Business Rates Manager - Commercial Property
London City | Hybrid
A long-established property investor and landlord is looking for a business rates specialist to take charge of its rates position. The business owns and manages a multi-let commercial estate across the UK and works closely with its occupiers, so keeping property costs fair and accurate is central to how it operates.
Why this role exists
Rates are one of the biggest fixed costs across the estate, and the business wants a dedicated in-house expert to own them end to end. You'll set the direction for how rates are handled, decide where to challenge, and make sure nothing is being paid that shouldn't be. It's a hands-on role with genuine influence, rather than a processing job.
Your remit
Strategy and savings. You'll scrutinise rateable values, bills and assessments to find where money can be saved, and lead checks, challenges, appeals and negotiations when a valuation looks wrong. You'll also advise on the rates consequences of empty units, tenant changes, refurbishment and development projects before decisions are made.
Stakeholders and advisors. You'll be the business's main contact for the VOA and billing authorities, and you'll direct the work of external rating agents and valuers, holding them to account for results.
Data, reporting and control. You'll keep rating records clean and current, track spend against budget, feed into the annual forecast, and give senior leaders clear reporting on exposure, risk and opportunity. You'll also put sensible governance and controls around the whole process.
Horizon scanning. Revaluations, reform and policy shifts will land on your desk first. You'll assess their impact and explain what they mean to colleagues in finance, asset management, property management and leasing.
What you'll need
You'll have spent a good part of your career working in business rates within commercial property, whether in-house or on the consultancy side. You'll be confident with every part of the system, from valuation and multipliers to reliefs, appeals and billing, and you'll have dealt directly with the VOA and local authorities. You'll have run appeals and negotiations yourself, managed external advisors, and been through at least one major change to the rating regime.
Just as important is how you work. You're comfortable digging into large property data sets to spot errors and opportunities, you can explain technical issues in plain English to people who aren't specialists, and you're happy to question how things have always been done. You'll balance several priorities at once without losing sight of detail.
A professional qualification (such as RICS or IRRV), experience with rating or property management software, or a background in a multi-let portfolio would all be a plus.
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Business Rates Manager employer: DeverellSmith Group
Our client is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant area of South Kensington, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises high-quality service and employee development. With a strong focus on fostering relationships and providing support for professional growth, employees benefit from a collaborative culture and opportunities to enhance their skills, including potential qualifications in property management. The competitive salary package, along with bonuses and a supportive team atmosphere, makes this role a rewarding opportunity for experienced property professionals.
