devtalks… with Knight Frank’s Andrew Groocock

Andrew Groocock, Head of Core Market Sales at Knight Frank, featured as a guest on ‘breakfast with #devtalks…’ hosted this morning at the company’s London offices by CEO Andrew Deverell-Smith.

#devtalks… draws leading figures from across the world of property and this morning’s barstool interview covered the hiring cycle and insights into one of the industry’s most successful and established companies. Focusing on “the right attitude and ambition”, Groocock gave an overview of Knight Frank’s HR challenges and innovations from a company that now employs more than 19,000 people across 500 offices in 60 territories.

Groocock took a leap of faith when he joined Knight Frank as he was drawn to the brand, what the business could offer his long-term career and its partnership model. His move, however, did mean taking a salary cut at a young age when he wasn’t as financially stable as he is now. When asked about Knight Frank’s brand and company culture he said, “Knight Frank has no desire to be the biggest agency, that’s Savills and JLL, we want to deliver the best service to our clients and customers. We’re about profit, not about turnover.”

As the market is showing real signs of promise, Knight Frank are eager to expand in several areas of their business, with a particular focus on the client services team. When asked about hiring at Knight Frank, he said “We’re looking at changing the attitude behind who fits into the property industry, we’re changing across the board and have made strides in the right direction but are miles off where we want to be.”

You don’t have to have experience in property to be considered for a role at Knight Frank, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the industry on the job with excellent training and resources. The company are seeking ambition, desire, hunger, entrepreneurial flare, and a self-starter. You’ll be surrounded by experts and expected to always bring your A-game.

Groocock explains how Knight Frank isn’t for everyone, as a business they do not remunerate commission but instead offer a considerable annual bonus based on yearly performance. It reaffirms the partnership model which the business operates with to ensure negotiators’ goals align with customers and clients. At Knight Frank you can sell super prime property in central London or property which sits in the company’s core market in east London, “We look at individuals based on the opportunity that they have. Anyone can reach the top.”

deverellsmith are currently working in partnership with Andrew Groocock and his team to source excellent talent. If you have the right attitude and are keen to learn more about careers at Knight Frank, use the contact details below to get in touch.

Tommy Lambourne, Head of Agency: Tommy.lambourne@deverellsmith.com