Trust Manager

Strange + Wright Recruitment Partner Ltd; South Kelsey CP; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Bourne United Charities (BUC) invites applications for a Trust Manager to lead day-to-day administration, governance, and financial management in Bourne, Lincolnshire. You will oversee a portfolio of properties, manage budgeting, and support residents, Trustees, and community grants with professionalism and discretion.

The role requires strong organisational skills, governance awareness, and a commitment to community service, with duties spanning property, HR, finance, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in property, housing, or estate management.
• Financial literacy and budgeting with advisers.
• Excellent written communication and administrative skills.
• Ability to work sensitively with residents and Trustees.
• High integrity, professionalism, and organisational capability.
• Understanding of charity governance or charity sector experience.
• Experience within tenancy or social housing management.
• Knowledge of investment management principles.
• Experience within local government, community development, or trustee-led organisations.
• Understanding safeguarding and welfare pathways.

Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas, papers, reports, and minutes for Trustee meetings.
• Oversee budgeting, financial processes, investment monitoring, and income collection.
• Manage commercial property leases, property maintenance, safety compliance, and contractor relationships.
• Support almshouse residents with allocations, tenancy matters, and welfare concerns.
• Administer grant programmes and monitor impact.
• Lead HR administration, including recruitment coordination, training records, payroll information, and staff supervision.
• Maintain positive relationships with local organisations, authorities, and community groups.
• Provide clear, evidence-based advice to Trustees and support long-term planning.
• Ensure compliance with the Charities Act, Charity Commission guidance, trust deeds, and statutory obligations.

Skills

Property management

Budgeting

Governance

HR administration

Stakeholder management

Communication

Resident relations

Charity governance

Job description

This is a unique opportunity, and we are delighted to be partnering with Bourne United Charities (BUC) in the search for their next Trust Manager.

Bourne United Charities (BUC) is a long‑established local charity responsible for almshouses, community grants, land and property assets, and the stewardship of historic endowments for the benefit of the people of Bourne.

This is a varied, all-encompassing role that would be well suited to a highly organised and commercially minded individual who will lead the day‑to‑day administration and operational management of the charity.

This is a key role supporting the Board of Trustees, ensuring BUC is well‑governed, compliant, financially sound, and delivering meaningful public benefit. The successful candidate will be an effective administrator, confident communicator, and capable manager with governance awareness and a commitment to community service.

About the Role

The Trust Manager is the charity's senior operational lead, responsible for:

• Managing BUC's property portfolio of over 70 properties, including almshouses allotments and historical buildings.
• Managing governance, compliance, and reporting requirements
• Overseeing financial administration and working with professional advisers
• Providing support and guidance to almshouse residents
• Administering community grants and charitable activities
• Acting as the main point of contact for stakeholders, partners, and residents
• Supporting Trustees with strategic planning and organisational development

This role requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and independence, with the ability to manage diverse responsibilities across property/estates, governance, finance, HR, and community engagement.

While experience in some areas is essential, we are keen to speak with applicants from a variety of backgrounds who have a genuine interest in this opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas, papers, reports, and minutes for Trustee meetings
• Oversee budgeting, financial processes, investment monitoring, and income collection
• Manage commercial property leases, property maintenance, safety compliance, and contractor relationships
• Support almshouse residents with allocations, tenancy matters, and welfare concerns
• Administer grant programmes and monitor impact
• Lead HR administration, including recruitment coordination, training records, payroll information, and staff supervision
• Maintain positive relationships with local organisations, authorities, and community groups
• Provide clear, evidence‑based advice to Trustees and support long‑term planning
• Ensure compliance with the Charities Act, Charity Commission guidance, trust deeds, and statutory obligations

Person Specification

• Experience in property, housing, or estate management
• Financial literacy and confidence working with budgets and professional advisers
• Excellent written communication and administrative skills
• Ability to work sensitively with residents and collaboratively with Trustees
• High integrity, professionalism, and organisational capability
• An understanding of charity governance and compliance, or previous experience of working within the charity sector
• Experience within tenancy or social housing management
• Knowledge of investment management principles, professional or personal
• Ideally previous experience in local government, community development, or trustee‑led organisations, whether personal or professional
• Understanding of safeguarding and welfare pathways

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a central role in a respected local charity with deep roots in the community. You will help shape the future of BUC's assets, services, and charitable impact, ensuring they continue to benefit Bourne for generations to come.

Trust Manager • Bourne, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom