Senior Surveyor – Business Rates (WSP GL Hearn) in Birmingham

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role

The Rating team at WSP GL Hearn is a highly skilled and specialised group dedicated to providing exceptional rating services to clients in the commercial real estate sector. With an in-depth understanding of the complex rating landscape, our team combines extensive industry knowledge with strategic insights to deliver accurate and insightful assessments. We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate changing regulations and market conditions, providing clients with the expertise they need to optimise their property portfolios and minimise their tax liabilities. With a proven track record of excellence and a commitment to delivering results, the Rating team at WSP GL Hearn is the trusted partner that clients turn to for comprehensive and reliable rating services.

• Regular contact with our clients to identify appeal opportunities and formulate appeal strategies for the current rating list.
• Execute Check Challenge Appeal (CCA) for a variety of property types and keep the client clearly informed as to the outcomes and options available.
• Look to develop and maintain client relationships, including attendance at client meetings and calls.
• Carry out site visits as required, as part of providing overall strategic business rates advice.
• Meet all KPIs as set out in Client Contracts and Service Level Agreements to agreed deadlines and to standards agreed with the Client Director and Line Manager.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• RICS qualification and have a good understanding of the complexities of the Business Rates System and able to discuss topical matters with the client.
• Detailed knowledge of the valuation approach for bulk class properties to be able to execute Check Challenge Appeal (CCA) in a professional manner.
• Working knowledge of business rate legislation and case law and able to explain this clearly to clients and junior colleagues.
• Good interpersonal skills in dealings with clients and colleagues.
• Excellent negotiating and reasoning skills when dealing with the Valuation Office Agency utilising knowledge valuation assumptions and case law to support their argument.
• An understanding of the importance of accuracy, timeliness, and presentation in client reporting.
• Sound financial and numeracy skills which demonstrate accuracy and financial priority.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s In It For You?

• Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.