Block Manager

About the Role

The Block Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and performance of residential apartment buildings, ensuring they are safe, compliant, and well maintained. The role has a strong focus on health and safety compliance, including building safety oversight, inspections, and adherence to all relevant legislation.

The Block Manager is also responsible for the management of estate service charges, including budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, and ensuring accuracy and transparency in financial reporting. Working closely with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders, the role supports effective operations and ongoing regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day management of residential apartment buildings, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard and operate efficiently.
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation and best practice, including the Fire Safety Reform Order 2005 and Building Safety Act.
• Conduct regular property inspections to identify risks, maintenance issues, and compliance gaps, ensuring timely resolution.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all safety checks and compliance documentation, including fire, gas, and electrical certifications.
• Manage contractors and service providers, ensuring works are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required standards.
• Prepare and manage estate service charge budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting and cost control.
• Monitor expenditure against budgets, investigate variances, and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies.
• Support the preparation and review of service charge accounts, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and audit readiness.
• Liaise with internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulators to support smooth operational delivery and compliance.
• Identify and implement improvements in building management processes, compliance practices, and cost management.
• Manage a Block Compliance Administrator, overseeing their workload and supporting the effective administration of compliance and documentation.
• Be willing to be on call outside of working hours to manage emergencies.
• Provide regular reporting and data to the Compliance Manager to demonstrate effective and compliant block management.
• Undertake ad hoc operational and compliance-related duties as required.

Essential Requirements

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of residential block management, including building operations, maintenance standards, and contractor oversight.

Health & Safety Knowledge

• Working knowledge of UK H&S legislation and compliance requirements, particularly the Fire Safety Reform Order 2005 and Building Safety Act, with the ability to apply these in practice.
• Confident and competent at safely managing mid- and high-rise residential buildings.

Attention to Detail

• High level of accuracy in maintaining records, certifications, and compliance documentation.

Financial Acumen

• Experience managing service charge budgets, monitoring expenditure, and supporting accurate financial reporting.

Organisation & Planning

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and compliance deadlines.

Analytical & Problem Solving

• Ability to identify risks, investigate issues, and implement practical, cost-effective solutions.

Contractor Management

• Proven experience managing contractors to deliver compliant, high-quality, and cost-effective services.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners.

Regulatory Awareness

• Up-to-date knowledge of legislation and regulatory developments affecting residential property management.

Proactive Approach

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, take ownership, and drive improvements.

IT Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and property management systems.

Integrity & Professionalism

• High level of accountability, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information.

Desirable Qualifications

• IOSH qualification or similar
• Experience of using a H&S management platform

Personal Attributes

• Proactive & Results-Driven: Anticipates issues and delivers high standards in building management and compliance.
• Strong Ownership: Takes full responsibility for safety, performance, and compliance, seeing tasks through.
• Detail-Oriented: Ensures accurate records, thorough inspections, and full compliance.
• Resilient & Adaptable: Thrives in fast-paced environments and manages changing priorities effectively.
• Professional & Ethical: Maintains integrity and discretion in all situations.
• Collaborative: Builds strong, productive relationships with stakeholders.
• Confident Decision-Maker: Assesses risk and makes informed, compliant decisions.
• Continuous Improvement: Drives efficiency and enhances processes.
• Calm Under Pressure: Maintains composure during incidents and challenges.