Business Rates Manager; WSP GL Hearn

Job Description

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

The Rating team at WSP is a highly skilled and specialised group, dedicated to providing exceptional Rating and Valuation services to clients in the commercial real estate sector. With an in-depth understanding of the complex rating landscape, our team combines extensive industry knowledge with strategic insights to deliver accurate and insightful assessments.

We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate changing regulations and market conditions, providing clients with the expertise they need to optimise their property portfolios and minimise their tax liabilities.

With a proven track record of excellence and a commitment to delivering results, the Rating team at WSP is the trusted partner that clients turn to for comprehensive and reliable rating services.

• Daily operational management of one large complex client portfolio or multiple smaller portfolios.
• Verification of rates bills issued by billing authorities in respect of properties throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Resolving queries where rates bills are not approved.
• Liaising with clients and with billing authorities to correct matters relating to occupational changes, changes to the rating list and exemptions and reliefs.
• Obtaining information from clients and responding to queries.
• Ensuring all portfolio movement is actioned appropriately.
• The creation and delivery of quality and accurate reports to clients and senior management.
• The development and maintenance of client relationships, including attendance at client meetings when appropriate.
• Meeting all KPIs as set out in Client Contracts and Service Level Agreements to agreed deadlines and to standards agreed with the Client Director and Line Manager.
• Assisting in carrying out one-off audits of historic rate payments.
• Explaining the functions of the Client Monies service to clients and colleagues and undertaking Client Monies tasks when appropriate.

• A good understanding of the complexities of calculating rate liabilities together with rating appeal and rate relief application processes in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire and the Channel Islands.
• Working knowledge of business rate legislation and case law and able to explain this clearly to clients and junior colleagues.
• Excellent negotiating and reasoning skills when dealing with billing authorities, utilising knowledge of business rate legislation and case law to support their requests.
• Understanding of the importance of accuracy, timeliness and presentation in client reporting.
• Sound financial and numeracy skills which demonstrate accuracy and financial priority.
• A complete understanding of the functions of the Client Monies Service and the requirements of RICS Rule 8 Protecting Client Money.
• Proficient in use of desktop software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Able to apply intermediate formulas to manipulate data.

Work-life balance: hybrid working policy offering the flexibility to work from home two days a week, with opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: welcoming applicants from varied backgrounds and enabling rewarding careers by encouraging authenticity and respect.

Health & Wellbeing: support through the Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, gym membership discounts, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: WSP My Hour granting one hour each day for personal activities, flexible working arrangements, option to purchase additional leave, and use of bank holiday entitlement.

Your development: supportive environment investing in growth through training, mentoring, and Chartership opportunities.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.