Estates Manager

The Shuttleworth Trust – Old Warden, Bedfordshire

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Location: On-site

About the Role

The Shuttleworth Trust is seeking a hands-on Estates Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of its diverse and historic estate. This is an operational, delivery-focused role, ideal for someone who enjoys being visible on site, working closely with people, and taking ownership of a varied property portfolio.

Following a period of transition, the Trust is in a strong financial and operational position and is now bringing estate management in-house. You will play a key part in maintaining the estate while also contributing to a number of significant capital and infrastructure projects planned for the coming years.

This role sits at Estate Management level, reporting into the senior leadership structure, with clear scope for progression into a Senior Management Team role as the position develops

The Estate

The Shuttleworth Estate is a mixed-use rural estate comprising:

Around 70 residential properties (managed with an external agent)
Commercial buildings, including aviation-related infrastructure
Agricultural land with a mix of Farm Business Tenancies and traditional agreements
The iconic Mansion House, Visitor Attraction, and Shuttleworth College
An in-house Maintenance Team and Grounds Team, supported by a large and committed volunteer community

Key Responsibilities

As Estates Manager, you will:

Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Estate across residential, commercial, and agricultural assets
Manage and coordinate repairs, maintenance, and refurbishment works
Specify, procure, and deliver building and infrastructure projects on time and within budget
Procure, manage, and monitor contractors, ensuring quality, value for money, and compliance
Lead, develop, and organise the Grounds and Maintenance teams, implementing effective preventative maintenance programmes
Act as the Trust’s primary point of contact for tenants, managing relationships and resolving issues
Work closely with the external property management agent, particularly on residential matters
Introduce and maintain effective estate and property management systems
Support budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting for estate activities
Prepare clear and accurate reports for the Estate Committee and Board of Trustees

About You

Essential:

Proven experience in estate or property management, or a closely related field
Strong background in coordinating property maintenance and works across multiple sites
Experience procuring and managing contractors
Sound budget management and cost-control skills
Highly organised, proactive, and solutions-focused
Confident communicator, able to engage with tenants, staff, volunteers, and trustees
A practical, hands-on approach with a regular on-site presence
Full, clean UK driving licence

Desirable:

Professional qualification such as RICS, or working towards one
Experience managing rural or mixed-use estates
Experience leading maintenance or grounds teams
Familiarity with tenancy arrangements and working alongside managing agents

Why Join Shuttleworth?

Be part of a unique and nationally significant estate with heritage, aviation, education, and visitor-facing elements
Join an organisation that has successfully completed a major transition and is now financially stable and forward-looking
Take ownership of a varied portfolio with real autonomy and influence
Work alongside passionate staff and an exceptional volunteer community
Clear opportunity for career development and progression
Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate

How to Apply

If you are looking for a friendly, knowledgeable team then this could be a great role for you.

Your application will be dealt with in the strictest confidence by Dan Cole. Please call our office on 07443 880 834 or alternatively send your CV (at this stage do not worry if it’s not up-to-date) directly to dan.cole@beachbaker.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you would like to ask a few questions before applying, please get in touch.

All third party and direct applications will be forwarded to Beach Baker Recruitment for review.

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Estates Manager

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