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- Tasks: Lead the management of a diverse commercial property portfolio and drive asset performance.
- Company: Cambridge City Council, a vibrant and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a historic city while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: MRICS-qualified with at least 3 years of experience in commercial property management.
- Other info: Flexible work location options and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 52413 £ per year.
Cambridge City Council is seeking a chartered surveyor to lead on the management and performance of its diverse commercial and corporate estate. The portfolio includes shops, offices, industrial and investment assets supporting council services and the Cambridge economy.
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.
We’re looking for an 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.
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. Due to the nature of this position, you will need to be able to travel around the city by car.
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.
If you would like an informal chat, please contact Philip Taylor on 01223 457431 or email philip.taylor@cambridge.gov.uk
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 in Cambridge 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 in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the property sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 council's current projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities listed there, so keep checking back regularly!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Property Surveyor in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in managing commercial property portfolios. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Property Surveyor, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be advising senior officers and councillors, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex advice clearly. Use examples in your application that reflect your confidence in this area, as it’s a key part of the job.
Highlight Leadership Experience: As you’ll be line-managing a Property Surveyor and mentoring others, make sure to include any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide a team, so share your experiences in managing staff effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Cambridge City Council. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Know Your Portfolio
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding Cambridge City Council's commercial portfolio. Familiarise yourself with the types of properties they manage and any recent developments or challenges in the area. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨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 driven asset performance. Tailor your stories to highlight skills that align with what the council is looking for.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Principal Property Surveyor, you'll need to communicate complex advice effectively. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on clarity and confidence when discussing your past experiences and how they relate to the council's needs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the council’s future plans for the commercial estate or how they measure success in asset management. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
