Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
REFERENCES
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Clare Berryman

Paignton,Devon

Summary

A highly skilled and adaptable professional with strong experience in customer relations, administration, and budget management. Confident in using a range of IT systems, with the ability to quickly learn new processes and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Known for a calm, organised, and approachable manner, with a natural ability to build positive relationships and provide reliable support to both customers and colleagues. Works equally well independently or as part of a team, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Proactive and resourceful, with a consistent focus on delivering a high standard of service, maintaining accuracy, and supporting smooth day-to-day operations.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Self-Employed Consultant

Larchfield Asset Management
Torquay, Devon
2024.12 - 2026.04

Property & Customer Support Consultant

Provided end-to-end property management and customer support across a varied portfolio, acting as key point of contact for clients and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities & achievements:

  • Acted as primary contact for over 570 leaseholders and clients, handling a wide range of enquiries with professional and responsive approach
  • Managed sales enquiries and supported transactions by providing accurate information and documentation
  • Prepared and monitored budgets and service charge accounts, ensuring financial accuracy and transparency
  • Coordinated maintenance and contractor works, ensuring timely resolution of issues
  • Balancing high-volume workload, prioritising tasks effectively while maintaining service standards
  • Recommended improvements on core business processes for optimised performance and profitability and Initiated cost-saving measures by evaluating and improving operational processes
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting thorough audits and reviews

Estate Manager

Remus Property Services
Plymouth , Devon
2023.10 - 2024.12

Managed a portfolio of freehold residential estates, working closely with developers, homeowners, and management companies to deliver effective estate management and high standards of customer service for new home owners.

Key responsibilities & achievements:

  • Key point of contact for homeowners and developers, handling enquiries and providing clear, timely communication covering defects and ongoing maintenance provisions
  • Set up of new owner led management companies and building lasting working relationships
  • Managed estate budgets and service charge expenditure, ensuring costs were controlled and accurately reported
  • Coordinated maintenance and repairs across communal areas including around 15 play parks, 30 open spaces, and sustainable drainage systems across estates
  • Carried out regular site inspections to ensure safety, upkeep, and contractor performance
  • Liaised with contractors and developers to address defects, ongoing maintenance, and handover issues
  • Resolved customer queries and concerns, maintaining professional and solutions-focused approach
  • Ensured estates were managed in line with legal requirements, covenants, and health & safety standards

Block & Estate Manager

Whitton & Laing LLP
Exeter, Devon
2023.01 - 2023.10

Managed residential blocks of flats varying in size and complexities, delivering effective property management alongside high standards of customer service to leaseholders, directors, and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities & achievements:

  • Primary point of contact for clients, handling enquiries, resolving issues, and maintaining strong working relationships
  • Managed budgets, service charge accounts, and year-end reporting, ensuring accuracy and presenting information clearly to clients
  • Coordinated maintenance and repair works across buildings and communal areas, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery
  • Carried out regular site inspections and face to face client meetings to proactively identify issues and maintain property standards
  • Managed Section 20 consultations and supported project works, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Identified and resolved management and compliance issues, keeping developments aligned with lease terms and current legislation
  • Adapted communication and management approach to suit many ranges of client styles, from hands-on directors to those requiring full support

Homeownership Property Manager

Sovereign Housing Association Limited
Exeter, Devon
2021.03 - 2023.01

Supported around 500 shared ownership and leasehold customers in managing their homes, providing guidance, reassurance, and practical solutions to help them maintain and progress their home ownership journey.

Key responsibilities & achievements:

  • Built strong relationships with customers, trusted point of contact and providing clear, supportive communication
  • Managed wide range of enquiries, helping customers navigate shared ownership, financial responsibilities, and property-related matters
  • Supported customers experiencing financial difficulty, agreeing realistic payment plans and working sensitively to achieve sustainable outcomes
  • Worked collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure joined-up, customer-focused service
  • Handled complaints with empathy and professionalism, resolving issues within agreed timescales
  • Supported legal and administrative processes including lease extensions, remortgaging, and property transfers
  • Contributed to budget management and ensured all charges were accurate, transparent, and in line with current regulations
  • Promoted compliance and best practice, particularly around consultation processes for major works

Property Manager

HLM Property Management
Exeter, Devon
2018.01 - 2021.03

Dorset-based portfolio of residential blocks and estates managed, delivering day-to-day property management alongside consistent and customer-focused service.

Key responsibilities & achievements:

  • Acted as primary point of contact for leaseholders, clients, and contractors, handling enquiries and resolving issues professionally and punctual
  • Management of varied workload independently, effectively balancing around 10 site visits per week along side travel and office-based responsibilities
  • Coordinated maintenance and repair works, ensuring issues were addressed promptly and to high standards
  • Carried out regular site inspections to maintain property standards and identify potential issues
  • Managed budgets and service charge expenditure, ensuring accuracy and clear communication with clients
  • Built strong working relationships with clients and colleagues, maintaining reliable and approachable service approach

Customer Service - Various

Early Career Experience
Torbay, Devon
2000.07 - 2018.01

Customer-facing roles within retail, banking, and property environments, building strong foundations in customer service, sales, and financial transactions. Developed key skills in communication, cash handling, problem-solving, and working in fast-paced settings.

Roles included:

  • Property Manager - Blenheim's Estate & Asset Mgmt (2008 - 2018)
  • Customer Representative – Nationwide Building Society (2007–2008)
  • Lettings Negotiator – Cosy Lettings (2007)
  • Sales Negotiator – Your Move Marshalls (2006–2007)
  • Sales Assistant – The Link / O2 (2006)
  • Deputy Store Manager – Silver Screen (2005–2006)
  • Supervisor – Virgin Megastore (2002–2005)
  • Trainee – New Look (2000–2002)

Education

Industry Led Professional Qualification - Member

The Property Institute (TPI)
UK
2009.01 -

Industry Led Professional Qualification - Associate

The Property Instatute (TPI)
UK
2008.01 - 2009.01

NVQ Level 2 - Customer Service Apprenticeship

ICCIEB
Devon and Cornwall
2002.02 - 2003.01

NVQ Level 1 - Customer Service Apprenticeship

Institute of Customer Service
Devon and Cornwall
2000.07 - 2001.11

GCSEs - English C / Math C / Science C

St Cuthbert Mayne School
Torquay, Torbay
1995.09 - 2000.07

Skills

  • Computer Proficient, Microsoft Office & Various Business Software Suites
  • Excellent Customer Relations Management & Effective Communicator
  • Excellent Budget Management Skills
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Adaptable to Changing Situations
  • Self-Motivated & Able to Motivate Others
  • Effective Problem-Solving
  • Effective Strategic Planning

Certification

Qualification Obtained:

  • Member (The Property Institute for Property Managers)
  • NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Customers service, IT & Communication, Retail Operations and Administration.

REFERENCES

  • Julie Weaver, Partner, Whitton & Laing, 01392 285050
  • Eleanor Lowman, Regional Homeownership Manager, Sovereign Housing, 0300 5000 926
  • Victoria Skinner, Branch Manager, HLM Property Management, 07929 417 255
  • Rachel Bench, Character Reference, 07949 623 872, dizzydory@hotmail.com

Affiliations

  • Walking & Hiking
  • Shopping
  • Time With My Family in Devon & Cornwall

Timeline

Self-Employed Consultant

Larchfield Asset Management
2024.12 - 2026.04

Estate Manager

Remus Property Services
2023.10 - 2024.12

Block & Estate Manager

Whitton & Laing LLP
2023.01 - 2023.10

Homeownership Property Manager

Sovereign Housing Association Limited
2021.03 - 2023.01

Property Manager

HLM Property Management
2018.01 - 2021.03

Industry Led Professional Qualification - Member

The Property Institute (TPI)
2009.01 -

Industry Led Professional Qualification - Associate

The Property Instatute (TPI)
2008.01 - 2009.01

NVQ Level 2 - Customer Service Apprenticeship

ICCIEB
2002.02 - 2003.01

Customer Service - Various

Early Career Experience
2000.07 - 2018.01

NVQ Level 1 - Customer Service Apprenticeship

Institute of Customer Service
2000.07 - 2001.11

GCSEs - English C / Math C / Science C

St Cuthbert Mayne School
1995.09 - 2000.07
Clare Berryman