Rural Affairs & Land Agent Senior Surveyor: Newmarket Candidate Information Pack
Are you passionate about rural affairs, land management, and supporting the future of farming and countryside businesses? Beach Baker are delighted to be working with the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) to recruit a dynamic and knowledgeable Rural Adviser / Surveyor to join the team based near Newmarket.
This is a unique opportunity to work with a respected membership organisation that represents thousands of landowners, farmers, and rural businesses across England and Wales. You’ll be part of a friendly, professional team helping members navigate complex challenges and shape the future of rural policy.
YOUR ROLE AT CLA
As a Rural Adviser / Surveyor, you’ll be at the forefront of: MEMBER ADVICE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
• Providing expert guidance on land ownership, planning, tenancies, diversification, renewables, infrastructure, and compulsory purchase.
• Collaborating with national policy teams and specialists to deliver high-quality advice.
• Producing guidance notes, blogs, articles, and presentations to support members. POLICY & REPRESENTATION
• Representing CLA members at forums, stakeholder meetings, and consultations.
• Contributing to policy development and lobbying efforts.
• Supporting volunteer committees with technical expertise and local insight.
EVENTS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
• Attending agricultural shows, clinics, and rural events to engage with members.
• Acting as a media spokesperson and supporting MP engagement.
• Helping plan and deliver regional seminars and technical events.
COLLABORATION & COMMITTEE WORK
• Participating in branch and regional committee meetings.
• Ensuring member concerns are communicated to policy-making bodies.
• Providing briefings and support to committee chairs and members.
TEAMWORK & OFFICE SUPPORT
• Working closely with the regional team and deputising for colleagues when needed.
• Supporting membership retention and recruitment efforts.
• Assisting with general office duties and member communications.
PRODUCT & SECTOR KNOWLEDGE
• Staying informed on rural issues and CLA policy developments.
• Promoting CLA membership benefits and services in member interactions.
WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR
QUALIFICATIONS
• Essential: Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: MRICS, CAAV, RTPI or similar professional qualifications.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
• Strong knowledge of rural affairs, land use, and property issues.
• Experience advising farmers, landowners, and rural businesses.
• Understanding of infrastructure projects and compulsory purchase (training available).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Comfortable attending public events and promoting CLA values.
RURAL INSIGHT
• Deep understanding of challenges facing rural communities and businesses.
• Familiarity with CLA’s mission and ambitions (desirable).
TECH LITERACY
• Experience with CRM/ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics and Office 365 (desirable).
INTERPERSONAL STRENGTHS
• Professional, empathetic, and confident communicator.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and capable of handling complex casework.
• Strong judgement and attention to detail.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS
• Based on the scenic StetchworthEstate near Newmarket.
• Flexible working available (up to 2 days/week), with core office days on Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Travel across the East region required –poolcarprovided.
• Join a passionate team of eight, and be part of a wider CLA network of over 100 professionals.
