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
12.2024 - 04.2026

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
10.2023 - 12.2024

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
01.2023 - 10.2023

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
03.2021 - 01.2023

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
01.2018 - 03.2021

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
07.2000 - 01.2018

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
01.2009 -

Industry Led Professional Qualification - Associate

The Property Instatute (TPI)
UK
01.2008 - 01.2009

NVQ Level 2 - Customer Service Apprenticeship

ICCIEB
Devon and Cornwall
02.2002 - 01.2003

NVQ Level 1 - Customer Service Apprenticeship

Institute of Customer Service
Devon and Cornwall
07.2000 - 11.2001

GCSEs - English C / Math C / Science C

St Cuthbert Mayne School
Torquay, Torbay
09.1995 - 07.2000

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
12.2024 - 04.2026

Estate Manager

Remus Property Services
10.2023 - 12.2024

Block & Estate Manager

Whitton & Laing LLP
01.2023 - 10.2023

Homeownership Property Manager

Sovereign Housing Association Limited
03.2021 - 01.2023

Property Manager

HLM Property Management
01.2018 - 03.2021

Industry Led Professional Qualification - Member

The Property Institute (TPI)
01.2009 -

Industry Led Professional Qualification - Associate

The Property Instatute (TPI)
01.2008 - 01.2009

NVQ Level 2 - Customer Service Apprenticeship

ICCIEB
02.2002 - 01.2003

Customer Service - Various

Early Career Experience
07.2000 - 01.2018

NVQ Level 1 - Customer Service Apprenticeship

Institute of Customer Service
07.2000 - 11.2001

GCSEs - English C / Math C / Science C

St Cuthbert Mayne School
09.1995 - 07.2000
Clare Berryman