Location
Birmingham, UK

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£69,105 per annum

About the Role
Defra Group Property (DgP) is part of Defra Group Corporate Services, providing accommodation services and leading a significant workplace transformation programme across the corporate property portfolio. Our ambition is to create sustainable properties and workplaces that enhance wellbeing, engagement, and productivity, placing people where they can do their best work and serve their communities effectively. We aim to deliver flexible, safe, and collaborative working environments that attract diverse talent and meet the highest environmental standards.

The Principal Surveyor will support the efficient management of property interests across circa 300 holdings including offices, laboratories, and other facilities. You will provide technical leadership and expert advice on property matters, commission and manage professional services, and support the delivery of a strategic workplace and property plan. This role involves managing commercial transactions, disposals, acquisitions, and lease advisory services to ensure value for money and alignment with Defra Group objectives.

You will work closely with teams across Defra Group to provide strategic asset management advice, contribute to workplace planning, and drive improvements in working practices and performance. Mentoring and coaching colleagues to build capability will also be a key part of your role. High quality, transparent outputs and a value-added service are essential to success in this position.

Experience
- Commercial property management and lease advisory experience within a complex estate environment
- Significant estate management experience including corporate real estate and transactional services
- Experience working in an operational delivery environment and managing relationships with third-party contractors and government departments
- Proven ability to deliver specialist property advice aligned to strategy and good estate management
- Experience commissioning, supervising, and delivering services through external property advisors
- Ability to produce reports, gather evidence, and work within a complex stakeholder and customer environment

About you
- Strong technical expertise with the ability to share knowledge and improve team capability
- Collaborative approach with the ability to work across organisational boundaries
- Skilled in managing priorities and delivering outcomes consistent with organisational objectives
- Committed to driving innovation, improvement, and best practice in property management
- Able to mentor, coach, and challenge colleagues to build wider capability over time

Qualifications
- Recognised professional surveying qualification
- Qualified RICS Chartered Surveyor with significant post-qualification experience
- Professional Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), preferably in commercial property, property management, lease advisory, or commercial valuation discipline
- Full driving licence