Estate Surveyor in London

Location: Civic Centre, London Rd, Morden SM4 5DX, Hybrid Working

Type: Initial 3 months contract

Responsible to: Property Management and Review Manager.

Main Purpose:

• To provide a comprehensive estates management, valuation and property advice service to the Council, including management, disposal and acquisition of all types of property.
• To undertake effective management of the Council’s (non-housing) property portfolio to the best advantage in both use and financial terms.
• To provide development and general property advice to other departments and Member forums of the Council.
• To advise on all aspects of property management and valuation concerning property held on or managed by the Council to client departments and the Council.

Responsibilities:

• To provide inputs into the valuation exercises.
• To ensure covenant conditions on properties are met.
• To maintain and update records regarding Council owned properties.
• To carry out project work related to the submission of planning applications.
• To inspect the Council’s (non-housing) properties as required and to advise senior officers on condition and possible maintenance needs.
• To provide background information necessary for negotiation purposes on estate management issues.
• To assist in the preparation of rental assessments and reviews.
• To respond to correspondence as required.
• To carry out general estate management functions with minimum supervision.
• To grant and renew leases and carry out rent review negotiations for all types of properties and in the event of a dispute the preparation and presentation of evidence for determination by an Arbitrator or expert.
• To negotiate terms and charges for easements, way leaves, licences, etc. in respect of Council Land.
• The disposal, on freehold basis or by means of a long lease, of land and property surplus to the Council’s requirements.
• The acquisition of land or buildings to meet the requirements of service departments under compulsory purchase powers or by agreement and the preparation of financial estimates for the acquisition of such premises.
• To prepare general valuation advice and advising on the viability of development proposals particularly in relation to commercial redevelopment projects.
• Assistance in updating reviewing and carrying out valuations in connection with the Council’s Asset Register.
• Assisting with updating the Section’s property records.
• Preparation of requests for both officer and Member meetings.
• To comment on and advise on planning applications and briefs related to Council owned land relating to complex cases.
• To develop a lead officer role, in relation to one or more aspects of the section’s work as required.
• To maintain an awareness of legislation and regulations relevant to the sections work and to ensure that staff are familiarised with them.
• To assist appropriate senior officer/s in project plans etc.
• To supervise staff temporally allocated to the service area.
• To assist in the training of other staff.
• To assist senior officer/s in the general management of the section.
• To represent the section in corporate/departmental working parties.
• To manage/undertake complex development proposals related to Council owned land or property.
• To verify valuations and reports in the absence of senior officer/s.
• To deputise for senior officer/s at team meetings.
• To allocate new team members of the section, in the absence of senior officer/s.
• To participate in internal working groups/working parties at the instructions of the Property Management and Review Manager.
• To oversee budget control for the management portfolio and projects allocated to the post holder.
• To decide on appropriate actions in relation to complex/sensitive tasks in the absence of senior officer/s.
• To attend Court representing the Council as may be required.
• To ensure that corporate and departmental health and safety policies are implemented at all times and to raise any concerns regarding their operational or any other health and safety matters with the appropriate line manager.
• To carry out all duties in accordance with the Council’s Corporate Policies covering Equal Opportunities and customer care.
• To use office technology as required.
• To manage processes in the best interest of the Council and in accordance with professional and legislative practices.

Person Specification:

Qualifications/Training:

• To be an Associate or Fellow Member of RICS.
• Evidence of continuous professional development which reflects commitment to effective property management in a large organisation.

Experience:

• Demonstrable track record in relation to property lettings, acquisitions and disposals, valuations, rating, compulsory purchase and compensation - ideally gained in a local authority context.
• Experience of negotiating and influencing successful outcomes with a wide range of parties.
• Proven track record of improving outcomes for the service area.
• Substantial experience of the provision of timely and accurate professional advice on complex land and property issues.
• Experience of operating at a senior level both within a local authority or other large, complex organisation and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritise, plan and organise own workload to meet conflicting priorities, targets and deadlines.
• Ability to accurately maintain computer based information on spreadsheets and database packages.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of all relevant statutory requirements, RICS Codes of Practice, procedures and regulatory requirements relating to the service area(s) including Compulsory Purchase, Rating, and Asset Valuations.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of valuation methodologies and standards.
• The ability to work corporately and with multi-disciplinary teams at senior level.
• The ability to analyse complex land issues, presenting conclusions and available options in a clear and concise manner, either verbally or in writing, to senior officers and members.
• The ability to proactively develop and maintain effective professional relationships with key stakeholders including other Council departments, commercial tenants, developers and landowners.
• A thorough knowledge of the commercial property sector/s.