Senior Block Manager

Next Chapter Talent is proud to be representing a respected, independent London-based property management firm in the search for a Senior Block Manager.

Our client has built a reputation for delivering considered, transparent and consistently high-quality block management across London and the Home Counties. Their portfolio includes a number of complex, high-rise and multi-occupancy developments, and their approach is deliberately relationship-led rather than volume-driven.

They are now seeking a Senior Block Manager who brings both technical depth and professional maturity - someone who takes ownership, communicates with authority and operates with quiet confidence.

The Role

You will take full ownership of a circa 700-unit residential portfolio, with buildings clustered locally to enable effective, hands-on management and presence.

The portfolio includes high-rise and complex developments, requiring a strategic, organised and forward-thinking approach.

This is a senior position requiring someone comfortable operating at both operational and advisory level - balancing day-to-day delivery with long-term planning, client partnership and commercial oversight.

You will be trusted to lead, not just manage.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio & Asset Management

• Full operational responsibility for a locally clustered portfolio of circa 700 units, including high-rise developments
• Carrying out detailed site inspections with structured, professional reporting
• Overseeing both reactive maintenance and planned preventative works programmes
• Taking a strategic view of asset performance, identifying risks, opportunities and long-term improvements
• Driving consistently high service delivery standards across all buildings

Major Works & Section 20

• Leading on major works projects from inception through to completion
• Managing the full Section 20 consultation process, including notices, tendering and contractor engagement
• Advising clients with a forward-thinking, commercially aware approach to project planning and delivery
• Coordinating with surveyors, contractors and legal advisors where required

Compliance & Building Safety

• Ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation, including fire safety and high-rise building regulations
• Maintaining robust, audit-ready health & safety records
• Overseeing risk assessments, inspections and remedial actions
• Managing insurance placements and claims with diligence

Financial & Commercial Management

• Preparing and managing service charge budgets across complex schemes
• Monitoring expenditure, forecasting and clearly explaining variances
• Reviewing and approving contractor invoices with strong commercial awareness
• Supporting reserve fund planning with a long-term, strategic mindset

Client & Stakeholder Leadership

• Acting as the primary point of contact for resident directors, freeholders and leaseholders
• Leading AGMs, board meetings and client reviews with confidence and clarity
• Building strong, long-term relationships through transparency, consistency and trust
• Managing expectations with professionalism and sound judgement, even in challenging situations

Leasehold & Legal Matters

• Interpreting complex lease provisions with confidence
• Serving statutory notices, including those relating to Section 20 and other leasehold requirements
• Liaising with legal professionals on disputes, breaches and tribunal matters where necessary

About You

• Proven experience operating at Senior Block Manager level within UK residential property management
• Experience managing large, complex or high-rise portfolios, ideally of a similar scale
• Strong track record of delivering Section 20 major works projects
• Excellent financial and service charge management capability
• Sound understanding of leasehold legislation and compliance frameworks
• A forward-thinking and strategic mindset, with the ability to plan beyond the immediate
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• A clear, composed and highly professional communication style
• Commercially aware, detail-focused and solutions-driven
• Professional qualifications minimum of ATPI, ideally MTPI are essential

You will be someone who takes pride in doing things properly - structured, organised and accountable - with the confidence to operate autonomously and the judgement to advise at a senior level.

The Opportunity

This is not a high-volume, transactional environment.

It is measured, well-organised and quality-led - suited to a property professional who values clarity, consistency and long-term relationships over noise and short-term delivery.

If you are a strategic, relationship-focused Senior Block Manager looking to take ownership of a well-structured, locally managed portfolio with exposure to complex assets, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Zara Benson at Next Chapter Talent.

Next Chapter Talent is a boutique, founder-led property recruitment consultancy specialising in the placement of exceptional property professionals across the UK.