Building Surveyor (Fixed-Term Contract)

Job Title: Building Surveyor
Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC)
Salary: £50,000 per annum (preferred FTC arrangement, though a daily rate may be considered)
Reporting To: Head of Property
Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Location: Site-based role with travel across the property portfolio. Candidates should be located within approximately 30-45 minutes of the operational area (maximum one hour commute).

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Building Surveyor to join a Property team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role has been created to support ongoing service delivery and project work during a period of local government reorganisation, with council structures expected to change over the next 12 months.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering a varied programme of refurbishment, maintenance and improvement projects across a diverse property portfolio. Projects typically range up to approximately £100,000-£205,000 in value, with many smaller schemes delivered concurrently.

The portfolio includes:

• Housing refurbishment projects, including accommodation for vulnerable adults.
• Leisure centre refurbishment and improvement works.
• General property maintenance and asset improvement projects.
• Small to medium-sized capital works programmes.

This is a highly visible role requiring regular engagement with operational teams, contractors, consultants and senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake building inspections, surveys and condition assessments.
• Prepare specifications, schedules of works, tender documentation and project briefs.
• Develop project scopes in collaboration with service areas and key stakeholders.
• Manage refurbishment, maintenance and improvement projects from inception through to completion.
• Procure and manage contractors and consultants, ensuring quality, programme and budget compliance.
• Monitor project delivery, contractor performance and health and safety standards.
• Provide professional advice on building defects, maintenance requirements and asset management.
• Work closely with Heads of Service and operational teams to understand business requirements and translate them into deliverable projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and industry best practice.
• Maintain accurate project records, financial information and reporting documentation.
• Contribute to budget management and delivery of value-for-money outcomes.

Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in candidates who combine strong technical surveying expertise with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Building Surveying or a related property discipline.
• Experience delivering refurbishment, maintenance and improvement projects within a public sector environment.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage contractors from brief development through to completion.
• Experience preparing specifications, schedules of works and tender documentation.
• Knowledge of building construction, maintenance, defects diagnosis and statutory compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with senior managers, service leads and operational teams.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to attend site regularly.

Highly Desirable Background

Candidates with experience in the following environments will be particularly attractive:

• Local Authorities
• Housing Associations
• Ministry of Defence (MOD)
• Other public sector property and estates organisations

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Friendly and approachable.
• Collaborative in their working style.
• Practical and solutions-focused.
• Comfortable working independently while managing a varied workload.
• Confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Professional and customer-focused.

Benefits

• Salary of £50,000 per annum.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Opportunity to work on a varied and interesting public sector property portfolio.
• Involvement in projects that directly support local communities and service users.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.

Application Guidance

Applications are particularly encouraged from Building Surveyors with demonstrable public sector experience and who are located within a reasonable commuting distance of the operational area to support the site-based nature of the role.