Rural Associate / Partner (CPO) - Cambridge/Oxford/Norwich

Are you a talented, driven Rural Surveyor with CPO experience looking for your next exciting move? Are you looking to join a passionate and welcoming team and to be part of a highly reputable, leading firm? Due to continued growth and success, we have a fantastic newly created opportunity for a qualified Rural Associate or Partner to join our Rural Private Estates Team and work on exciting projects with great clients. This role will specialise in areas of Compulsory Purchase and professional work. The role can be based in either our Cambridge, Oxford or Norwich office.

The Rural team at Bidwells manages, consults, and offers strategic advice on over a million acres of farmland and estates across the country, working with some of the UK's top-performing rural businesses and landowners including Cambridge and Oxford colleges, pension funds, charities, companies and financial institutions. The team specialise in estate and farm strategy and management, professional work, diversification, rural agency, and natural capital and biodiversity net gain. We pride ourselves on the progression and development we offer our people and within Rural, this is no exception.

Role Overview

As a productive and profitable fee earner, this Rural Associate/Partner will advise and represent landowners affected by compulsory purchase and infrastructure projects (including transport, energy and utilities), ensuring clients receive appropriate compensation and professional guidance throughout the acquisition process. The role involves negotiating settlements, managing claims, and providing strategic advice across the lifecycle of compulsory purchase schemes, including early engagement, statutory processes and post‑acquisition compensation.

Responsibilities

• Be a principal contact and adviser for clients and act for private landowners, estates, farmers and businesses affected by compulsory acquisition or related statutory procedures.
• Provide clear advice on rights under compulsory purchase legislation, including compensation entitlements and procedural matters.
• Manage a portfolio of cases from initial scheme announcement through to claim settlement.
• Work alongside planners, solicitors, valuers and environmental specialists.
• Liaise with other teams to support client strategy and aims.
• Develop and maintain regular contact with clients to build and sustain long‑term trusted relationships.
• Support business development activity including identifying new opportunities arising from infrastructure schemes; building professional relationships with landowners, agents, solicitors and peers; supporting tenders and pitches; seeking cross‑selling opportunities for other Bidwells’ services; and targeting new prospects and existing clients for new professional instructions.
• Be responsible for the profitability and management of instructions undertaken, particularly concentrating on time and efficiency of delivery of work.
• Be a subject‑matter expert and provide sound, accurate advice and knowledge.

Qualifications

• Qualified with a strong understanding of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) compensation principles and processes.
• Able to interpret plans, legal documents and statutory orders.
• Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills; strong analytical and report‑writing capabilities.
• Commercial awareness and ability to identify value for clients.
• Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office package; numerate and competent in use of spreadsheets and other applications.
• Excellent organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail; friendly and professional approach; demonstrable team player.
• Able to prioritise and deal with competing deadlines and workload.
• Strong people skills with an ability to communicate via a number of mediums at all levels of the business.

Why Bidwells?

Bidwells is a private, independent partnership with an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture. As a certified B Corporation (B‑Corp), we are dedicated to using our business as a force for good, driving innovation, and creating long‑term value for our clients, communities and the environment.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary – generous salary and group bonus scheme. As a Real Living Wage employer, we’re committed to fair pay that reflects the true cost of living.
• Comprehensive Benefits – up to 8 % matched pension, 28 days holiday (plus bank holidays) as a minimum, birthday off work, a wellness day, paid sabbaticals, private medical cover, medicash plan, lifestyle discounts and perks.
• Professional Development – continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities.
• Innovative Culture – be part of a forward‑thinking team at the forefront of industry trends.
• Family Friendly – enhanced family leave policies to support individuals.
• Work‑Life Balance – agile working from day one.

Bidwells is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive culture of belonging, where everyone can thrive and succeed as their true and authentic selves at every level. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief. Flexible working requests are considered from day one.