The role

As Regional Property Surveyor in the Business Boating team you will effectively and efficiently manage, promote and develop property assets and business boating initiatives; contributing to Canal & River Trust’s aims to increase the number of people using the waterways whilst protecting the heritage and integrity of the network.

You will be responsible for a property portfolio, triggering and negotiating reviews, renewals, assignments, and other transactions through the full process including reporting for approval, and ultimately instructing and managing solicitors through to completion. You will report to the Business Boating Development Manager, working closely with other regional surveyors, and the rest of the Business Boating and wider Estates teams. 

About boating

Reporting across the Customer and Property Directorates the Boating department combines a broad range of disciplines including customer service, licensing, leases and agreements, and enforcement, across both business and private sectors.  Recent changes within the department have led to some unique and exciting opportunities within our Business Boating team working in some of the most picturesque parts of the country, across a unique set of properties and structures, delivering our goal of offering exceptional customer service to our customers.

Management of the properties from which operators provide services and facilities to the Trust’s boating customers and visitors along the waterways is delivered in four regions. These properties typically comprise marinas, boatyards, dry docks, moorings, holiday hire bases, leisure retail, single trading boats and boat clubs and are held by the operator on a variety of leases, licences and agreements on terms that fairly represent the input of both landlord and tenant to operate sustainably.

Location & coverage

Remote working from home – with opportunities to work from Hub base locations in the South: Milton Keynes & Little Venice. 

Whilst the role is predominantly based at home, you should be based in London, South East, or South Midlands as travel within the region is essential. 

This is a regional role but there will be an expectation that you will be able travel to attend meetings or conduct fieldwork throughout the waterway network, including covering the areas like Northamptonshire, Oxford & London. 

See our network here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network).

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

Key accountabilities: 

• Undertake the negotiation of lease/licence reviews and renewals, ensuring the Trust maximises on additional income opportunities.
• Undertake rent and licence fee reviews to ensure rents/fees for properties and licences are set at appropriate levels are represent the best value to the Trust. Prepare reports and valuation advice in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
• Ensure premiums and annual licence fees with 3rd parties in relation to their use of the Trust's land are obtained at best value or above, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
• Identify, promote and develop new income opportunities in existing business areas. Participate and represent Canal & River Trust in consultations / steering groups with third parties, with an aim of identifying areas of opportunity for income and capital generation and regeneration.
• Maintain a knowledge of the relevant Law and Regulatory legislation to spot new areas of business into which the Trust may profitably venture. Ensure the Trust is protected using the relevant statutory protective provisions available to the Trust.
• Ensure compliance with the Trusts mandatory standards and policies.
• Maintaining working relationships within the property, gas, electricity and water sectors. Develop and grow business opportunity with waterside developers.
• Protect, promote and develop the Trusts waterways and contribute to the Trust's aims to improve safety and increase the number to people using the waterways whilst protecting the heritage and integrity of the inland waterway network.

Knolwedge, Skills & Experience

Technical:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline. 
• Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with substantial post qualification experience gained in a complex operating environment. 
• Significant experience of Landlord and Tenant negotiations.
• Familiarity with the law relating to property, land and environment (particularly statutory powers).
• Reporting skills for internal / external purposes, including Charities Act.

General:

• Strong verbal communication skills at all organisational levels.
• Strong negotiating, influencing, diplomatic and project management skills.
• IT Skills including business applications software, eg, MS Office. Experience of using property management software; SAP skills and knowledge an advantage.
• Ability to work under pressure and to a deadline. 
• Excellent prioritisation and time management skills.