Business Rates Surveyor

FI Property Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare post-probation

Market Competitive Salary

Pension - 3% employer / 5% employee

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Birthday off post-probation

Referral bonus after probation

Company sick pay

Job summary

FI Property Group seeks a motivated Business Rates Surveyor to lead the internal business rates strategy across a multi-billion-pound commercial property portfolio. You will advise on liabilities, appeals, and cost-saving opportunities for clients.

The role is full time, permanent and based in the office/on site, with flexibility to travel to sites. MRICS qualified with 3–10 years' experience in business rates advisory is preferred. Strong communication with councils and VOA is expected.

Qualifications

• MRICS-qualified professional with experience in business rates
• Experience in business rates advisory and property valuation, including Valuation Tribunal exposure
• Knowledge of Revaluation lists, lease forms, and transitional relief mechanics
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with ability to explain complex calculations

Responsibilities

• Strategic Advisory: provide expert rating advice to teams on acquisitions, refurbishments, and vacant space strategies
• Empty Space Mitigation: design and implement empty property rate mitigation schemes across large vacancies
• Rate Appeals & Reductions: identify opportunities for appeals and negotiate reductions with VOA and local authorities
• Valuation & Analysis: conduct property valuations for business rates and assess impact of revaluations
• Overseeing Compliance: ensure adherence to Local Government Finance Act and VOA regulations
• Engaging with local councils and governing bodies to resolve business rates and BID issues
• Negotiate with VOA case officers and local authority billing teams
• Regularly review property portfolios to ensure accurate rates assessments and cost savings
• Prepare detailed reports and case files for clients with clarity and accuracy
• Collaborate with Property Management, valuation, and legal teams to deliver client service

Skills

Business rates advisory experience

Valuation Tribunal experience

Strong communication skills

liaising with authorities

Property management software

Rating software

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

MRICS Qualified

Tools

Rating software

Property management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Business Rates Surveyor to lead the internal business rates strategy across a multi-billion-pound commercial property portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team and develop your career within a leading property company. You will play a key role in advising on business rates liabilities, appeals, and strategic cost-saving opportunities.

The role is full time, permanent and based in the office/on site.

Flexibility with travelling to sites is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Advisory: Provide expert rating advice to Property, Development, and Asset Management teams regarding acquisitions, major refurbishments, and vacant space strategies.
• Empty Space Mitigation: Design and execute advanced, compliant empty property rate mitigation schemes across large-scale retail, office, or industrial vacancies.
• Rate Appeals & Reductions Identify opportunities for business rate appeals, challenge assessments and with the Valuation Office and negotiate reductions where relevant.
• Valuation & Analysis conducting property valuations for business rates purposes and assessing the impact of rating revaluations on property portfolios.
• Overseeing Compliance & Regulations ensuring adherence to all relevant legislation, including the Local Government Finance Act and Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regulations / Duty to Notify.
• Engaging with local councils and other governing bodies to resolve business rates and BID issues.
• Proven track record of negotiating successfully with VOA case officers and local authority billing teams.
• Conducting regular reviews of property portfolios to ensure accurate business rates assessments and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Preparing detailed reports, financial analysis, and case files for clients, ensuring clarity and accuracy in all assessments.
• Working alongside colleagues in Property Management, valuation, and legal teams to provide a fully encompassed client service.

What you'll need to succeed:

• MRICS Qualified
• Minimum of 3-10 years’ experience in business rates advisory, commercial property valuation, or related fields. Valuation Tribunal experience.
• In-depth knowledge of current and upcoming Revaluation lists, statutory lease forms, and transitional relief mechanics..
• Ability to assess complex business rate calculations and identify opportunities for reductions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with clients and authorities.
• Competency in property management and rating software, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• A proactive and strategic approach to business rates challenges and cost-saving initiatives.

Company Benefits

• Private healthcare post-probation
• Market Competitive Salary
• Pension - 3% employer / 5% employee
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Birthday off post-probation
• Option to buy up to 5 additional days’ leave, available after 3 month probation.
• £1,000 referral bonus which is available after probation.
• Company sick pay – 5 days sick pay in a calendar year available after probation
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free parking
• Free flu jabs

This exciting opportunity empowers you to make a tangible impact within the property sector while developing your expertise in business rates.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity throughout the process.