Land Management Graduate & Placement 2024

WE ARE GSC GRAYS

THE RURAL LAND & PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

GSC Grays is a firm of chartered surveyors, farm business consultants, land and estate agents operating throughout the UK, but principally within the North of England.

We offer a fresh, dynamic and professional approach when it comes to providing clients with expertise and practical advice that they can rely on. We are driven to exceed client expectations and achieve the best outcome. We are excited about what we do.

Our people are our greatest asset - we are connected by a passion for the countryside and supporting the rural communities in which we live and work. We are proud of what we achieve together and we want you to be part of it.

We have built an exceptional reputation through our service and results over the last 12 years, which has led to the significant and rapid growth of the business. It’s important to us that we continue to foster the next generation, which is why we offer opportunities for placement students and graduates to gain invaluable and hands on experience with us.

We want to provide you with a snapshot of the work we do and what you can expect to be part of in 2024 and beyond. I hope that this provides you with the inspiration and desire to apply for one of our roles.

GUY COGGRAVE MANAGING DIRECTOR

OUR OFFICE NETWORK

ESTABLISHED: 1 st October 2011

STAFF: 123

DIRECTORS: 8

OFFICES: 9

THE ROLES ON OFFER

GRADUATE LAND AGENTS PLACEMENT STUDENTS / SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Due to the continued growth of the business, we are looking to recruit Rural Practice Surveyors to join our Estate, Farms and Land Departments at our offices in Alnwick, Barnard Castle, Boroughbridge, Chester-le-Street, Colburn, Driffield and Kirkby Lonsdale.

This is an excellent opportunity for both graduate and placement students seeking a career within the rural sector whilst also making a meaningful contribution to the growth and development of an expanding business.

The roles will involve working as part of a dynamic team and offer the successful candidates a mix of challenging and rewarding work, managing a diverse portfolio of private rural estates as well as undertaking general professional work. The roles will provide experience in Property Management, Landlord & Tenant, Valuation, Land Use & Diversification, Agriculture, Forestry, Access & Rights of Way and Purchase & Sale.

We are looking for people who are comfortable with having a degree of autonomous working and are capable of completing work on time and to the highest of standards. The successful candidates are expected to be hard working and personable and have a mix of professional interests and a sound understanding of agriculture and the countryside.

The salary will be competitive, and candidates will be expected to start in summer 2024.

GRADUATE LAND AGENTS

The successful Graduate Land Agents will be offered permanent positions within the company and our commitment to supporting them through their professional qualifications.

PLACEMENT STUDENTS / SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Director within the Chesterle-Street office on a 12-month placement. In addition the company will make a contribution of £2,500 towards the successful scholarship applicant’s second year fees.

WE RECRUIT THE BEST

JASMIN LEETHAM Senior Surveyor

“After a rewarding placement year in 2018/19 with the Valuations and Surveys department at GSC Grays, I was delighted to be offered a permanent Graduate position.

There was no hesitation when accepting the role as I had already experienced what the company had to offer and knew I would be re-joining a great team and progressive company.

Since my return, I have successfully passed both my APC and the CAAV examinations, combining all I learnt in my final year of University and the diverse experience I have gained at GSC Grays. The Directors and other colleagues take an active role in the professional development of both placement students and graduates. With APC assessors within the company and a comprehensive support programme in place, there is always help available.

Since becoming fully qualified I have been promoted to Senior Surveyor and broadened my experience and now provide general profession advice to new and existing clients in the south of our region, with a focus on Planning & Development and Energy.

Overall, I can whole-heartedly recommend GSC Grays as a great company to work for, both as a placement student and a graduate.”

“I joined GSC Grays as a Graduate Land Agent in September 2022 after graduating from Harper Adams University.

I am based at the Boroughbridge Office working within the Estate Management department. My day-to-day role is varied, assisting with the management of several estates across South Yorkshire, as well as undertaking general professional work for private clients.

The diverse nature of the work I undertake has allowed me to build knowledge and experience in a multitude of areas. I have assisted with compensation claims for road schemes and water pipelines, tenancy matters, residential and agricultural lettings, property management, BPS claims, CSS applications, feasibility studies and so much more.

The support provided through the company training sessions and structured mentoring programme has placed me in a strong position to obtain my professional accreditations. Engaging with the support programme has given me the confidence to sit my CAAV examinations in Autumn 2023, before looking at undertaking my Assessment of Professional Competence to become a Chartered Surveyor.

I am excited to see what lies ahead.”

CHARLOTTE CLAYTON Graduate Surveyor

“I joined GSC Grays in the summer of 2022 after graduating from The Royal Agricultural University at Cirencester.

Growing up in a small village in County Durham with a background of land agency, farming and fieldsports, I saw the position at GSC Grays as a fantastic opportunity to begin my professional career as a Graduate Land Agent.

The structured nature of the GSC Grays training programme was particularly appealing to me when applying for graduate roles. Since starting, I have found all staff and Directors within the company to be supportive and encouraging in helping me through the APC process. With the multi-disciplinary departments, the self-help groups, Q&A sessions, graduate farm training days and mentoring system, I am receiving the necessary experience for my chosen competencies, and I hope to sit both my CAAV and APC examinations in Autumn 2024.

In addition, my workplace confidence continues to grow. A year in the Estate Management and Sporting Team at GSC Grays has given me a unique insight into the day-to-day management of upland estates with many challenges and opportunities to navigate in that time. This has helped me to learn and develop in my role whilst providing the personal and dynamic service to our clients which GSC Grays aspires to deliver.

There are plenty of social events to attend within GSC Grays, offering opportunities to meet with fellow graduates and colleagues from other offices in a more relaxed setting – there is something for everyone. I would highly recommend that any graduates looking for a career in Land Agency to apply for a role at GSC Grays - you will feel supported and valued, which I feel is important in the current climate.”

HENRY GRAY

Graduate Land Agent

OUR APPROACH TO TRAINING

At GSC Grays we take the development of our people seriously. We will provide anyone looking to pursue a professional qualification with a wide range of experience to help them reach their goal.

We have a dedicated training committee within the business, with representatives from each department, to ensure that all training needs are met. Senior members of our team are also on hand to help with training and key specialisms, as required.

We provide a structured career plan which will support you beyond gaining your qualification.

We actively encourage Graduate Land Agents to sit their CAAV examinations and provide the neccesary support to achieve this.

For those studying for their APC and CAAV, we ensure that they gain the greatest possible depth of experience, both practically and vocationally, with our peer-led internal selfhelp group and external training opportunities. We also provide structured guidance from APC Assessors and mock interviews leading up to the final assessment.

CAREER PROGRESSION ON MERIT

JOHN WALLIS Regional Director

APR 2013 Whilst working for a farm building fabricator John does a week’s work experience with the Sporting Director at the Leyburn office.

JULY 2013 Takes up position as Assistant Land Agent with GSC Grays.

SEPT 2013 Enrols on Distance Learning Rural Surveying diploma through the College of Estate Management alongside role at GSC Grays.

APR 2014 Working under the Sporting Director, John is given responsibility to aid the management of a large number of diverse estates across the North of England.

JULY 2015 Completes Rural Surveying Diploma and promoted to Graduate Surveyor at GSC Grays.

DEC 2015 John is given responsibility to lead on the management of a 10,000 acre estate near Barnard Castle, reporting directly to the client.

SEPT 2016 Sam Cole starts his placement position as John’s assistant.

MAY 2017 Passed APC on first sitting and promoted to Rural Surveyor.

SEPT 2017 Through a GSC Grays contract, John is offered the role of Estate Manager for the Raby Estate in County Durham, based in their Estate Office at Staindrop

APR 2018 John is made an Associate Director of the Professional Services Board at GSC Grays.

AUG 2019 John is made Rural Associate Director.

JAN 2020 John moves to the Easingwold office to help build the Southern Land Agency team.

APR 2020 Rory Hodgson joins GSC Grays as Graduate Surveyor working in John’s team.

OCT 2020 John takes on the responsibility for a number of large renewable energy projects in the North of England alongside his existing estate management roles.

NOV 2020 John is made Rural Director.

MAR 2022 Will Pheasey joins John’s team as a Qualified Surveyor.

APR 2022

John is made Chair of the Estate Management, Rural Land & Business and Sporting Board.

FEB 2023 John is promoted to Regional Director.

HELEN ROBINSON Associate

AUG 2010 Whilst at sixth form Helen undertakes a week’s work experience with the company Chairman.

JULY 2015 Helen graduates from Harper Adams University and takes up a position as a Graduate Surveyor based at the Lambton Estate Office.

JAN 2016 Working under the Chairman, Helen is given responsibility to aid the management of a number of estates within County Durham & Cumbria.

NOV 2016 Helen passes the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) examinations.

FEB 2017 Helen moves to the Colburn office to assist the Managing Director and a Director with the day to day management of rural estates in County Durham and North Yorkshire, as well as assisting with general professional work.

SEPT 2017 Helen is given responsibility to lead with the management of the residential property portfolio on a large rural estate in East Yorkshire, reporting directly to the client.

NOV 2017 Helen passes her RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) on first sitting and is promoted to Rural Surveyor.

MAY 2018 The Estate Management Department take on the management of a 1,000 acre estate in North Yorkshire. Helen reports to a Director as well as directly to the client.

FEB 2019 Helen moves to the Easingwold office, continuing to focus predominantly on Estate Management work within North and East Yorkshire.

NOV 2020 Helen is made Senior Surveyor.

FEB 2021 Helen is instructed to manage a private landlord’s residential property portfolio in North Yorkshire.

JUNE 2022 Helen takes on the management of two further residential property portfolios and moves to the Boroughbridge office to continue to develop business in North and East Yorkshire.

AUG 2022 Helen is made a Rural Associate Director.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD!

There are many opportunities to take part in staff socials, whether as part of a company-wide event, or organised by individual offices and/or teams.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please visit the company website or email a CV and covering letter to hr@gscgrays.co.uk for the attention of Lilly Yuill, HR & Recruitment Manager.

In your covering letter please include why you want to be a Land Agent and what attracts you to the role at GSC Grays.

SUMMER 2024 RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE

Application deadline

Interview offers

1st video call interviews

2nd video call interviews

Shortlisted candidates interviewed at offices

Jobs offers made

Monday 20th November 2023

Thursday 23rd November 2023

Friday 24th & Monday 27th November 2023

Thursday 30th November 2023

Monday 4th - Thursday 7th December 2023

Friday 8th December 2023