Job Title: Property Manager

Location: Homebased – 1 day per week in our Norwich Head Office

Rewards & Benefits: £30,000 – £35,000 per annum, dependent upon skills, knowledge and experience, together with mileage reimbursement, pension, death in service benefit, private healthcare and dental cover. The role is homebased, with a laptop, tablet and mobile phone provided, and includes 25 days’ annual leave, a birthday day off and four wellbeing days each year. The postholder may also be eligible for applicable referral or commission arrangements, subject to the terms of the relevant scheme. This package is intended to suit a capable property professional, including someone from a lettings property management background, who is ready to develop into the block and estate management profession with full training and support.

About Us:

At Watsons Property Group Ltd, we are a leading Chartered Surveying & Property Management firm working across the UK property market. Established since 1890, we continue to develop and grow our current geographical base and client portfolio.

Watsons is a firm of chartered surveyors managing blocks and estates across East Anglia, London and wider regional areas. The Property Manager will support the professional day-to-day management of a defined portfolio of residential blocks and estates, helping to protect clients’ assets, support residents and keep well-managed communities running smoothly. This is a varied and people-focused role, combining property management experience with structured training in leasehold, service charges, site management, contractor coordination, client communication and the wider responsibilities of block and estate management. The role would suit someone who has already worked as a Property Manager in lettings and is now looking for a clear development route into a specialist and professional area of property management. Working with guidance from the Head of Block & Estate Management and experienced colleagues, the postholder will act as a trusted representative for Watsons and help ensure each site is managed in a responsive, compliant and professional way.

Responsibilities:

• The Property Manager will be responsible for managing a defined portfolio of residential blocks and private estates, acting as a day-to-day point of contact for freeholders, directors, leaseholders, residents, contractors and internal teams. The role requires someone who enjoys variety, can stay organised under pressure, and is able to balance practical property management with clear, helpful communication.
• This is an active property management role rather than a purely desk-based administration position. Site visits, client and resident contact, contractor liaison, budget input and practical follow-up will all form part of the week. The successful candidate will help clients and residents receive a responsive and professional service, escalating complex or higher-risk matters appropriately when support or senior guidance is needed.
• Previous block management experience is not essential, as full training will be provided. The postholder will develop the ability to read and apply leases, understand management agreements, work with service charge budgets and follow relevant legislation and industry guidance. They will be supported while building this knowledge and will be expected to ask questions, recognise when specialist advice is needed and communicate clearly with clients, residents and colleagues.
• Regular site inspections will be a key part of the role. The Property Manager will review communal areas, grounds, building condition, health and safety matters, contractor performance and resident concerns, ensuring that inspection notes are recorded properly and actions are followed through. Where works are required, they will obtain quotations, instruct approved contractors within agreed authority levels, monitor progress and keep clients and residents updated.
• Financial awareness is also important. Working closely with the Client Finance team and senior colleagues, the postholder will contribute to service charge budget preparation, monitor expenditure against agreed budgets, support year-end queries, understand arrears updates and help clients plan for routine and future works. They will be expected to explain straightforward budget matters clearly and escalate more complex financial issues where appropriate.
• The role will support forward planning across the portfolio, including helping to maintain maintenance plans, identify likely future works, gather contractor input and support consultation processes where required. The postholder will be encouraged to take a preventative and practical approach, helping to reduce repeat issues, improve site standards and contribute to a positive client and resident experience.
• Client and resident communication will be a significant part of the role. The Property Manager will attend directors’ meetings, annual general meetings and resident meetings as required, some of which may take place outside normal office hours. They will respond to correspondence, assist with complaints and ensure property records are accurate and up to date on Qube/MRI Software. Clear, calm and professional communication will be essential, particularly where matters are sensitive or expectations need to be managed carefully.
• As part of a wider professional property business, the postholder will help retain clients by delivering a reliable, visible and helpful management service. They may also spot opportunities to introduce wider Watsons services where these are genuinely relevant to the client’s needs. This is a strong opportunity for someone with solid general property management experience, particularly from lettings, who wants to broaden their skills, gain specialist training and build a long-term career in the block and estate management profession.

Requirements:

• Experience as a Property Manager in lettings, residential property management or a related property environment is required. Direct block or estate management experience is welcome but not essential, as Watsons will provide full training in leasehold management, service charges, client accounting processes, site inspections, resident communication, contractor management and relevant legislation. The postholder must be organised, practical, service-focused and keen to develop into a specialist professional role within block and estate management.
• A TPI qualification, progress towards MTPI status, RICS pathway interest or equivalent industry-recognised training would be advantageous but is not essential. More important is a genuine interest in developing within block and estate management, a willingness to learn, and confidence working with clients, residents and contractors. Watsons will support appropriate continuing professional development for someone who wants to grow their technical knowledge and build a long-term career in this area.