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- Tasks: Oversee repair and refurbishment projects for Waterstones' estate.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved book retailer focused on customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent shop discounts and work in a friendly, dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with a passionate team in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Chartered Building Surveyor or working towards MRICS.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel required; ideal for those who thrive in a multi-site environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Home Based in Oxford, Cambridge, London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Bedfordshire
We are looking for a Building Surveyor to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones. You will be responsible for overseeing a proactive programme of external and internal repair and refurbishment schemes to ensure that the Waterstones estate is fit for purpose and complies with legislation. You will ensure all project works are undertaken safely, in line with the budget and timescales and meet the required business standards.
What you will be doing
- Supporting capital project works, dilapidations, acquisitions and disposals.
- Develop, oversee and administer annual programme of works.
- Develop detailed specifications and scope of works for repair programmes & capital works (generally using JCT forms of Contracts).
- Supporting an extensive shop development programme to ensure that a holistic lifecycle approach is taken to capital investment with a focus on building fabric.
- Ensure estate is fit for purpose and identify where improvements can be made.
- Ensuring the local delivery of revenue & capital works meets with all policies & standards set by Waterstones & is in accordance with the Company’s Health & Safety plan, along legislative & legal obligations.
- Manage & oversee Party Wall schemes.
- Oversee Landlords works, ensuring they are carried out safely and to the required high standard.
- Negotiate dilapidation claims with Landlords.
- Input strategically with technical advice to support the needs and growth of the business.
- Contribute to the development of yearly budgets & 5 yearly rolling investment maintenance plans.
- Develop & prepare monthly reports covering risks, progress, H&S and areas of significant activity to drive performance.
- Escalate and flag issues as required.
- Key stakeholder for the strategic plans and approach to dilapidations, estate management.
- Work with external suppliers and consultants to drive innovation, add value and deliver expectations within agreed SLA / KPI’s.
- Produce capital expenditure requests and efficiently administer the subsequent orders and payments process.
- Manage the effective delivery of Planned Preventative Maintenance works & Fabric & Plant (small works) & be involved, where directed, in associated capital programmes.
- Manage dispute resolution for contracts at a local level.
What we need from you
- Qualified Chartered Building Surveyor (or working towards MRICS).
- Holds a Building Surveying degree.
- Extensive knowledge of dilapidation management.
- Knowledge of Party wall management.
- Data analysis and reporting capability.
- Ideally worked within a retail or similar industry.
- Used to working in a multi-site environment.
Person Profile
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
- Proven ability to negotiate effectively.
- Highly organised and able to extensively multi-task.
- Able to manage effectively to get results.
- Resilient and adaptable.
- Used to working autonomously.
- Innovative and proactive approach.
- Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external working relationships.
- Ability to prioritise workload based on business needs.
- Comfortable with weekly travel.
Why work for Waterstones
At Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again. We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Café W’s, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes. Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one).
In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.com.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Retail
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Building Surveyor employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Building Surveyor
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the building surveying field, especially those who have experience in retail environments. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific legislation and standards that apply to building surveying within the retail sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with dilapidation management and Party Wall schemes in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated these processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously by preparing a portfolio of past work. Highlight any instances where you improved efficiency or delivered projects under budget and on time.
We think you need these skills to ace Building Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a Chartered Building Surveyor and any relevant experience in dilapidation management or retail environments. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position at Waterstones. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as managing capital project works or overseeing repair programmes.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've successfully negotiated or collaborated with stakeholders in the past.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: Given the need for strong organisational abilities, emphasise your experience in managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Provide examples of how you prioritised workloads and met deadlines in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Make sure to highlight your qualifications as a Chartered Building Surveyor or your progress towards MRICS. Be prepared to discuss your degree and how it has equipped you with the necessary skills for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Dilapidation Management
Since extensive knowledge of dilapidation management is crucial for this position, come prepared with examples of past experiences where you've successfully managed dilapidation claims or similar projects.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical aspects of building surveying and project management.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges in a multi-site environment. Think of specific instances where you've had to negotiate or manage disputes effectively.
