Commercial Real Estate Graduate Scheme

Job overview

Our Commercial Development teams focus on generating non-fare related revenue for the organisation covering commercial partnerships, advertising, retail and property development. Commercial Property is at the heart of solving some of our City’s biggest challenges – housing pressures, TfL’s financial sustainability, and the need to keep London moving, working and growing.

We have an ambitious housing programme which will provide more than 20,000 homes across the capital, with 50 per cent affordable housing on average across all sites brought to the market since May 2016. Construction has already started on some 1,500 and we have thousands of more homes coming forward. All profits from development are reinvested back into the transport network.

What will I be doing?

As a graduate, your two-year development programme will be made up of up to four placement rotations. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career.

We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every graduate’s journey is unique.

Here’s an idea of what your first year on the scheme could look like:

Year 1

• Placement 1 – Commercial Property Management - 6 months. Focused on the renewal of excluded and protected leases, you’ll be undertaking the rent reviews, lease assignments, licences to alter, inspections and measurements. You’ll also maintain and observe the Health and Safety regulations and manage the maintenance of the building using a service charge budget.
• Placement 2 – Commercial Asset Management – 6 months. You’ll undertake asset strategies and projects, including refurbishments and unit amalgamation, lettings, market liaison, valuations, business planning, budgeting and associated place making aligned to our customer strategy.

Year 2

• Placement 3 – Property Development - 6 months. You’ll carry out development appraisals, including carrying out inspections and measurements for the purpose of valuation. A primary role will also involve working within planning regulations and policies. You’ll receive training on the valuation tool Argus.
• Placement 4 – Operational Property – 6 months. Depending on your chosen APC competencies, you may gain experience in rating or compulsory purchase orders (CPO). In addition, you’ll liaise with third party surveyors on dilapidations, service charges, inspections and measurements. You’ll get the unique experience of acting as agent for both landlord and tenant.

All graduates start their programme in the Commercial Property Management team. Following placements will be mutually agreed to ensure you gain experience on the widest possible range of technologies, tools and teams. In your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your programme to closely match your needs and interests.  

Location: London (there might be some hybrid working involved depending on a placement)

Duration: 2 years

You’ll receive one-to-one support throughout the programme from:

• the Commercial Development Graduate & Apprentice Sponsors
• your Line Manager and Placement Manager,
• RICS accredited professionals at TfL, including an appointed counsellor and supervisor, who’ll be able to advise you throughout your APC training
• a ‘buddy’ who’ll be an alumnus from the scheme. 

We also have an established Graduate and Apprentice Committee and Alumni group, who organise informative events to enhance your understanding of the organisation and provide opportunities to develop your career. They also provide valuable support for the wellbeing of current graduates.

What do we look for?

Everything we do as an organisation is to ensure that our evolving city remains future-proof for millions of Londoners. Our talented graduates form a vital part of that vision, so it’s important that we find the best people to help us do this.

We’re looking for people who:

• Take accountability for their work and are flexible when dealing with the unexpected
• Have a desire to keep learning, be organised and have good attention to detail
• Relish a challenge, display enthusiasm and drive, and enjoy working with people

As a member of the team, we’ll give you responsibility and the opportunity to add value from day one. If you’re excited by inspiring and influencing the future of London and are up for a challenge and thrive under pressure, then this is the career path for you.

Entry requirements

A minimum degree of 2:2 or a Masters in the following: Estate Management, Property Management, Real Estate and Real Estate Management, or a similar Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited degree.

What qualifications will I gain?

On joining TfL, graduates will commence training for their RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) on the Commercial Real Estate pathway.

Where can this career take me?

Property provides a fantastic opportunity to make a difference using your own skill set. There are many avenues to pursue and a myriad of options depending on the choices you take and the work you choose to get involved with. At TfL, we provide the opportunity to gain qualifications and develop a career in the property world through our diverse teams.

Upon successfully completing the graduate scheme, you’ll join one of the various property teams within Commercial Development. There you’ll be supported to pass your RICS APC and gain your Chartership.

Over the next five years, successful graduates will work towards becoming a Senior Surveyor or Development Manager and will be developing their leadership, technical and professional skills through on the job training.

What training and support will you get?

Whilst on the scheme, we’ll support your technical development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experiences and placements. We’ll also support your professional development through a combination of classroom-led training courses, online training courses, mentoring opportunities and structured networking opportunities.

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