Surveyor/Associate/Associate Director – Land and Development

Rettie; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Rettie in Edinburgh is seeking a motivated individual to join their Land & Development team. This role involves supporting senior colleagues or taking on a client-facing position, driving business development and mentoring junior team members.

The ideal candidate will be MRICS qualified or working towards APC, with strong analytical skills and a passion for residential development. A collaborative approach within a connected business environment is essential, offering a clear pathway to senior leadership for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level.
• MRICS qualified or working towards APC.
• Experience in residential development or land markets.

Responsibilities

• Support or lead acquisition and disposal of residential land.
• Conduct development appraisals and feasibility studies.
• Prepare client reports and pricing advice.
• Assist with residential investment transactions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Client relationship building

Education

Degree level education

MRICS qualified or working towards APC

Tools

Excel

Argus Developer

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a motivated and commercially focused individual to join our Land & Development team in Edinburgh. This role offers the opportunity to work across land agency, development consultancy and residential investment, with the level of appointment tailored to the successful candidate’s experience.

At Surveyor level, you will support senior colleagues on live instructions and develop your technical expertise across the full residential development lifecycle. At Associate or Associate Director level, you will take a more senior, client‑facing role – driving business development, leading transactions, and contributing to the growth and direction of the team.

Working within a collaborative and well‑connected business, you will benefit from close integration with our Residential Research, New Homes and Agency teams, providing a broad platform to deliver best‑in‑class advice to clients. This role anchors the land agency capability and offers a clear pathway to senior leadership for the right individual.

Key Details

Location: Edinburgh

Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours)

About You

You’ll be a driven and commercially aware property professional with a strong interest in residential development and land agency.

You’ll Thrive in this Role If You

• Are highly analytical and commercially minded
• Enjoy building relationships and working with clients
• Are proactive, driven and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment
• Have strong communication and presentation skills
• Can work both independently and as part of a team

For More Senior Candidates

• An established network within the Scottish development market
• A track record of winning work and managing client relationships
• Leadership capability and an interest in mentoring others

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting or leading the acquisition and disposal of residential development land
• Undertaking development appraisals, feasibility studies and financial modelling
• Preparing site appraisals, pricing advice and client reports
• Assisting with or leading residential investment and capital markets transactions
• Preparing and delivering presentations, pitches and marketing materials
• Maintaining databases of development opportunities and market comparables
• Collaborating with internal teams to maximise cross‑referral opportunities

At Associate / Associate Director Level

• Leading transactions and client relationships
• Originating new instructions and driving fee income
• Mentoring and supporting junior team members
• Contributing to team strategy and performance

Key Requirements

Education and Qualifications

• Educated to degree level
• MRICS qualified or working towards APC (if not MRICS, then must be experienced and bring a relevant skill set)

Experience & Technical Skills

• Experience or strong interest in residential development, land or investment markets
• Strong financial appraisal and analytical skills, including cashflow modelling
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with development appraisal software (e.g. Argus Developer) preferred
• Strong report writing and communication skills
• Understanding of the Scottish planning system and development process (desirable)

For More Senior Candidates

• Proven track record in residential land agency or development
• Established industry network in Scotland
• Demonstrable ability to win and deliver client instructions
• Strong commercial awareness and business development capability

Competencies

• Collaboration
• Commercial awareness
• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Planning & Organising
• Problem Solving & Innovation
• Positive mindset

For More Senior Candidates (Competencies)

• Business development and fee generation
• Decision making and managing risk
• Strategic and lateral thinking
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• People management (desirable)