Property Manager – Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Summary
Join Our Team as a Property Manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service!
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, has the opportunity for 2 Property Managers to join our Estates team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. These are permanent, full-time positions (37 hours per week) that offer a competitive salary starting at £48,266 rising annually to £51,356 per annum, and if the successful candidate is a chartered member of RICS, RIBA or CIOB then they will also receive a market supplement allowance (subject to annual review) of up to £5,000 in addition to the salary quoted above.
At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.
As a Property Manager, you will work in partnership with the Senior Property Manager and the Head of Estates to maintain and improve Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority’s property stock to a high standard, ensuring that it is effective, efficient, safe and operationally fit for purpose. You will be responsible for preparing and managing a programme of revenue and capital projects (including Capital Expenditure responsibility), and ensure the Authority is compliant with relevant legislation and other statutory duties.
You will be responsible for property and estate management related matters, providing specialist advice and guidance at all levels within the organisation, and also hold a specialist responsibility as a departmental lead in one of the following through the key stages of the property life cycle:
- Design & Specification
- Project & Cost Management
Joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service comes with a fulfilling career, where you make a tangible difference every day. But that’s not all! We value our employees and offer an extensive benefits package, including:
- Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance
- A generous pension scheme for your future
- Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh
- Family leave policies that support your loved ones
- Access to physiotherapy services for your well-being
- Opportunities for professional development and progression
- Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching
- Support for eye care and wellness programs
- Exclusive Blue Light Membership discounts
- Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
- Engaging sports and social groups for community building
- Confidential counselling services and mental health support
- Access to the Firefighters Charity for additional support
- A cycle-to-work scheme to promote healthy commuting
Key Responsibilities
- Working in partnership with the Senior Property Manager implement the annual DSFRA Capital and Revenue Budget Estates programme, with specific responsibility for:
- Consultation with stakeholders and end users
- Development of cost plans
- Obtaining Planning and Building Regulation approvals
- Preparation of specifications and Tender documentation
- Obtaining and evaluation of Tenders.
- As the project lead provide direction, coordination and leadership to consultants ensuring all projects are delivered to programme, budget and expected standards, leading projects from concept to completion.
- Undertake end of project analysis to include handover of projects to end users, ensuring all manuals, guarantees and relevant/associated documentation is provided.
- Liaise with all stakeholders in relation to implementation of capital, maintenance and improvement works to ensure effective management and execution of all projects.
- Liaise on property related matters at all levels within the organisation, including Senior Management and Fire Authority members together with Local Authorities, Utilities, Partner Organisations and Stakeholders.
- Assist in general estate management matters relating to Authority property interests; to include boundary disputes, rights of light, dilapidations and party wall matters.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, write project briefs and plan, and prepare programmes with consideration to whole of life investment.
- Manage and coordinate, in partnership with the procurement category manager, the supplier selection / tender process, monitoring and reviewing of contractor performance.
- Responsible for the creation of reports and updates on the progress of project works in relation to functional responsibilities held.
- Produce, implement and maintain project delivery plans including programme schedules, communication plans and project risk registers.
- Project manage the budget, progress and quality of construction projects ensuring the Authority is fully compliant with relevant legislation and that the Authority interests are fully protected ensuring that works are delivered in accordance with specifications, contracts and policies.
- Perform Contract Administrator duties under the relevant form of contract, with responsibility for the correct and timely validation and issue of contract payments and contract certificates.
- Undertake duties as required under CDM regulations and Building Safety Act, to include where appropriate the role of Client Advisor and/or Principal Designer ensuring associate risks are identified and appropriately managed.
- Undertake inspections and surveys including but not limited to structural building, condition, asbestos, pre-acquisition and disposal surveys. In the execution of such duties to maintain and competently use specialist.
How to apply
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career while contributing to the safety of our communities, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create a safer world and become an integral part of our outstanding team.
Should you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Matthew Wyon-Brown – Senior Property Manager on 01392 872275, or via email: [email protected]
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Property Manager please click ‘apply’ today, we would love to hear from you.
The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.
You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document detailing how you meet the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification.
- Proven ability to undertake responsibility for prioritisation, progress and management of a variety of building related projects.
- Proven budget and cost management skills including the preparation and management of cost plans and cost planning techniques.
- Excellent working knowledge of standard forms of contract – JCT and / or NEC3 and NBS specifications.
- Proven experience in managing a variety of major and minor construction projects including full contract administration and budgetary control.
- Experience of specifications, preparation of tender documentation and contract administration processes.
- Good working knowledge of procurement processes and selection of appropriate construction contracts.
To help you complete this part of the application form please refer to the word document “Essential Criteria for my Estates – Property Manager Application” for you to download and complete with your evidence for the above criteria. You can then upload this document where requested when completing your application.
Please note the evidence that you upload to your application should not exceed 2,000 words in total (excluding titles).
Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used to shortlist any applications received.
Closing date: 23:59hrs Sunday 7 December 2025