General Manager

General Manager - South London

Cobalt are supporting the search for a General Manager to oversee a unique residential estate in South London near Elephant and Castle.

This role presents a rare opportunity to lead the management of a historic London village estate while helping shape its future. The General Manager will oversee operations across a distinctive Edwardian neighbourhood and play a central role in delivering a strong resident experience.

With the backing of a leading property consultancy and a long-term investment vision from the owner, the General Manager will help guide a multi-million pound programme of improvement while ensuring the estate remains a welcoming place to live.

The organisation

Cobalt are partnering with a well-established residential property owner and manager that is investing heavily in the future of a distinctive London estate.

• The estate spans eight acres and contains around 600 homes across cottages, maisonettes and flatsTree-lined streets and private and communal gardens create a village environment within central London.
• Over 2,000 residents live on the estate across a mix of tenancy types and leasehold homes.
• The owner is delivering a long-term programme of investment to preserve the estate's heritage while ensuring
• homes meet modern expectations.
• The role sits within the wider support structure of a respected property consultancy, offering strong professional backing and career development.

The role

The General Manager will oversee the operational management of the estate from the onsite office while leading a dedicated team responsible for leasing, estate operations and property management.

The General Manager will lead an established onsite team including an Estates Manager, Leasing Manager, two Property Managers, Leasing Administrator, Maintenance Operative and Decorator.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day management of a 600-home residential estate.
• Providing leadership and direction to the onsite property and leasing team.
• Creating an inclusive culture that supports collaboration and accountability.
• Overseeing leasing performance and supporting pricing and marketing strategy.
• Managing operational budgets and monitoring expenditure across the estate.
• Driving operational improvements that enhance resident experience.
• Working closely with the client on estate strategy and performance reporting.
• Supporting major estate improvement projects and liaising with contractors and design teams.
• Attending consultation events and maintaining open communication with residents.
• Ensuring strong compliance with health and safety procedures across the estate.
• Overseeing service delivery to residents from move-in through to tenancy completion.
• Maintaining strong relationships with occupiers, suppliers and contractors.

This General Manager role offers autonomy to shape estate operations while delivering long-term improvements to a historic residential environment.

Skills and requirements

Cobalt are seeking a General Manager with strong residential estate management experience and a customer-focused leadership approach.

• Working knowledge of residential estate or property management operations.
• Experience leading a property or estate management team.

• Strong financial awareness including budget oversight and cost control.
• Understanding of residential tenancy structures and property compliance.
• Ability to manage contractors and oversee maintenance programmes.
• Experience delivering high levels of resident service.
• Clear communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Working knowledge of health and safety procedures within residential environments.
• Organised approach with strong attention to detail.
• ARLA or IOSH qualification would be advantageous.

Candidates with experience as a Head of Property, Estate Manager or senior residential property professional are encouraged to apply.

Salary and working pattern

• Full-time position working 37.5 hours per week.
• Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm with one hour for lunch.
• This role is based onsite at the estate.

This is a rare opportunity for a General Manager to shape the future of a historic London estate while delivering a strong resident experience across a diverse community.

Apply now as interviews are expected to take place shortly.

Due to the volume of applications received, if you don't hear back from us, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.