Job Title: Technical Assistant - Property Data & Research
Position: Full / Part-time considered
Salary range: Dependent on experience
Location: Elstead, Surrey & Hybrid Working Potential
About Us:
Dixon Searle Partnership (DSP) is an independent consultancy, specialising in planning and particularly the financial viability of housing and other new developments. Our work principally includes the preparation of viability evidence for Local Plans, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedules and other strategic planning projects. We help Local Planning Authorities to assess and consider the viability of planning policies and requirements – for example affordable housing and infrastructure. Other projects include the compilation and review of bespoke viability assessments at planning application stage for specific sites and development projects. Our work means we are closely involved in a range of matters relating to affordable housing and other ‘section 106’ obligations, and always evolving development standards related to highly topical matters such as climate change response.
DSP is a SME with a small, dynamic and friendly team providing an expert, highly professional service that is delivered in a positive, approachable way. Formed in 2009, the business has gone from strength to strength to become a market leader in what we do. Based in an attractive rural Surrey business park setting (and with hybrid working potential), we provide a range of projects and professional support for our strong client base of varied Local Authorities both closer to base and across the Country.
At the Dixon Searle Partnership we are looking for enthusiastic and committed people with great communication skills and customer service ethic, a keen interest in learning and developing our work, a determination to help see sometimes complex projects through and, importantly, an eye for detail. Training will be provided and tailored to needs, according to experience. While an advantage, direct prior experience is not absolutely necessary. Alongside team fit, demonstrating a keen interest in DSP’s field of work and a desire to contribute to our high-quality service through work ethic, together with an ability to learn an adapt, will be key.
A summary of this position is provided below and we will be pleased to answer any questions relating to our work – see www.dixonsearle.co.uk – and/or this role.
Role Summary:
To provide data-driven research support and technical assistance to senior staff supporting a variety of projects in the planning, affordable housing, property and development sector. The successful candidate will be meticulous with an ability to source, process, analyse and present data. We are particularly looking for somebody with an eye for detail and a keen interest, and ideally some experience, in the planning or housing, property or a related sector. This role offers the opportunity to directly influence the quality of work we undertake whilst also enabling scope for career growth and professional development. We are very much looking for the right candidate to ‘take ownership’ of this important role, to develop it and enjoy the challenges it brings.
Key Tasks / Responsibilities:
Typically, a new team member will need to help us with the following:
- Become familiar with our study requirements and data sources – both those that we use regularly (including Land Registry (housing sales values), a range of property data resources and economic/market reporting, Building Cost Information Service) and extending to investigating the potential use of additional or alternative sources.
- Undertake research, data capture and analysis/overview; and present or report that.
- Information requests to our clients, compiling, reviewing and summarising what they provide. This may be information on sites/developments, policies, housing supply, planning obligations, development standards, etc.
- Analysis and presentation of data may include compiling and review, preparing tables, graphs, records and report appendices using those. Experience of using MS Excel to an advanced level e.g. macros, conditional formatting, logical and trendline functions, etc. would be particularly advantageous. Close familiarity with MS Word and email applications (MS Outlook) will also be key.
- Assisting senior staff in developing, running, checking and reporting on residential and other development appraisals - training will be provided.
- Liaison with a wide range of stakeholders (using mixed means including email/surveys and sometimes telephone).
- Assisting with meeting preparations/materials and recording actions.
Core Knowledge & Skills Required:
The successful candidate will need to possess the following knowledge and skills:
- Organised, adaptable and proactive, be able to work with a wide range of information sources and be able to plan your own approach to research and information gathering, and reporting/presentation.
- High-level of numeracy and a meticulous attention to detail. Fundamental to the work we undertake is the ability to review and analyse information, including as a key theme with numbers and data requiring checking, comparisons and analysis.
- MS Excel - Advanced level user.
- MS Word - Excellent knowledge and experience.
- Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal modes – must be confident in talking and other communications with clients, colleagues and others.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage your own workload and take initiative.
- Have a positive approach and friendly, flexible manner with the ability to work effectively as part of a small team.
Benefits of working at DSP:
Here at DSP, we enjoy the very positive feel around our small team, and are very proud of this serious and yet fun supportive working environment. Amongst other benefits we also offer:
- Potential for flexible working and on a hybrid basis. Most of the team do a mix of office and home-based working, after initial training and settling in. IT provided for remote working.
- Get involved in an interesting and positive line of work which contributes to shaping sustainable communities
- Opportunity for growth with us, and career development.
- Workplace pension scheme
- Friendly, supportive team and a relaxed working environment.
- Business Park office provides on-site Café and free car parking.
- No cost events and outings. Typically, we enjoy a treat at both a summer and winter event/party/activity.
Dixon Searle Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
If interested, please in the first instance send your CV and covering letter to [email protected] or apply directly via Indeed clearly setting out why you think you would be our ideal candidate.
In applying for this post, please also refer to the Dixon Searle Partnership Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notice for Job Applicants contained on the DSP website at www.dixonsearle.co.uk.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Elstead GU8
