When choosing a career path, you should first understand what that career looks like in terms of what life style it will offer to you. For example; don’t choose to be a surgeon if you don’t like the idea of shift work or emergency call outs. This example is obvious but applying that to every profession isn’t always as easy. Block Management is a great career option for those wanting to work in property, but before you start applying for all those entry level positions out there, I have listed a few points to consider first.
Hours:
Standard hours of work in Block Management is 08.30-17.30 Monday – Friday. This does vary depending on the company you join. Evening meetings with your residents will be necessary with most companies (AGMs), however, you won’t be required to work weekends.
On-call:
Some managing agents will require you to take emergency calls outside of your normal working hours, this is normally done on a rota basis, whilst others contract this out. If you are required to take emergency out of hours calls, this could be for a lift or boiler being down, or a fire, so you will need to act quickly.
Travel:
Block Managers don’t just look after one development they have a whole portfolio, spread across a geographical area that they cover. Sites require regular visits, meaning there will be a certain amount of travel involved in your role. Do you need to consider getting a Driving licence?
Salary:
Earning potential £20K-£120K. Average salary for a Block Manager based in London is £30K-£40K (March 2018)
Job Security:
The demand for strong Block Managers is at its peak, so you will have good job security and career opportunities. If you show commitment to the role and an eagerness to progress, you can see fast career progression. Block Management is also a good starting platform for many other areas of property, meaning you can diversify into Surveying, Facilities Management, Legal and PRS.
Upskilling:
There is a real push for all Block Managers to be qualified now to help promote the credibility of the profession, so employers actively promote and financially support their staff to become IRPM qualified (the industry recognised qualification). This gives you a trade and means you will always be able to fall back on the profession, even if you take a break from it.
Stress:
I would be lying if I said this job wasn’t stressful. You are a problem solver, so when you hear from a client they are probably not going to be in a good mood because they have a problem which needs attention. This could be anything from a major issue such as a fire or something minor like the corridor not being cleaned properly. They want action and fast, so if you’re not good at customer service and being able to settle and reassure them that the problem will be actioned and fast, you could have a frustrated client on the phone.
There is lack of awareness of the leasehold sector and of the implications this has for people when they are buying a leasehold property. As their property manager, part of your role would be to educate your clients/residents of where their responsibilities lie.
Scope of the role:
Block Managers have a varied and challenging role, some of your duties will include; management of contractors, managing budgets, financial analysis, arranging major maintenance works, dealing with leaseholder enquires, site inspections, health & safety compliance and attending court to settle disputes (FTT).
Social:
The industry is a very social one, offering many events to help you network, train and build your career within it. Award ceremonies and conferences as far afield as Cannes, France to informal networking gatherings across the UK. We like to enjoy ourselves whilst doing business!
Would you like to gain some work experience in the field? Call one of the Block Recruit team to discuss your career further 020 3900 0401