Job Details
The Opportunity
Following a retirement, an excellent opportunity has arisen for a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) to join Fife Council’s Estates Team within Property Services. This is a key professional role within a supportive and experienced team, managing and advising on one of Scotland’s most diverse and interesting local authority property portfolios.
While a full-time appointment is preferred, we are equally keen to hear from experienced professionals seeking flexible or part-time arrangements.
About the Team and Portfolio
The Estates Team manages approximately 1,400 non-housing assets, encompassing:
1. A broad commercial estate
2. Agricultural land and community facilities
3. Halls, centres, telecoms and utilities infrastructure
We provide professional advice across the Council to support corporate priorities, drive best use of the property portfolio, and deliver an effective, customer-focused property service.
The Role
This is a varied and rewarding role, offering exposure to a wide range of estate management and professional surveying activities. There is some scope to vary duties tailoring the role to suit the skills and experience of the successful candidate, with opportunities in the following areas:
Residential Development
4. Identify and acquire land for the Council’s affordable housing programme.
5. Negotiate land purchases or off-the-shelf acquisitions from developers.
6. Collaborate with colleagues in Planning, Legal and Housing Services.
7. Engage with landowners, developers and agents.
8. Ideal for candidates with experience in negotiation, development appraisal, residential valuation and planning policy.
Placemaking & Development
9. Lead and manage external consultants on regeneration and infrastructure projects.
10. Undertake feasibility and viability assessments, land assembly, and project delivery.
11. Contribute to major corporate projects including the Levenmouth Rail Link, Dunfermline Northern Link Road, and town centre regeneration schemes in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline.
Acquisitions, Sales & Leasing
12. Negotiate acquisitions for Council projects such as new cemeteries, schools and care homes.
13. Manage disposals of surplus assets to deliver capital receipts (. former schools, surplus offices, industrial units).
14. Involve yourself in a wide range of commercial agency work.
Property Management
15. Contribute to the management of a leased-out portfolio generating circa £5m.
16. Undertake lease management, rent reviews, lease renewals and negotiations with tenants and their agents.
17. Work alongside colleagues dealing with billing, compliance and repairs.
Valuation
18. Provide valuations for acquisitions, disposals, asset accounting, and statutory purposes.
19. Assess values for access rights, servitudes and wayleaves.
20. Support the annual Asset Valuation programme contributing to financial reporting.
About You
21. You’ll be an MRICS-qualified Chartered Surveyor with broad professional experience and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. You will demonstrate:
22. Sound professional judgement and an ability to interpret and apply legislation.
23. Strong communication and negotiation skills.
24. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
25. A proactive, customer-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
26. This is a role suited to a surveyor who values professional challenge, enjoys variety, and wants to contribute directly to the ongoing development and regeneration of Fife’s communities.
The Person
You will hold a degree-level qualification in a property-related discipline, with a proven track record in a professional surveying environment. You’ll bring a solid understanding of the property market and have a sound grasp of relevant legislation and professional standards.
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
27. Professional Qualification: Chartered Surveyor status (MRICS) or the ability and commitment to achieve it.
28. Professional Experience: Proven background in one or more of the following – commercial property valuation, leasing, acquisitions, disposals, and development. Experience within a local authority or public sector context would be advantageous but not essential.
29. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
30. Organisation: Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload.
31. Flexibility: A positive, adaptable attitude and the capacity to respond to changing priorities and service demands.
32. Teamwork: A collaborative approach and the ability to contribute effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
33. Driving Licence: A full, valid driving licence is required.
What Fife Council Offers
Fife Council offers a 36-hour working week for full-time employees, with 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 days after five years’ service) plus 8 public holidays.
We promote a healthy work–life balance through flexible working hours and hybrid home/office working (subject to service requirements). While the significant part of the role can and will be carried out remotely, candidates must be able to travel to and attend various locations throughout Fife.
In addition, you will benefit from a generous Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme, along with opportunities for ongoing professional development and career progression within a large and supportive organisation.