Knight Frank
Senior Surveyor/Associate | Compulsory Purchase & Compensation
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Who Are We
Founded in 1896, Knight Frank was registered as Knight Frank LLP a Limited Liability Partnership, on 3 November 2003, registered in England & Wales at 55 Baker Street, London, W1U 8AN with the registered number of OC305934. Headquartered in London, UK, Knight Frank is one of the world's leading independent real estate consultancies. We work responsibly in partnership to enhance people's lives and environments in over 50 Markets, 600+ Offices, 20,000+ People, 1 Global Network.
At the heart of all we do are our Clients. A relationship built on trust is vital. As trusted partners in property, we act with integrity and care, understanding our clients’ unique needs and consistently thinking about the bigger picture to provide personalised, clear and considered advice across all areas of property. Through our deep understanding of key markets and sectors – both emerging and established – we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their property goals.
A true partnership is a balanced one, and our People are passionate about, and committed to, making our business inclusive and diverse. We give every individual the space and opportunity to perform at their best and be recognised for the immense value they bring. We empower everyone to have autonomy in their role and encourage them to use their voice in how we can make a positive impact as a firm and shape the future of real estate, the built environment and the impact on the communities we serve. Our collaborative and engaged teams provide excellent and dedicated client service. In our workplace, opinions are respected, everyone is invited to contribute to the success of our business and innovation, and new ideas are celebrated.
In 2021 we celebrated our 125th anniversary and set out Our Desired Future, cemented in three pillars: People Potential, Client Centricity and always Creating our Future, together. Learn more about what sets us apart here.
About The Role
We are looking for a Senior Surveyor or Associate to join our CPO team. You will support and lead on a wide variety of compulsory purchase, land acquisition and compensation matters, undertaking valuation and advisory work, negotiating with acquiring authorities, preparing evidence, and delivering high-quality client service.
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This role offers the opportunity to work with some of the most technically demanding CPO infrastructure compensation claims across the UK. The role suits someone who enjoys complex problem-solving, detailed analysis, client-facing work and managing multifaceted instructions from start to finish.
What The Role Will Entail
- Act as a key adviser to clients affected by and promoting infrastructure and statutory schemes across the country, including railway, highway schemes, utilities, flood defence and major development projects.
- Based in Rural Consultancy you will provide expert support to Knight Frank clients across Rural Residential and Commercial disciplines.
- Support and lead on all stages of the CPO lifecycle, including early scheme engagement, access/licence negotiations, temporary possession, land acquisition, valuation, compensation assessment and settlement strategy.
- Drafting and agreeing Heads of Terms for purchase in the shadow of Compulsory Purchase.
- Preparing and negotiating compensation claims including Property Valuations, assessment of Disturbance losses and other claims under the Compensation Code.
- Assist with expert witness and evidence preparation, including preparing evidence for CPO and DCO Public Inquiries, drafting valuation sections and technical appendices for ADR and the Upper Tribunal.
- Contribute to project tenders, new business opportunities and internal collaborations.
- Prepare and deliver clear reporting and expert advice for clients.
- Work with other advisors including Solicitors, Barristers and Accountants.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Managing a caseload of CPO and compensation matters to time and quality standards.
- Undertaking inspections, evidence gathering and valuation work across rural, residential, commercial and development land.
- Preparing structured advice, valuation assessments and negotiation strategies.
- Leading negotiation with acquiring authorities, their agents and solicitors.
- Preparing documents for ADR, Public Inquiry, mediation and Tribunal where required.
- Maintaining accurate time recording and financial control to support fee recovery and audit requirements.
- Building excellent relationships with clients, lawyers, accountants and stakeholders within acquiring authorities.
- Assisting Partners with strategic case management and wider team development.
- Taking part in Business Development for the department and wider firm.
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What Experience You Will Need
- MRICS qualification (Rural, Commercial, Valuation or similar).
- FAAV qualification (desirable, but not essential).
- Experience within rural practice, valuation, infrastructure advisory, compulsory purchase, land assembly or compensation — or a strong desire to specialise in this discipline from a Rural Commercial or Valuation background.
- Strong analytical skills and high technical competence in valuation and report writing.
- Ability to interpret legislation, statutory notices and practical implications of the Compensation Code.
- Confident communicator and negotiator able to support clients through sensitive and high-stakes situations.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
- Commitment to Knight Frank’s standards of professionalism, confidentiality and client care.
What You Will Bring to Knight Frank
- A proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
- A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively with senior colleagues.
- Enthusiasm to develop a specialist career in CPO & Compensation.
- High levels of integrity, accuracy and professional judgement.
- A desire to contribute to the continued growth of Knight Frank’s CPO practice.
- A desire to progress to Partnership and management responsibility.
What You Need To Know
- Working Hours – 9:00am to 5:30 Monday to Friday.
- Location – Wantage (with national travel as required).
- Contract Type – Permanent.
- Eligible for dynamic working – Yes.
- CDF Level – Senior Specialist / Associate.
- Competitive salary.
Please note: this is a Direct Search led by Knight Frank. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs, even if provided by PSL agencies.
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