Block Manager

Block Manager - North London - Award winning Managing Agent

An experienced block manager is required by a well-established property management firm to be based in North London.

This firm have been providing comprehensive block and estate management services in London for 40 years.

With a growing client base comes the requirement to expand the team. This firm are conscious not to overload there current team (which is why staff retention is so high) and as they expand will expand the team in line with this growth. They deliver a high level of customer service to their clients and want this to be the focus of all employees. You will be given a manageable portfolio in order for you to deliver these standards.

Duties for this position include (but not limited to):

- The management of a tailored portfolio to suit your location, skill set and personality

- Carry out regular inspections of your managed portfolio, usually monthly but as necessary, to check upon the condition of the buildings and grounds, ascertain works of repair and to monitor and supervise on site staff and contractors.

- Liaise with Developers, Resident Directors, Committees, lessees, residents, contractors and others as required, including dealing with telephone calls, faxes, emails and personal visits expediently and in a timely and courteous manner. Ensuring that all appropriate people are kept fully informed.

- Prepare annual service charge budgets in conjunction with the Accounts Department and the Developers/Resident Directors, as appropriate. Subsequently, ensuring that costs incurred stay in line with budgets.

- Instruct appropriate contractors for works of repair and/or maintenance, working within Landlord & Tenant Act procedures, including any changes to the Section 20 Act made in 2002, and the company's internal procedures in that regard. Subsequently supervising works as required, ensuring invoices are correct and approving them.

- Dealing expediently with insurance claims and associated works, liaising with loss adjusters and others as appropriate.

- Supervising on site staff and contractors as appropriate, ensuring the proper day-to-day running of the properties, buildings, grounds, plant and equipment.

- Checking compliance with, and enforcement of, the terms of leases and statutory requirements.

- Attending resident's meetings, board meetings and AGMs. Subsequently preparing, agreeing and circulating minutes as appropriate.

- Liaise with Accounts Department and others as required, regarding payment of service charges and other charges. Assisting with arrears collection if required, including attending court where necessary.

- Dealing with specifications for major works, obtaining competitive tenders, circulating resident directors, advising them and obtaining instructions, preparing Landlord & Tenant Act Notices and appropriate supporting documentation, and circulating to lessees. Subsequently instructing contractors and supervising works in progress and on completion as appropriate. Approving (not authorising) consequent payments.

- Comply with Health & Safety Policy and ensure that on site staff and contractors, lessees and residents do so also.

The ideal block manager will have:

- AIRPM qualified or higher

- Property management experience gained in a similar role

- Experience chairing AGM's

- Good knowledge of service charge budget formulation, collection of service charges and dealing with arrears

- Experience of preparing and serving Section 20 notices in connection with major works to be carried out

- Experience of delivering maintenance programmes including working knowledge of periodic maintenance schedules

- A strong understanding of current building and leasehold legislation, safety procedures and health and safety processes

- Excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills, with a Pleasant, helpful and efficient manner and a can do, proactive attitude

- An ability to deal with demanding clients/customer and handle conflicting opinions

- An ability to multi-task, be highly organised, methodical and possess strong prioritisation skills

- Can demonstrate high customer focus and time management skills

- Hold a Full UK Driving Licence

Please note: CVs submitted by candidates who do not meet the above criteria will not be considered.

This role offers a competitive salary of up to £40,000pa + benefits

If you're interested in this opportunity please apply now or contact Benjamin Brazil at Cobalt for further information