Client Development Assistant - Public Sector (Grad or Entry level)

Avison Young; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global real estate advisory firm is seeking a professional to support the strategic development and delivery of framework agreements. Responsibilities include client liaison, engagement strategies, and project tracking. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented with strong communication skills and have 1-2 years industry experience or relevant education. The firm values diversity, inclusion, and employee empowerment.

Benefits

Opportunities for career development

Supportive workplace culture

Inclusive community

Empowerment for underrepresented groups

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Methodical approach to duties.
• Understanding of public sector policies and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Support Framework Managers with operational client liaison activities.
• Assist with checking of pipeline status and market movements.
• Act as an ambassador for Avison Young UK at events.
• Contribute to client seminars and focus groups.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Excellent English (written and spoken)

Excellent numerical skills

Exceptional attention to detail

Good organisational skills

Education

1-2 years industry related experience or appropriate discipline graduate

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Salesforce

Job description

Overview

Our Story

Our small Canadian-born business was founded in 1978 and has become a global organization that now spans 120 locations across 20 countries. Our expansion has been rapid, but what matters most is the common belief that drives all 5,000 of our people to be a different type of real estate organization. We believe that the places in which we live, work and play have the power to make us happier and healthier, and we are united by a shared sense of purpose, to have a positive impact on people’s lives. In short, we are a global commercial real estate advisory firm with a simple aim for real estate to play a leading role in creating vibrant buildings, cities and places that deliver long-lasting social value and economic impact.

Why Work for Us

We believe that our industry is changing, and we want our business to be a melting pot of curious minds, passionate hearts and strategic intelligence. Your gender, religion and race are all highly respected, but are less important to us than your ability to step up and change the game. We provide you with a place where you can do just that, with like-minded people. Collaboration is embedded in the way we work - our people have the autonomy to collaborate on client relationships, engage teams across the business, lead operations, work collectively on projects, participate in strategy and are ultimately responsible for our growth. Our distinctive Principal-led, privately-owned model puts us in the enviable position of being able to offer every employee the opportunity to own a share of our business and inspires and allows anyone to become a Principal. This role carries voting rights, so our people have a very real say in the future direction and operation of our business. This means that we are able to attract, engage and retain the best talent from the industry.

The role will support the strategic development, delivery, and reporting on our framework agreements working closely with the Public Sector Strategy & Framework Director and other framework leads and wider Client Solutions team as directed.

Responsibilities

• Support Framework Managers / Leads with operational client liaison activities e.g. audits and reporting of KPI metrics
• Develop and maintain a strong level of knowledge in public sector services, policies, procurement and funding arrangements
• Ensure adherence to existing AY procedures, governance, and processes related to procurements
• Assist with checking of pipeline status, market movements, client challenges and emerging direct award opportunities and call offs
• Act as an ambassador for Avison Young UK attending events, conferences and training sessions as required
• Contribute to wider engagement activities such as client seminars and focus groups, market awareness events and other engagement as required
• Work with colleagues across the Business Groups to understand, track and report on the delivery of active projects with key public sector client and future project pipeline
• Support the growth strategy planning activities across the Public Sector to include research and review support as required
• Support the Sales & Enablement team with bid preparation activities for framework rebids and large-scale programmes of work arising from growth sectors
• Assist with shaping framework guidance materials / intranet sites
• Contribute to a continuous improvement agenda within the Client Development team

Desired Skills And Experience

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Excellent English, both written and spoken
• Excellent numerical skills are essential
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Methodical approach to duties
• Good knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Good organisational skills
• Understanding of CRM systems Salesforce an advantage

Personal attributes

• Enthusiasm and ability to inspire and engage a range of stakeholders
• Ability to remain resilient, resilient, and measured and particularly during busy periods and when dealing with conflicting priorities
• Approachable, flexible, positive, adaptable and friendly team member
• Ability to travel when required
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and delivery focused

Qualifications & experience

• Minimum of 1-2 years industry related experience, or a graduate in an appropriate discipline
• Experience in a framework or bid management environment is preferred but not essential
• Experience within property, construction, or professional services is preferable
• Knowledge and understanding of Public Sector bidding would be advantageous

At Avison Young, we’ve always put people at the heart of what we do.

In the last few years, we’ve increased the diversity at our board, leadership and Principal levels. Avison Young stands out for our commitment to empowering women. In addition to increasing the number of women on our board and in our leadership ranks, our internal Women’s Network of more than 500 members come together for networking and learning, and advise the business on strategies for promoting access, opportunity and inclusion in our industry.

Our global DEI steering committee shapes our strategy to continue to increase industry access for underrepresented groups and accelerating initiatives led by our employee resource groups, including our Women’s Network, Black Professionals and LGBTQ+ groups. In addition to leading global initiatives, the steering committee’s work examines our policies and practices, creating accountability for results and communicating progress to our executive leadership, our clients and our communities.

Our culture is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion, and well-being. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that

• empowers all our employees to thrive,
• reflects all backgrounds and talents,
• allows individuals to be successful and feel a sense of belonging,
• and foster a workplace that is supported, inclusive and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

Avison Young is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all its employees and job applicants equitably. This includes implementing deliberate strategies that advance underrepresented communities in commercial real estate careers.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to removing any obstacles to inclusion. If you need any adjustments to support your application or any part of the recruitment process, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or you are eligible under the Disability Confident Scheme please contact us at [e-mail] and we will do everything we can to help.

We are committed to inclusion in our hiring processes, and we want to give everyone a chance to show what they can bring to our organisation. If you are not sure that you have all the skills in the person specification, please still apply. We value passion and potential in our employees, so it would be great to hear from you and why you would suit this position.

Some of our roles may be remote and some roles may be specific to our offices, but you will need to confirm you have the right to work in the UK.