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.