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- Tasks: Lead the management of a diverse commercial property portfolio and drive asset performance.
- Company: Join Cambridge City Council, a forward-thinking local authority in a vibrant city.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Cambridge's property assets while making a real community impact.
- Qualifications: MRICS-qualified with experience in managing commercial property portfolios.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 52413 £ per year.
Are you an experienced property surveyor with the drive to shape one of the most high-profile local authority property portfolios in the UK? Cambridge City Council is seeking a chartered surveyor to lead on the management and performance of its diverse commercial and corporate estate. From shops and offices to industrial and investment assets, our portfolio is critical to supporting council services and the wider Cambridge economy.
About the role
As Principal Property Surveyor you will:
- Report to the Chief Property Surveyor
- Deliver proactive day-to-day estate management across the commercial portfolio
- Lead lease negotiations, rent reviews, renewals and restructures
- Drive asset performance and income
- Support acquisitions, disposals and valuations
- Line-manage a Property Surveyor and mentor surveyors-in-training
- Help shape the Council’s General Fund Asset Management Plan
You’ll also act as a trusted advisor to senior officers and councillors, ensuring high-quality professional advice that aligns with corporate priorities and community outcomes.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a MRICS-qualified surveyor with:
- Minimum 3 years post qualification experience
- Experience managing commercial property portfolios in the public or private sector
- Strong skills in landlord & tenant work, valuation and asset planning
- Confidence in communicating complex advice to a range of audiences
- A track record of managing staff, cases and budgets effectively
- Commercial acumen combined with public service values
A driving licence or the ability to travel to sites across the city is essential.
Why join us?
You’ll be working at the heart of a vibrant, historic and fast-changing city with one of the most ambitious local authorities in the country. If you're ready to lead a high-performing team and help Cambridge make the most of its property assets, we’d love to hear from you.
What we can offer:
- A variety of learning and development opportunities via a range of sources and methods
- Access to the highly valued Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme
- Agile and Flexible working
- Annual leave purchasing scheme
- Annually negotiated pay and award progression
- Confidential advice and support via an Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Family friendly policies
- Flexible Bank Holidays
- Free swimming at CCC swimming pools
- Generous annual leave allowance 25 days’ per annum, rising to 30 days’ after five years continuous service; plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Gym Membership salary sacrifice scheme
- Home & Electronics salary sacrifice scheme
- Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more
- Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role
- Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases
- Staff reward and recognition framework- including annual staff awards ceremony
- Subsidy for public transport
- Your Care dynamic wellbeing platform
Hours: This is a full-time role, for 37 hours per week. Although the role is advertised as full time, if you believe you have the skills and experience to join us and would like to discuss different working patterns, please do get in touch.
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £47,181 - £52,413 per annum (City Pay Band 7), pro rata for part time.
Location: This is flexible – working in Cambridge on site or at one of our offices or working from home. You will be able to balance your work location accordingly.
Application Process: To be considered for this role, please click ‘Apply Online’ and submit an application. If you are an internal candidate you can apply by logging in to your Employee Self-Serve (ESS) and access the ‘Useful Links’ (top right of the dashboard, under the person icon) and click on ‘CCC Job Opportunities’. Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Principal Property Surveyor - Cambridge in Houghton employer: Cambridge City Council
Contact Detail:
Cambridge City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Property Surveyor - Cambridge in Houghton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with Cambridge City Council's property portfolio and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your qualifications and experiences succinctly. Highlight your MRICS status and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage commercial properties effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Cambridge City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Property Surveyor - Cambridge in Houghton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Property Surveyor role. Highlight your experience in managing commercial property portfolios and any relevant qualifications, like your MRICS status. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s successful lease negotiations or asset performance improvements, we love to see quantifiable results that show you mean business!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values, which can help you tailor your application even further.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Know Your Portfolio
Before the interview, take some time to research Cambridge City Council's property portfolio. Familiarise yourself with the types of properties they manage and any recent developments or challenges they've faced. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your post-qualification experience in detail. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed commercial property portfolios, handled lease negotiations, or improved asset performance. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Principal Property Surveyor, you'll need to convey complex information to various stakeholders. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on clarity and confidence in your communication to showcase your ability to advise senior officers and councillors effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since you'll be line-managing a Property Surveyor and mentoring trainees, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've managed teams, supported staff development, and fostered a collaborative environment. This will illustrate your capability to lead a high-performing team.