Somerset Council
Principal Building Control Surveyor
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Principal Building Control Surveyor Somerset Council
Closing Date: 08/07/2026
Salary: Grade 8 – £49,282 per annum, plus a time-limited recruitment allowance of £7,500 per annum (until 31/10/2028).
Location: Hybrid working – home or one of our offices.
About the Role
Take the lead on some of the most complex and high-profile building projects in Somerset, ensuring communities remain safe while raising the standard of the built environment. As Principal Building Control Surveyor, you’ll combine technical expertise with strategic leadership:
- Oversee major developments under regulatory compliance.
- Manage a highly skilled team of surveyors. -shape the future of Somerset Council’s building control service, building strong industry relationships and leaving a visible, lasting impact.
This is a rare opportunity to inherit an influential, senior role where your tenure will reshape how the service operates.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Operational Management
- Oversee the operational management of the Building Control service, including direct reporting for ~15 staff.
- Lead on major projects, dangerous structures, and complex enforcement.
- Ensure technical compliance with Building Regulations, statutory duties, and Building Safety Regulator requirements.
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Team & Business Development
- Cultivate high-quality, responsive service for residents, businesses, and partners.
- Mentor staff, develop competence, and lead staff training programs.
Compliance, Regulation & Legal Representation
- Manage performance, budgets, and finances, ensuring robust financial oversight.
- Represent Somerset Council in legal proceedings and senior enforcement actions.
- Advise senior management and elected members on complex, specialist buildings.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure service meets Operational Standards Rules and ISO 9001 quality standards.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Deep regulatory expertise in Building Regulations and associated legislation to govern strategic priorities.
- Qualified Managerial Experience –strong background in staff leadership and performance management.
- Judgement and technical reasoning – ability to provide rational, evidence-based advice on life safety decisions.
- Registered Building Inspector (or working towards registration) under the Building Inspector Competency Framework.
- Legal enforcement skills for high-level building control enforcement actions.
- Fieldwork capability – willingness to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and inspect construction sites.
- Achieved or progressing to at least Class 2 (Higher) registration (offer contingent on April 2024 achievement).
- Exceptional oral and written communications for technical reports and consultancy.
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Desirable
- 7+ years’ experience in Building Control (local authority or private sector).
- Degree/HNC/equivalent in construction/discipline (or membership with RICS, CABE, CIOB).
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave, plus public holidays.
- Hybrid working model (office-work flexibility).
- Development opportunities with Somerset Council.
- Permanent position (37-hour workweek, Grade 8 salary).
Regretfully, this role does not offer work authorization sponsorship.
Queries? Contact Samuel Tully, Service Manager, via samuel.tully@somerset.gov.uk.
For a full job description, request via: recruitment@somerset.gov.uk.
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