Ref Number
B
Professional Expertise
Estates, Facilities, Accommodation and Safety
Department
Finance, Commercial and Estates (B28)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£68,284-£76,244
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
17-Oct-2025
About us
Transforming London's Global University for the Future
UCL's estate is one of the most ambitious and diverse in the sector. With over 240 property interests — from historic Bloomsbury landmarks to specialist sites across London — our estate underpins world-class teaching, learning, and research. Valued at over £3 billion, it represents one of the largest and most complex estates in UK higher education.
We are now seeking a Senior Estates Surveyor (Transactions) to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of UCL's estate and ensuring that our property portfolio continues to support academic excellence.
About the role
As Senior Estates Surveyor, you will oversee property transactional matters, managing UCL's estate in its best interests as an occupier. You will drive forward strategic property acquisitions and disposals (both leasehold and freehold), lead landlord and tenant negotiations, and support the delivery of UCL's long-term estates strategy.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Negotiating complex transactions including rent reviews, licences, acquisitions, and disposals.
* Building and maintaining strong relationships with landlords, managing agents, external advisors, and internal stakeholders.
* Supporting planning discussions and capital projects.
* Managing UCL's £46m annual property budget, delivering efficiency and saving.
* Drafting and presenting property reports and business cases to senior committees.
* Ensuring compliance, sustainability, and value-for-money across all property deals.
* Work with UCL's commercial and procurement team to manage supplier performance and limit contractual exposure.
About you
You will bring:
* A professional property qualification, ideally MRICS.
* Significant experience in property transactions (including but not limited to acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, rent reviews).
* Strong commercial awareness of the London property market.
* Proven ability to manage budgets, contracts, and complex stakeholder relationships.
* Excellent negotiation, influencing, and communication skills.
* Gravitas and credibility to represent UCL in the property market.
* Knowledge of the higher education sector and the local rental market near UCL would be an advantage.
What we offer
* 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
* Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
* Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
* Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
* Relocation support for eligible posts
* On-site nursery and gym
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
* Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
* Discounted medical insurance
Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy