Job Details
Temporary Job Specification: Senior Building Control Team Leader, Crawley BC Job Title: Senior Building Control Team Leader
Location: Crawley Borough Council
Contract Type: Temporary (Initial 6-months, with potential for extension)
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience (indicative rate: £80/hour)
Reporting to: Head of Economy and Planning
Start Date: As soon as possible
Duration: 6 months (initial), with potential for extension (subject to review)
Purpose of the Role
To establish successfully a statutory minimum in-house Building Control team and function within Crawley Borough Council, ensuring legal compliance, operational readiness, and continuity of service provision. Ensure establishment of new Crawley Building Control team services and functions to builders, developers, businesses and residents, making sure that Crawley is in a position to receive applications effective 23rd October.
To manage and oversee directly the transitioning of building control services into the Borough Council as in-house statutory minimum provision, successfully bringing them out from Sussex Building Control run by Horsham District Council (for which the Shared Service Agreement between CBC and HDC is scheduled to terminate on 22nd October 2025). To ensure that the in-house statutory minimum service to be provided by CBC is operational by 20th October 2025.
To carry out the duties of a Registered Building Inspector, with part of the role involving the working through of a case load of site inspections, reversions, regularisations and / or building notice applications, taking cases through to completion and to provide professional management advice and guidance to the Building Control Team.
To oversee progression and carrying out of building control enforcement cases and public protection related cases (dangerous buildings, football stadia etc).
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Transition Management
– Lead the establishment of Crawley’s statutory minimum Building Control service.
– Oversee the transfer and integration of historic building control data from Horsham DC into Crawley BC’s software systems so it can be operated successfully in support of the statutory minimum in-house service provision.
– Oversee the development of comprehensive operational protocols and procedures and ensure full compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022.
Service Delivery & Compliance
– Ensure statutory duties are fulfilled, including:
• Assessment and administration of Initial Notices.
• Enforcement of Building Regulations under the Building Act 1984.
• Oversight of dangerous structures and public protection duties.
• Site inspections and related building control applications through to completion
• Full Plans checks when required (outsourcing where appropriate)
• Reversions and regularisations
• Building notices when required
• Maintenance of operational standards and data records.
• Oversee the administration and management of related processes: e.g: I) Competent Persons notifications; II) Initial Notices III) Demolition Notices etc;
Stakeholder Engagement
– Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including developers, residents, and regulatory bodies.
– Liaise with private sector Approved Inspectors and other local authorities as required.
Team Management
– Supervise a small team comprising a Data and Administration Manager, Administration Officer and a full time Registered Building Inspector.
– Provide technical guidance and ensure professional standards are upheld.
Policy & Procedure Development
– Draft and implement service procedures aligned with national regulations and local priorities.
– Prepare reports and recommendations for senior management and Cabinet as needed.
Essential Requirements
1. Professional Registration and Membership
• Must be a Registered Building Control Inspector.
• Should hold full professional membership with one of the following:
• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors); CABE (Chartered
Association of Building Engineers); CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building); MIoF (Member of the Institute of Fire Engineers)
2. Qualification Level
• Class 3 or 4 in Building Control is typically required for senior leadership roles
3. Competency Framework
• Must demonstrate Specialist Level competency, including Class 3H as defined by the Building Safety Regulator
• This ensures the individual is qualified to oversee complex and high-risk buildings, including high-rise structures
• Extensive experience in Building Control, particularly in managing teams and handling complex regulatory compliance.
• Proven leadership in a local authority setting is essential.
• Extensive experience in local authority building control, including enforcement and statutory compliance.
• Strong understanding of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its implications for local authorities.
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable Skills
– Experience in service transition or restructuring within a local authority context.
– Familiarity with data migration and integration processes.
– Knowledge of water neutrality impact on development in Sussex North Water Supply Zone.
Additional Information
The postholder will play a key role in shaping the future of Building Control provision in Crawley, with potential future involvement in Local Government re-organisation preparations going forward. This role is critical to ensuring Crawley Borough Council maintains statutory compliance and service continuity during a period of significant change.
