MRICS -Principal Development Surveyor

Principal Development Surveyor Local Authority - Strategic Property Services Grade 13 | Full-Time
Are you an experienced property professional looking to shape the future of a diverse and high‑value public‑sector estate? We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Development Surveyor to lead the proactive management, optimisation and performance of a significant property portfolio.

The organisation manages commercial, rural and operational assets held across multiple sectors, including offices, industrial and distribution premises, development land and a rural estate. Proactive asset management is essential to drive value, achieve the best consideration under s123 of the Local Government Act 1972, and support wider service delivery.

This role is central to ensuring the portfolio performs at its best - enhancing income streams, reducing occupancy costs, and delivering sound investment decisions through rigorous financial and commercial analysis.
About the Role As Principal Development Surveyor, you will manage a varied day‑to‑day caseload of asset management activity across the commercial, development and operational portfolios. You will develop strategies, lead negotiations, advise senior stakeholders and ensure that all statutory and governance requirements relating to property assets are met to the highest professional standards.

You will work across a wide range of asset types, contribute to corporate asset planning, and play a key role in shaping long‑term investment and development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities In this role, you will:

Develop and deliver asset management and investment strategies, identifying under‑performing or surplus assets and recommending value‑add or disposal actions.
Undertake robust financial and commercial appraisals for lettings, rent reviews, renewals, refurbishments and development opportunities.
Lead commercial negotiations with stakeholders, partners, developers and external agents to secure the best outcomes.
Commission and oversee external property and legal advisors to ensure high‑quality work delivered in line with organisational procedures.
Ensure all statutory and legal obligations are met across the portfolio, including compliance, consents and agreements for building works.
Provide valuation and strategic asset management advice on retention, disposal, development and potential investment opportunities.
Promote best practice in asset management and support the development of policies, processes and professional standards.
Ensure sound governance of property decisions and represent the organisation at internal and external meetings.
Prepare high‑quality reports and recommendations for internal groups, stakeholders and external bodies.
Contribute to the annual property reports, Corporate Asset Management Plan and other strategic plans.
Maintain accurate and timely management information using systems such as AMS, CAD and GIS.
Ensure all work complies with organisational policies, including health & safety, statutory compliance and energy‑efficiency initiatives.
Protect and manage information securely and report any possible breaches promptly.
Demonstrate commitment to organisational values including equality, diversity and inclusion.
About You Essential qualifications and experience:

Degree (or equivalent) in Real Estate or a related field.
Full MRICS professional membership.
Significant post‑qualification experience across asset and estate management for a range of land and property types.
Strong understanding of Landlord & Tenant matters, valuation, negotiation and property law.
Experience analysing investment markets, trends and financial data.
Proven ability to advise on investment acquisitions, development appraisals and asset performance.
Experience commissioning and managing external agents and solicitors.
Experience valuing a broad range of property types.
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to prepare budgets, forecasts and spending profiles.
Good understanding of construction‑related matters.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and lead.
Strong organisational and time‑management skills.

Desirable:

Previous experience working within local government or a similar public‑sector environment.

What you'll get in return
£49-£5300 Salary
Hybrid and flexible working (3 days WFH)
Local Authority pension Scheme
Generous annual leave
Employee benefit scheme

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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