Smarter Travel: Save with our Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
• Giving Back: Up to four paid volunteering days a year to support our communities.