We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Business Rates Surveyor to lead the internal business rates strategy across a multi-billion-pound commercial property portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team and develop your career within a leading property company. You will play a key role in advising on business rates liabilities, appeals, and strategic cost-saving opportunities.
The role is full time, permanent and based in the office/on site.
Flexibility with travelling to sites is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Advisory: Provide expert rating advice to Property, Development, and Asset Management teams regarding acquisitions, major refurbishments, and vacant space strategies.
- Empty Space Mitigation: Design and execute advanced, compliant empty property rate mitigation schemes across large-scale retail, office, or industrial vacancies.
- Rate Appeals & Reductions Identify opportunities for business rate appeals, challenge assessments and with the Valuation Office and negotiate reductions where relevant.
- Valuation & Analysis conducting property valuations for business rates purposes and assessing the impact of rating revaluations on property portfolios.
- Overseeing Compliance & Regulations ensuring adherence to all relevant legislation, including the Local Government Finance Act and Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regulations / Duty to Notify.
- Engaging with local councils and other governing bodies to resolve business rates and BID issues.
- Proven track record of negotiating successfully with VOA case officers and local authority billing teams.
- Conducting regular reviews of property portfolios to ensure accurate business rates assessments and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Preparing detailed reports, financial analysis, and case files for clients, ensuring clarity and accuracy in all assessments.
- Working alongside colleagues in Property Management, valuation, and legal teams to provide a fully encompassed client service.
What you'll need to succeed:
- MRICS Qualified
- Minimum of 3-10 years’ experience in business rates advisory, commercial property valuation, or related fields. Valuation Tribunal experience.
- In-depth knowledge of current and upcoming Revaluation lists, statutory lease forms, and transitional relief mechanics..
- Ability to assess complex business rate calculations and identify opportunities for reductions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with clients and authorities.
- Competency in property management and rating software, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
- A proactive and strategic approach to business rates challenges and cost-saving initiatives.
Company Benefits
- Private healthcare post-probation
- Market Competitive Salary
- Pension - 3% employer / 5% employee
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Birthday off post-probation
- Option to buy up to 5 additional days’ leave, available after 3 month probation.
- £1,000 referral bonus which is available after probation.
- Company sick pay – 5 days sick pay in a calendar year available after probation
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free parking
- Free flu jabs
This exciting opportunity empowers you to make a tangible impact within the property sector while developing your expertise in business rates. If you are interested in this role and you want to be part of a successful team then click 'Apply ' and send us your up to date CV .
Inclusion and Diversity
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity throughout the process.
Business Rates Surveyor in Preston employer: FI Property Group
As a leading commercial property company, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Joining our award-winning marketing team as a Junior Marketing Executive offers you the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals in a supportive environment, where your contributions are valued and recognised. With competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for fast-tracked promotion, we are committed to creating exceptional spaces not just for our clients, but also for our employees in the vibrant North-West region.
