Council: Council for Social Witness

Location: Based in Assembly Buildings, Belfast – will require travel

Salary: £41,834 – £49,638 (plus car allowance of £4250 and mileage)

Hours: 37.5. Normally office hours but flexibility may be required tomeet the needs of the service.

Responsible to: The Secretary to the Council for Social Witness/ Director of Social Service

MAIN FUNCTION OF JOB

To be an active member of the General Assemblys staff team, contributing to the effective administration of its functions.

The Estates Manager will support the work of the Presbyterian Council for Social Witness by ensuring that the property used to accommodate the services provided by the PCSW is safe, suitable, homely and in compliance with relevant regulations, standards and good practice.

The Estates Manager will effectively and efficiently organise, supervise, manage and monitor estates activity and resources. They will ensure that well specified good value contracted estate services are delivered on time and to an acceptable standard. In order to provide PCSW with sound and up to date estates advice the post holder will be committed to relevant continuing learning, training and development. The Estates Manager will be a positive leader of the maintenance team and a constructive part of PCSW management.

About The Role

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Regulations and Standards

1. The post holder will have a responsibility to be up to date with relevant estates legislation, regulations, standards and good practice. They will ensure that PCSW properties and practices are compliant.

2. Provide advice to PCSW management on proposed improvement schemes including changes required to maintain compliance with regulations and standards.

3. Attending estates related inspections and assessments. Taking responsibility for addressing estates issues identified

4. The Estates Manager will be the PCSW designated person responsible for fire safety, water safety and managing the asbestos registers

5. The Estates Manager will advise management on the application of estates related Health and Safety regulations, standards and associated Approved Codes of Practice.

6. The Estates Manager will ensure that all tests, checks, servicing, risk assessments and monitoring activities are carried out in accordance with good practice and on time. They will ensure that quality records are maintained and kept secure.

7. In relation to the consideration of additional or replacement care accommodation the Estates Manager will be expected to provide significant support through the assessment of sites and properties, the organisation and interpretation of surveys, advice on compliance with the RQIA Minimum Standards and advice on any other technical criteria. The Estates Manager may be expected to project manage.

8. For each site the Estates Manager will carry out a periodic review of estates tasks in relation to health and safety good practice. They will also carry out risk assessments for non-routine tasks undertaken by directly employed staff or others and ensure compliance with assessed safeguards.

Leading and supervising

1. Managing maintenance officer cover during periods of holiday and illness, including standing in and assisting as necessary

2. Responsible for implementing an efficient, effective and auditable estates parts and consumables arrangements.

3. The pro-active leadership and supervision of the home maintenance officers including the maintenance of safe working practices, the identification of training needs and the organisation of maintenance officer forums.

4. Assisting the service managers with the maintenance officer monthly supervision meetings and the subsequent outworking of the meetings

5. Liaising with the housing associations that provide estates support to PCSW. Monitoring the housing association compliance with the Joint Management Agreement and resolving issues of non-compliance including responses to defect job requests.

6. Keep effectiveness and efficiency of the maintenance officers under review.

7. The setting of standards for contractors and the maintenance officers ensuring that tasks are prioritised appropriately and completed satisfactorily.

Managing

1. The Estates Manager will take responsibility for obtaining, reviewing, actioning, approving, signing off and filing estates contractor service reports, monitoring reports (e.g. monthly controls of legionella), risk assessments (e.g. fire risk assessments) and invoices.

2. Manage estates improvement schemes from inception to satisfactory conclusion.

3. Responsible for taking the lead role in restoring service in the event of an estates related breakdown

4. Drawing up, organising and managing maintenance and redecoration programs

5. Taking the lead role in specifying and obtaining competitively priced contracted estates services. Maintaining a register of contractors insurances, H&S plans etc

6. Establish and maintain an estates 5-year plan of replacement and upgrade to facilitate project and financial planning.

7. Responsible for updating and maintaining the PCSW estates document repository and the effective dissemination of estates information

8. The Estates Manager will carry out frequent inspections and reviews of all aspects of the PCSW estate. The recorded inspections will determine the condition, remaining life and suitability of the various elements. The information will be used to update maintenance programs and guide senior management decision making.

9. Take a lead role in energy management including identifying, specifying and managing suitable and cost-effective energy management schemes.

10. The Estates Manager will be required to prepare tender and quotation documentation

11. The Estates Manager will maintain a detailed knowledge of each site so that they can support home staff and effectively resolve issues remotely.

12. Take the lead in service contract renewal. Maintain schedules of estates contractors and an estates manual for each home to support site and on call staff.

13. Organise, coordinate and manage estates related contractor activity including quality and cost control

14. The Estates Manager will keep the checks, tests and PPM schedules at each property under review. They will ensure that the necessary procedures, training, advice and record systems are updated as necessary to maintain compliance with good practice.

Working with the team and others

1. Inform, advise and support the service managers and senior management regarding estates matters both proactively and on request.

2. With approval of senior management, the Estates Manager may appoint and liaise with specialists for particular estates issues.

3. The Estates Manager will proactively and effectively manage estate related risk to help ensure that service users, staff and the organisation are protected from actual and reputational harm.

4. The Estates Manager will proactively engage with stakeholders to ensure routine estates work and projects are delivered smoothly, safely and with minimum disruption to client care.

5. Will contribute to overall organisation effectiveness and to perform any other duties deemed appropriate by the General Assembly or the Clerk of the General Assembly.

This description is not intended to be either definitive or restrictive and can be changed or augmented at any time to meet changing needs.

Required Criteria

• A construction related third level qualification
• Proven knowledge of health and safety e.g., NEBOSH certificate or diploma
• Knowledge and working experience of estates standards, regulations and good practice applicable to health and social care premises in the community.
• Competent user of word, spreadsheet and database software
• Relevant and demonstrable estates maintenance experience at management or supervisory level
• Relevant and demonstrable experience managing estates maintenance contractors.
• Must be willing to work within and uphold the Christian ethos of PCI
• Must be willing to undertake a satisfactory Enhanced Access NI check
• Must possess a full driving licence or have the use of a car for work purposes with appropriate insurance for business use.
• The post is a managerial one. However, the post holder must be willing to undertake occasional basic maintenance or trade tasks.
• The postholder must be willing to participate in an out of hours on call service

Desired Criteria

• A Chartered or professional membership of a construction related body e.g., Chartered Institute of Building
• Have experience of managing and working to a budget
• Evidence of a joinery, electrical or mechanical trade background
• Evidence experience of asset-based estates information systems
• Evidence of 5 years estates maintenance experience at management or supervisory level
• Evidence of 3 years experience managing estates maintenance contractors.

Skills Needed

About The Company

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is one of the largest Christian denominations in Ireland, with over 500 congregations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, PCI is committed to spreading the Gospel, serving communities, and supporting mission work both locally and globally. The Church plays an active role in education, social care, and advocacy, reflecting its core values of faith, compassion, and service. Through worship, discipleship, and outreach, PCI seeks to make a meaningful impact on society while fostering a strong, supportive Christian community. Governed by a system of elders, the Church values biblical teaching, leadership, and engagement with contemporary issues. Additionally, PCI provides a range of resources and initiatives to support individuals, families, and communities in their faith journey.

Company Culture

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) fosters a culture of faith, service, and community, rooted in biblical teaching and the Reformed tradition. It values integrity, compassion, and inclusivity, encouraging members to live out their faith through worship, discipleship, and outreach. PCI places a strong emphasis on servant leadership, where ministers, elders, and members work collaboratively to support one another and serve their communities. The Church is deeply committed to pastoral care, social responsibility, and global mission work, reflecting its dedication to making a positive impact both locally and internationally. With a focus on spiritual growth, education, and engagement with contemporary issues, PCI provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals and families can deepen their faith, contribute to meaningful causes, and build lasting relationships within a vibrant Christian community.

Company Benefits

Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Referral bonus, Employee Assistance Scheme, Perks Card, Wellbeing Scheme, Annual performance review, Culture of recognition, On the job learning, Progression opportunities, Service recognition increases to annual leave

Salary

£41,834.00 – £49,638.00 per year

Benefits:
Vacation, Paid time off Retirement plan and/or pension Referral bonus Employee Assistance Scheme Perks Card Wellbeing Scheme