Principal Building Surveyor

Overview

In this role you will lead the Building Projects Team within the Capital Projects Service to deliver refurbishment schemes and professional building surveying support for housing clients. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, advise on building safety requirements, and manage projects from planning through delivery. You will coach and develop junior surveyors, driving standards and efficiency across projects. This is a chance to shape council housing assets and contribute to safe, well-maintained homes at scale. A strong focus on leadership, technical excellence, and stakeholder collaboration anchors this opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of Building Surveyors within the Building Projects Team
• Manage refurbishment schemes and deliver professional surveyor services for diverse clients
• Oversee projects including planned maintenance, compliance, and Building Safety Act requirements
• Advise on building legislation, contract law, and guidance (Social Housing Act, Building Safety Act, Housing Act, Party Wall Act, planning, fire safety, etc.)
• Apply CDM Regulations 2015 and Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012 to projects and advise others
• Recruit and develop Apprentices, Trainees, and Graduates within the surveying team
• Monitor cost control, lifecycle costing, and value for money across works
• Utilise IT tools (Excel, MS Project) and AutoCAD or similar for planning and drawings
• Measure, analyse, and report project and stock data and maintain up-to-date records

Key requirements

• MRICS Chartered Building Surveyor
• Degree-level qualification in a related building surveying or construction subject
• Experience in leading a team and managing contracts (JCT) and disputes
• Strong knowledge of building-related legislation and guidance (including Building Safety Act, Social Housing Act, planning, fire safety, electrical, gas, legionella)
• Experience with CDM Regulations 2015 and Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012
• Proven ability to recruit and develop junior staff
• Cost control, lifecycle costing, and value-for-money assessment
• Proficiency in Excel, MS Project, and AutoCAD or similar drawing tools
• Ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels and travel between sites

• strong communication
• assertiveness
• organisational discipline
• MS Excel data analysis
• MS Project for planning
• AutoCAD or similar drafting tools

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