Senior Building Control Surveyor – AR

Job Details

Job Description: Senior Building Control Surveyor

Department: Growth and Regeneration

Service Area: Building Control

Reports to: Building Control Manager / General Manager

Grade: Grade 12 (Class 2 Registered Building Inspector) / Grade 13 (Class 3 Registered Building Inspector)

Location: Hybrid – office, site-based inspections, and emergency call-out duties

Role Purpose

The Senior Building Control Surveyor is responsible for delivering a high-quality, customer-focused building control service that ensures compliance with Building Regulations and associated legislation.

The role supports the safe and sustainable development of the city by protecting the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of people in and around buildings, while contributing to environmental protection, energy efficiency, water conservation, and crime prevention.

Working within a competitive environment, the postholder will proactively engage with clients and stakeholders to support income generation, promote the Building Control service, and deliver excellent customer outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assess plans, specifications, and supporting documentation to determine compliance with Building Regulations and associated legislation.
  • Undertake site inspections across a broad range of residential, commercial, and complex developments to verify compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Carry out inspections in all weather conditions, including work at height, confined spaces, and inspections of foul and surface water drainage systems.
  • Manage and resolve complex building control cases, including non-compliant works, enforcement matters, dangerous structures, and demolition notifications.
  • Provide clear technical advice and guidance to developers, contractors, architects, agents, homeowners, elected members, internal departments, and members of the public.
  • Maintain accurate inspection records, case files, reports, and correspondence to support regulatory decisions, enforcement action, and legal proceedings where required.
  • Liaise effectively with planning, licensing, emergency services, statutory agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery.
  • Participate in a rota providing out-of-hours emergency advice and response for dangerous structures and demolition incidents.
  • Conduct safety inspections and provide specialist advice relating to licensed events, sports grounds, grandstands, and temporary structures.
  • Support the promotion and marketing of the Building Control service to attract and retain clients and contribute to service income targets.
  • Monitor performance against national and local targets and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
  • Review emerging legislation, guidance, case law, and industry best practice and make recommendations regarding service delivery improvements.
  • Work collaboratively across the Growth and Regeneration Directorate to support development priorities and deliver integrated services.
  • Participate in peer reviews and quality assurance processes.
  • Mentor, support, and provide technical guidance to trainee and junior surveyors.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Experience

  • Extensive knowledge of Building Regulations, associated legislation, and relevant health and safety requirements.
  • Knowledge of private sector building control and the competitive building control environment.
  • Minimum of four years’ post-qualification experience in building control.
  • Experience of inspecting a broad range of building developments and managing complex cases.
  • Experience of enforcement, contraventions, dangerous structures, and demolition procedures.
  • Strong understanding of customer service standards and quality assurance processes.

Essential Skills and Competencies

  • Ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and technical guidance.
  • Excellent verbal, written, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong report-writing and record-keeping abilities.
  • Effective workload management and prioritisation skills.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing positively to team objectives.
  • Competence in mentoring and supporting junior colleagues.
  • Proficiency in building control systems, planning systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Experience using surveying and inspection equipment, including laser measures, thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, endoscopes, and theodolites.

Qualifications and Professional Requirements

  • HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
  • Membership of a recognised professional body such as CABE, RICS, or CIOB.
  • Registered Building Inspector status with a minimum Class 2A registration.
  • Class 2F registration preferred.
  • Class 3 registration desirable.

Working Arrangements

  • Site inspections are expected to comprise a minimum of three days per week, with four days preferred.
  • Attendance at team meetings, training sessions, peer reviews, and office-based activities is required.
  • Participation in an emergency out-of-hours call-out rota, including evenings and weekends, is required.

Additional Requirements

  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Access to a vehicle with appropriate business-use insurance.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining competence in accordance with the Building Inspector Competence Framework.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, health and safety, and customer care principles.