Business Rates Manager / Senior Business Rates Manager

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Flexible benefits

Gymflex program

Thrive wellbeing

Job summary

The Rating team at WSP in the UK & Ireland seeks a detail-oriented professional to manage large client portfolios and verify rate bills across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

You will liaise with clients and billing authorities, deliver accurate reports, and support audits of historic rate payments while upholding high standards of accuracy and compliance.

Qualifications

• Understanding of calculating rate liabilities and related processes in the UK and Ireland.
• Ability to explain business rate legislation and case law to clients and colleagues.
• Strong negotiation and reasoning skills when dealing with billing authorities.
• Emphasis on accuracy, timeliness and presentation in client reporting.
• Knowledge of Client Monies Service functions and related regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Daily management of one large client portfolio or multiple smaller portfolios.
• Verify rates bills issued by billing authorities across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland; resolve queries.
• Liaise with clients and billing authorities to correct occupational changes, rating list changes, exemptions and reliefs.
• Obtain information from clients and respond to queries.
• Ensure portfolio movements are actioned correctly.
• Create and deliver quality, accurate reports to clients and senior management.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and attend client meetings as appropriate.
• Meet KPIs as set out in client contracts and SLAs; meet deadlines and standards.
• Assist in audits of historic rate payments.
• Explain and undertake Client Monies tasks when appropriate.

Skills

Numeracy

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Client communication

Excel (intermediate formulas)

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A Little More About Your Role…

The Rating team at WSP is a highly skilled and specialised group, dedicated to providing exceptional Rating and Valuation services to clients in the commercial real estate sector. With an in-depth understanding of the complex rating landscape, our team combines extensive industry knowledge with strategic insights to deliver accurate and insightful assessments.

We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate changing regulations and market conditions, providing clients with the expertise they need to optimise their property portfolios and minimise their tax liabilities.

With a proven track record of excellence and a commitment to delivering results, the Rating team at WSP is the trusted partner that clients turn to for comprehensive and reliable rating services.

This Role Will Involve, But Not Be Limited To

• Daily operational management of one large complex client portfolio or multiple smaller portfolios.
• Verification of rates bills issued by billing authorities in respect of properties throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Resolving queries where rates bills are not approved.
• Liaising with clients and with billing authorities to correct matters relating to occupational changes, changes to the rating list and exemptions and reliefs.
• Obtaining information from clients and responding to queries.
• Ensuring all portfolio movement is actioned appropriately.
• The creation and delivery of quality and accurate reports to clients and senior management.
• The development and maintenance of client relationships, including attendance at client meetings when appropriate.
• Meeting all KPIs as set out in Client Contracts and Service Level Agreements to agreed deadlines and to standards agreed with the Client Director and Line Manager.
• Assisting in carrying out one-off audits of historic rate payments.
• Explaining the functions of the Client Monies service to clients and colleagues and undertaking Client Monies tasks when appropriate.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• A good understanding of the complexities of calculating rate liabilities together with rating appeal and rate relief application processes in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire and the Channel Islands.
• Working knowledge of business rate legislation and case law and able to explain this clearly to clients and junior colleagues.
• Excellent negotiating and reasoning skills when dealing with billing authorities, utilising knowledge of business rate legislation and case law to support their requests.
• Understanding of the importance of accuracy, timeliness and presentation in client reporting.
• Sound financial and numeracy skills which demonstrate accuracy and financial priority.
• A complete understanding of the functions of the Client Monies Service and the requirements of RICS Rule 8 Protecting Client Money.
• Proficient in use of desktop software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Able to apply intermediate formulas to manipulate data

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.