Building Surveying - Scotland

At Knight Frank, we work responsibly in partnership to enhance people’s lives and environments. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in London, UK, Knight Frank is one of the world's leading independent real estate consultancies. After 128 years we are now located in over 50 Territories, 600 Offices, 20,000+ People, with 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.

Our Values

• Value the Individual
• Collaborate to Succeed
• Commit to Partnership
• Make the Difference

Creating an inclusive workplace

We’re committed to being an inclusive business, where everyone’s potential is unlocked, and difference is celebrated and valued.

We want every member of our team to feel comfortable bringing their true selves to work and safe to express themselves without fear of judgement or discrimination. Everyone should be supported, rewarded, and given the same opportunities to thrive, no matter their age, race, gender or sexual orientation. We want our people to feel empowered to do great work, to feel included, and to be heard.

To us, empowering our people means:

• Striving for greater diversity
• Creating a culture of belonging and trust
• Prioritising employee health and wellbeing
• Strengthening our people’s ESG skills

About the role

Based in our Edinburgh or Glasgow office, the Graduate/Partially Accredited Building Surveyor will be assisting with and undertaking a wide range of instructions across the building consultancy discipline, including; project management and contract administration, dilapidations, landlord and tenant advice, pre-acquisition surveys and technical due diligence on a range of commercial property.

Our Building Surveying Graduate Programme will give you exposure, experience, training and support so that, whatever skills and perspectives you bring, your potential will be amplified. The role involves direct client liaison and management, with an emphasis on developing relationships and a network within the sector that will last a career.

Our programme is designed to provide you with everything you need to confidently launch a career in Building Surveying, working with our experienced team of Chartered Surveyors of all disciplines on live projects, experiencing day to day challenges of the role and being given as much responsibility as your own skills will permit. This gives you an unparalleled breadth of opportunities and allows you to explore a range of experience in the commercial sectors and gaining exposure to office, industrial, retail, healthcare, offices, leisure and PRS asset classes.

You will join the firm and start your first rotation in September 2025, with the aim of completing the graduate scheme and qualifying as a surveyor in November 2027 (RICS Autumn Sitting).

This opportunity is open to undergraduates in their final year of a RICS accredited Building Surveying degree or those who are partially accredited.

What will you be responsible for?

Business Generation & Fee Income

• Assist in increasing the range, quantity and quality of instructions via business generation to ensure development of the department as a whole.
• Supporting colleagues to seek and develop new business opportunities.
• Monitor all correspondence and enquiries on behalf of others as and when required when they are absent from the office referring to such matters as requiring urgent attention to someone of the authority and experience to deal with them.
• Attend events and actively promote the department and firm amongst clients and professional organisations.
• Understand the need to work commercially to ensure profitability of instructions.
• Maintain and grow existing and new client relationships.
• Begin to develop personal profile within the market.

Professional Instructions

• Project management and contract administration.
• Preparation of drawings on AutoCAD is preferable although not essential.
• Preparation of specifications.
• Party walls, dilapidations, and landlord and tenant advice.
• Pre-acquisition surveys.
• Technical due-diligence.
• Preparing and checking Schedules of Condition, defects analysis and building pathology.
• Understanding of Health and Safety legislation and CDMC.
• Producing Reinstatement Cost Assessments.

Professional Standards

• To communicate fully with all stakeholders concerned to ensure that business is managed in an efficient and professional manner.
• Absorb all aspects of information technology systems particular to the office/department and have an understanding of their broader applications and availability in the division.
• Ability to clearly define the client’s requirements.
• Adhere to all deadlines set for the completion of work.
• Ability to manage own diary and time requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of all work undertaken by the Department and to be aware of what is likely to be sensitive information.
• Liaise with client in a professional and proactive way.
• Ensure consistently high level of professional conduct.
• Comply with Best Practice Procedures at all times.

Team

• Contribute actively to the team spirit of the department.
• Act in a collaborative manner at all times.
• Interact positively with all team members and work with them in a professional and courteous manner at all times, ensuring we maintain a culture of tolerance and respect.
• Support the wider team with professional advice as and when required.
• Liaise with members of other departments and get to know the individuals and their markets both for the purpose of obtaining information and also to look for opportunities for cross selling of business.

Systems & IT competence

• AutoCAD (2012 or later versions) if preferred although not essential
• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft Word
• Excel
• NBS Specification writer

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a 2:1 degree (or above) in a RICS accredited Building Surveying degree, actual or predicted.
• Have a minimum C/4 and above in GCSE/National 5 Maths and English Language.
• 1 A-levels / or equivalent e.g. Scottish Highers or International Baccalaureate.
• The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the unrestricted right to work in the UK.