A professional strata manager (sometimes called a body corporate manager) is engaged under a written agency agreement and acts on instructions from the owners corporation and committee. They don't 'own' or 'control' the building — owners do. The manager's job is to make sure the scheme runs smoothly, transparently and legally.

Typical responsibilities include: issuing levy notices, banking and reconciling the scheme's funds, preparing budgets and financial statements, arranging the strata insurance policy, getting quotes for maintenance and repairs, organising AGMs and committee meetings, keeping the strata roll and records, and providing disclosure certificates when lots are sold.