Graduate Surveyor

Job Description

Job title: Graduate Surveyor
Department: Estates
Reporting to: Senior Surveyor
Grade: 9
Salary: £35,305 per annum
Base: Gravesend, Kent. There will be an expectation to work in the London City Office at least once a week and some working from home.
Closing date: Friday 28 February

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Are you a motivated and driven graduate looking to begin your career in property as a Surveyor?

We are looking for an enthusiastic Graduate Surveyor to join our Estates Department at the Port of London Authority (PLA). This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to develop their skills in property in a diverse and large portfolio, working towards becoming a fully qualified Chartered Surveyor.

We are looking for a proactive, highly motivated individual who is eager to develop their career in surveying. The ideal candidate will be someone who can take initiative, communicate effectively, and work well within a team. The ability to think creatively, stay organised, and show attention to detail is essential.

Who we are:

The PLA is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames, home to the UK’s biggest port and busiest inland waterway. The PLA is a self-financing Public Trust with responsibility for administering the UK’s premier port, maintaining the safety of navigation throughout its limits and for the conservancy of 95 miles of the tidal River Thames.

The river is set to play a key role in the UK’s move towards a Net Zero economy and in transforming urban logistics too. The opportunities for the future are captured in the updated Thames Vision 2050, which has themes of Trading Thames, Destination Thames and Natural Thames. The priorities for action are safety, Net Zero transition, resilience, technological changes, access and inclusion.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the PLA at a time of growth and transformation, with the Vision setting a clear path for future development.

The Role:

As a Graduate Surveyor, you will provide vital support to the Senior Surveyor and the Head of Property in managing the PLA’s diverse property portfolio and landholdings. Your role will include property inspections, report preparation, valuation tasks, and liaising with key internal and external stakeholders, including tenants, licensees, and other departments within the PLA. You will be supported by experienced team members as you work towards your qualification as a Chartered Surveyor.

The PLA’s property portfolio includes both land-side properties and river-based assets. This role offers variety, with responsibilities ranging from preparing reports and valuations to assisting with license and lease agreements. The team is committed to your development, providing guidance and support as you grow in your role.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist the Senior Surveyor and Head of Estates with day-to-day property management tasks.
Attend meetings and liaise with stakeholders, including tenants, licensees, and other internal teams such as Legal, Finance, and Planning.
Conduct site inspections, prepare detailed inspection notes, and measure facilities.
Assist with the preparation of basic valuations, property reports, and licence agreements.
Maintain and organise property documentation, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
Provide support with budgeting, rental reviews, and billing processes.
Create and manage spreadsheets for property revenue and expenditure.
Take ownership of specific tasks and assist with ad-hoc duties as required by the Estates Department.

What we are looking for:

A proactive, highly motivated individual who is eager to develop their career in property surveying. The ideal candidate will be someone who can take initiative, communicate effectively, and work well within a team. The ability to think creatively, stay organised, and show attention to detail is essential.

Essential Requirements:

• A good property related degree accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or an equivalent business or finance related degree allowing you to work towards becoming qualified as a Chartered Surveyor.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• A keen eye for detail and an organized approach to managing tasks
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office packages especially Excel spreadsheets and Word.
• Ideally some knowledge or understanding of using Microsoft Teams and Microsoft SharePoint.
• A willingness to learn, develop, and work towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player with the ability to contribute positively to the team culture.

Desirable Attributes:

• Some knowledge or interest in property management and surveying.
• An understanding of how to manage property portfolios, particularly involving both land and river-based assets.
• Awareness of property legislation and regulations.

What’s in it for you:

Career Development: You will be supported by experienced team members as you work towards your RICS qualification, with opportunities for professional growth and learning.

Variety: Work on a diverse range of property-related tasks, both land and river side, from site inspections to valuation, providing a well-rounded experience.

Collaborative Environment: Join a team where you can share ideas, learn, and grow with others who are equally passionate about property management.

Flexible Working: While some travel is required for site inspections, the role offers flexibility and the opportunity to balance office and site-based work with working from home.

Benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or an informal discussion contact; Ben Fanning (Head of Estates) on 01474 562388.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.