Senior Surveyor / Surveyor

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people's lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim: for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long‑lasting social value and economic impact.

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like‑minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work – our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal‑led, privately‑owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.

Avison Young is seeking an individual with a keen interest, experience and knowledge in Facilities Management. Additional experience in procurement, benchmarking, contract and performance management, FM operations, operational readiness and service mobilisation would also be of benefit.

Typical duties will entail:

• Leading the production, co‑ordination and application of high‑value FM Strategy Reviews and Service Audits on behalf of both public and private sector clients.
• Delivery of sustainable business improvements to clients through the implementation of robust FM reviews, procurement strategies and contract documents.
• Supporting the consultancy and procurement team in other fee‑earning activities and internal projects.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering to clients a complete facilities strategy including the development of relevant documentation and management of the process.
• Developing and delivering leading edge solutions to clients in relation to their facilities and property management organisation including:

• The creation of target operating models;
• Standard operating plans;
• Best in class gap analysis;
• Contract and performance management reviews;
• Benchmarking;
• Bottom line improvements;
• Operational readiness, mobilisation and FM design reviews;
• Operational and minor works project support;
• Contractual compliance testing and auditing;
• Advising on procurement solutions;
• Advising clients on facilities management arrangements, and tailoring Service Level Agreements and key performance indicators to help define the scope of works and measure it in action.

No job description can fully represent every issue which may arise within the post and the post holder is expected to carry out other duties from time to time that are broadly consistent with those in this job description.

Qualifications

Technical

• A sound understanding of Facilities Management disciplines and a broad overview of construction / building processes.
• An understanding of procurement strategies and their impact on organisations.
• A working knowledge of mechanical and electrical maintenance and/or 'soft services' commonly found in Facilities Management.
• An appreciation of the different contractual arrangements for outsourcing services.
• An understanding of the importance of risk management in relation to both internal and external stakeholders.

Financial

• Experience of working to set budgets and associated timescales.
• Ability to interpret financial statements.
• Ability to analyse cost proposals and use IT to produce formulas and charts to quantify results.

Planning & Organisation

• Strong problem‑solving skills, identifying issues and forming hypotheses.
• Able to absorb information and learn new techniques quickly.
• Formulation and implementation of recommendations/solutions.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines and utilise resources effectively.
• Flexibility to client and internal requirements; prioritisation of workload.

Leadership/Management

• A sound understanding of management practices and multi‑functional team development techniques.
• Experience in the management and development of suppliers and bidding parties.
• A collaborative approach in the management of the client, colleagues and third parties.
• The ability to put team and client objectives before personal objectives and other considerations.
• Ability to build excellent relationships, internally and externally.
• Ability to listen and receive constructive criticism, acting upon any specific feedback.
• Regularly review and meet/exceed service levels and standards identified.

Communication

• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels within organisations.
• The ability to take a brief or idea and through interviewing/questioning develop that brief to shape and frame the problem or issue.
• Excellent written communication skills, with well‑structured reports, presentations and general correspondence.
• Ability to give and receive clear formal instructions.
• Ability to apply discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Respond constructively in times of conflict/disagreement.

Qualifications & Experience

As well as being a successful FM manager / consultant, you will also have the following qualifications and experience:

• A detailed career history in facilities management delivery at a managerial or consultancy level, and / or in a business development capacity.
• Hold professional qualifications in FM or similar built environment discipline or be a qualified member of a recognised relevant professional body with professional / chartered status.
• Expert knowledge of the FM market, and good understanding of adjacent related sectors.
• Strong capabilities in business development, and a proven track record in winning consultancy work.
• In depth knowledge of FM standards, legislation and H&S with regards to hard and / or soft FM services.
• Demonstrably strong experience of FM contract administration and management.
• Experience of working in the public and private sector on stand‑alone schemes and on frameworks.

Essential

• Degree educated.
• Good written and verbal English.
• Good report writing skills.
• Numerate.
• Strong knowledge of and capability with a range of Microsoft Office packages including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Project.
• Good people skills.
• Able to manage data with good analytical skills.
• Methodical in approach and thinking.
• Flexibility to travel and meeting deadlines.
• Some facilities services experience.

Desirable

• Client facing work experience.
• Professional practice experience.

Equal Opportunities

At Avison Young, we’ve always put people at the heart of what we do. In the last few years, we’ve increased the diversity at our board, leadership and Principal levels. Avison Young stands out for our commitment to empowering women. In addition to increasing the number of women on our board and in our leadership ranks, our internal Women’s Network of more than 500 members come together for networking and learning, and advise the business on strategies for promoting access, opportunity and inclusion in our industry. Our global DEI steering committee shapes our strategy to continue to increase industry access for under‑represented groups and accelerating initiatives led by our employee resource groups, including our Women’s Network, Black Professionals and LGBTQ+ groups. In addition to leading global initiatives, the steering committee’s work examines our policies and practices, creating accountability for results and communicating progress to our executive leadership, our clients and our communities.

Our culture is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion, and well‑being. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that:

• Empowers all our employees to thrive,
• Reflects all backgrounds and talents,
• Allows individuals to be successful and feel a sense of belonging,
• And foster a workplace that is supported, inclusive and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance under‑represented communities in commercial real estate careers.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme please contact us at.

We are committed to inclusion in our hiring processes, and we want to give everyone a chance to show what they can bring to our organisation. If you are not sure that you have all the skills in the person specification, please still apply. We value passion and potential in our employees, so it would be great to hear from you and why you would suit this position.

Some of our roles may be remote and some roles may be specific to our offices, but you will need to confirm you have the right to work in the UK.