Senior Surveyor/Associate | Compulsory Purchase & Compensation

Who are we

Founded in 1896, Knight Frank is one of the world’s leading independent real estate consultancies. We work responsibly in partnership to enhance people’s lives and environments in over 50 markets, 600+ offices, and 20,000+ people. At the heart of all we do are our clients. A relationship built on trust is vital. As trusted partners in property, we act with integrity and care, understanding our clients’ unique needs and consistently thinking about the bigger picture to provide personalised, clear and considered advice across all areas of property.

About The Role

We are looking for a Senior Surveyor or Associate to join our CPO team. You will support and lead on a wide variety of compulsory purchase, land acquisition and compensation matters, undertaking valuation and advisory work, negotiating with acquiring authorities, preparing evidence, and delivering high-quality client service. This role offers the opportunity to work with some of the most technically demanding CPO infrastructure compensation claims across the UK. The role suits someone who enjoys complex problem-solving, detailed analysis, client-facing work and managing multifaceted instructions from start to finish.

What the role will entail

• Act as a key adviser to clients affected by and promoting infrastructure and statutory schemes across the country, including railway, highway schemes, utilities, flood defence and major development projects.
• Provide expert support to Knight Frank clients across Rural Residential and Commercial disciplines.
• Support and lead on all stages of the CPO lifecycle, including early scheme engagement, access/licence negotiations, temporary possession, land acquisition, valuation, compensation assessment and settlement strategy.
• Drafting and agreeing Heads of Terms for purchase in the shadow of Compulsory Purchase.
• Preparing and negotiating compensation claims including Property Valuations, assessment of Disturbance losses and other claims under the Compensation Code.
• Assist with expert witness and evidence preparation, including preparing evidence for CPO and DCO Public Inquiries, drafting valuation sections and technical appendices for ADR and the Upper Tribunal.
• Contribute to project tenders, new business opportunities and internal collaborations.
• Prepare and deliver clear reporting and expert advice for clients.
• Work with other advisors including Solicitors, Barristers and Accountants.

What you will be responsible for

• Managing a caseload of CPO and compensation matters to time and quality standards.
• Undertaking inspections, evidence gathering and valuation work across rural, residential, commercial and development land.
• Preparing structured advice, valuation assessments and negotiation strategies.
• Leading negotiation with acquiring authorities, their agents and solicitors.
• Preparing documents for ADR, Public Inquiry, mediation and Tribunal where required.
• Maintaining accurate time recording and financial control to support fee recovery and audit requirements.
• Building excellent relationships with clients, lawyers, accountants and stakeholders within acquiring authorities.
• Assisting Partners with strategic case management and wider team development.
• Taking part in Business Development for the department and wider firm.

What experience you will need

• MRICS qualification (Rural, Commercial, Valuation or similar).
• FAAV qualification (desirable, but not essential).
• Experience within rural practice, valuation, infrastructure advisory, compulsory purchase, land assembly or compensation – or a strong desire to specialise in this discipline from a Rural Commercial or Valuation background.
• Strong analytical skills and high technical competence in valuation and report writing.
• Ability to interpret legislation, statutory notices and practical implications of the Compensation Code.
• Confident communicator and negotiator able to support clients through sensitive and high-stakes situations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Commitment to Knight Frank’s standards of professionalism, confidentiality and client care.

What You Will Bring to Knight Frank

• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively with senior colleagues.
• Enthusiasm to develop a specialist career in CPO & Compensation.
• High levels of integrity, accuracy and professional judgement.
• A desire to contribute to the continued growth of Knight Frank’s CPO practice.
• A desire to progress to Partnership and management responsibility.

What you need to know

• Working Hours – 9:00am to 5:30 Monday to Friday.
• Location – Wantage (with national travel as required).
• Contract Type – Permanent.
• Eligible for dynamic working – Yes.
• CDF Level – Senior Specialist / Associate.

Competitive salary