Senior Estates Project Manager

Manchester City Council; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 26 days’ annual leave

Pension scheme

Volunteering leave

35-hour week

Job summary

Manchester City Council seeks a Senior Estates Project Manager to lead capital investment across the Council’s estate, ensuring safety, compliance and sustainability for communities.

You will manage projects, budgets and stakeholders, delivering outcomes that support frontline services across schools, libraries and offices. The role offers collaboration and a chance to influence public assets in Manchester.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Estates/Facilities Management or built environment.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Track record delivering complex property projects from inception to completion.
• Strong project management across scope, cost, programme, quality and risk.
• Experience budgeting, forecasting and financial performance.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication, influencing and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Level 6 or equivalent qualification in built environment/leadership/project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-value capital investment projects across the Council's estate.
• Manage projects, budgets, risks and stakeholder relationships.
• Support compliance, lifecycle replacement and carbon reduction initiatives.
• Provide leadership to Estates Project Managers and Advisors.
• Collaborate with internal services, consultants and contractors to deliver outcomes.
• Help shape a safe, sustainable estate that supports Manchester services.

Skills

Estates/Facilities Management

Leadership

Project management

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Communication

Risk management

MS Office

Public sector experience

Education

Level 6 qualification in built environment/leadership/project management

Professional body membership (RICS/CIOB/IWFM/APM)

PRINCE2/APM PMQ or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance

Closing Date & Closing time: 11.59pm, 16 September 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face

Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action

This role is subject to -

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard/ an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice) We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.

Casual Car Documentation - The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User which means that car journeys may be necessary on an occasional basis, but are not essential to the role. If you do drive, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work, as well as provide all the appropriate documentation. You will receive an allowance per mile of business use.

Do you want to lead building projects that make a real difference to the people of Manchester?

Manchester City Council is investing in its buildings and facilities to ensure they remain safe, compliant, sustainable and fit for purpose for the communities they serve. As a Senior Estates Project Manager, you'll play a leading role in delivering this investment across one of the largest and most diverse public sector property portfolios in the region.

You’ll help shape and deliver projects that support frontline services in schools, libraries, leisure centres, galleries, offices, depots and the Town Hall Complex. You'll also contribute to Manchester's ambition to become a zero-carbon city by helping deliver carbon reduction and sustainability projects across the Council's estate.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence how public buildings are improved, support the delivery of essential services and leave a lasting impact on communities across Manchester. If you're passionate about delivering high-quality projects and creating better places for people, we'd love to hear from you.

In This Role You Will

• Lead high-value capital investment projects across the Council's estate.
• Manage projects, budgets, risks and stakeholder relationships.
• Support the delivery of compliance, lifecycle replacement and carbon reduction projects.
• Provide leadership and professional guidance to Estates Project Managers and Advisors.
• Work closely with internal services, consultants, contractors and senior leaders to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Help shape a safe, sustainable and efficient estate that supports services across Manchester.

You’ll join a collaborative team that is passionate about continuous improvement, service excellence and creating long-term value through the Council's property assets.

We would love to hear from you if you have experience of:

Essential

• Significant experience working within an Estates, Facilities Management or wider built environment setting.
• Experience leading, managing or supervising teams, including supporting performance, development and resource planning.
• A proven track record of successfully delivering complex property-related projects from inception through to completion.
• Strong project management skills, including managing scope, cost, programme, quality and risk.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts and financial performance.
• The ability to build productive relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including senior managers, consultants and contractors.
• Excellent communication, influencing and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a demanding environment.
• Experience identifying and managing project risks and implementing effective mitigation measures.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• A Level 6 qualification in a built environment, leadership, management or project management discipline, or substantial equivalent experience within the built environment sector.

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, CIOB, IWFM, APM or equivalent.
• A recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, APM PMQ or equivalent.
• Experience working within a local authority or wider public sector environment.
• Experience delivering lifecycle replacement, building compliance, decarbonisation or sustainability projects.
• Experience working within an Intelligent Client or client-side project management function.
• Knowledge of procurement, contract management and capital programme governance.
• Experience supporting business case development, programme reporting and strategic asset planning activities.

We're looking for someone who shares our Manchester behaviours, takes pride in delivering excellent public services, works collaboratively and is committed to continuous improvement.

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city that leads change and improves lives. Whether you’re supporting communities or improving public services, you’ll help create opportunities and shape a better future for everyone

Benefits We Offer

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave
• Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• The UK’s largest local government pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave
• Employee discounts and perks
• Good Employment Charter member

For more information about working for Manchester Council, please visit Careers - Manchester City Council

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Requirements

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term condition
• Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

What We Will Need From You If You're Successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Other Relevant Information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Accessible Formats

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