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- Tasks: Manage and deliver complex portfolios of surplus assets to unlock value and reduce costs.
- Company: Join one of the UK’s biggest charities dedicated to caring for waterways.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car cash allowance, pension scheme, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for future generations while working with diverse assets.
- Qualifications: RICS qualified with 5+ years in managing complex asset portfolios.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the Trust
We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Along with our waterways, we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
The Trust holds several legacy assets that do not directly support its core charitable purpose and generate limited operational or commercial return. These non-core assets carry ongoing maintenance, compliance and reputational exposure and require active management. The purpose of this role is to provide estates and property expertise to reduce asset liability exposure, improve financial resilience and enable selective investment to unlock disposal of non-core legacy assets. The role will reside in a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to this project and will include Legal and Project Management professionals. Examples of non-core legacy assets include vacant buildings, surplus docks, unadopted roads, bridges, river structures, jetties and surplus reservoirs.
This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required. Regular travel across our network will be required. A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
Role Overview
You will manage and deliver a complex portfolio of surplus assets, driving value through appraisal, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement to progress high‑value transactions efficiently to completion.
Key responsibilities
- Manage and deliver a complex and diverse caseload of surplus non-core legacy assets with a view to releasing value and/or reducing cost through capital investment or disposal.
- Asset valuation and commercial appraisal.
- Review & analysis of complex property and legal issues.
- Preparation & negotiation of disposal terms.
- Management & preparation of Designated Adviser Reports to comply with Charities Act.
- Significant stakeholder and market engagement.
- Supporting financial modelling and viability assessment.
- Presenting issues, solutions and recommendations in a clear and succinct format.
- Focus on progressing transactions at pace to completion.
About You
You will bring a strong track record in managing complex asset portfolios, delivering value through disposals, and leading high‑value transactions from appraisal to completion.
Skills & Qualifications
- RICS qualified with a minimum of 5 years’ post‑qualification experience.
- Experience managing infrastructure or development‑related projects.
- Proven ability to analyse, structure, and deliver complex, high‑value commercial property transactions within strict timescales.
- Strong estate management expertise, including preparing and analysing cash‑flow models and interpreting complex legal documentation.
- Ability to manage and oversee a range of professional consultants (e.g. valuers, chartered surveyors, legal advisors).
- Full driving licence.
- Self‑starter with the ability to deliver challenging outcomes to tight deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills across all organisational levels.
- Effective negotiation, influencing, and project management skills.
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
In addition to your annual base salary of c.£55,000, we also offer Car Cash Allowance (£450 per month), a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive.
We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community. We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes. All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers.
Principal Estates Surveyor, Infrastructure in England employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Estates Surveyor, Infrastructure in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the Canal & River Trust. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about their work. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's projects and values. Show us that you’re passionate about our waterways and how your skills can contribute to our mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with complex asset management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves managing high-value transactions, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently is key. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference for future generations.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Estates Surveyor, Infrastructure in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Estates Surveyor role. Highlight your experience with managing complex asset portfolios and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve delivered value through disposals or managed high-value transactions. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to present your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Canal & River Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Assets
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the types of surplus non-core legacy assets the Trust manages. Familiarise yourself with examples like vacant buildings and surplus docks. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise in asset management and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've successfully negotiated high-value transactions. Think about the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved. This will highlight your ability to drive value through appraisal and negotiation, which is crucial for this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience in stakeholder engagement. Consider how you've managed relationships with various professionals, such as valuers and legal advisors. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your collaborative approach and ability to navigate complex property issues.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting complex information in a clear and succinct manner. You might be asked to explain your thought process on financial modelling or legal documentation. Being able to articulate your ideas effectively will demonstrate your strong communication skills, which are essential for this role.