About This Role
An Estate Manager leads the School Buildings and Estates function for the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), ensuring effective stewardship, development, and management of the DBE's property portfolio and capital investment programmes. This role involves managing complex capital projects, building strong stakeholder relationships, and providing strategic leadership to support Church schools across the Diocese.
Responsibilities
- Lead the School Buildings and Estates operation on behalf of the DBE
- Manage school capital funding programmes, including School Condition Allocation (SCA) funding
- Provide strategic advice and guidance to schools, academy trusts, site trustees, and diocesan colleagues
- Work with consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard
- Build effective relationships with Local Authorities, the Department for Education, and other dioceses
- Support the Diocese's stewardship and sustainability objectives, including liaison with the Net Zero Representative
- Prepare reports and updates for the Board and contribute to diocesan meetings and briefings
- Promote safeguarding best practice across all areas of responsibility
Requirements
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
- Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and external contractors
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to identify priorities and opportunities
- Proven leadership and project management experience
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
- Strong partnership-building and stakeholder management skills
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel throughout the Diocese
- Sympathy with the aims and mission of the Church of England
Nice to have:
- Experience working with schools, academy trusts, or within the education sector
- Knowledge of capital funding streams and programmes such as SCA
- Experience supporting organisational development and professional learning
- Experience monitoring performance and holding others accountable for delivery
- Experience working within a diocesan or church-related environment
Benefits
- Flexible working, Hybrid working and TOIL
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to an Employee Assistance programme and counselling service
Important Details
- Schedule: Part Time – 10.5 Hours
- Application deadline: 1 November 2026
Application Process
- Interviews will be held on: 12 November 2026
About the Company
The Diocese of Rochester is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. They are committed to achieving diversity throughout their Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide range of backgrounds, to help create a culture of inclusion and belonging.
