At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-commencement activities for social housing refurbishment projects across the UK.
- Company: Axis CLC, a trusted property services specialist with over 110 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, and ongoing career development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape a vital function in a growing company while making a real impact on communities.
- Qualifications: Significant senior management experience in social housing and strong knowledge of building safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 57704 - 70528 £ per year.
Axis, part of Axis CLC, is a trusted property services specialist delivering responsive repairs, planned works, refurbishments and voids services across the UK. Backed by over 110 years of combined experience and the wider strength of Axis CLC, operating from 23 UK offices and employing more than 2,500 people nationwide, we support housing providers and public sector clients with high-quality maintenance and compliance services that help keep residents safe, properties well maintained and communities supported.
We're looking for an experienced Group Head of Pre-Commencement to lead pre-commencement activity across our social housing planned refurbishment and building safety programmes nationally. This is a senior strategic role with responsibility for ensuring projects are technically robust, fully compliant, commercially viable and operationally ready before works commence. You'll lead the coordination of design development, statutory approvals, building safety and regulatory requirements, programme planning and project readiness, creating a consistent approach to pre-commencement across the Group. Working closely with Managing Directors, operational and commercial teams, clients, consultants and regulatory bodies, you'll provide the critical link between design, compliance and operational delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Group’s Pre-Commencement function across multiple business units and projects throughout the UK.
- Develop and implement consistent pre-commencement processes, governance and best practice across the Group.
- Lead multidisciplinary design teams, coordinating architects, engineers, Principal Designers and specialist consultants.
- Oversee design development from feasibility through to construction, ensuring solutions are coordinated, buildable and compliant.
- Lead compliance with the Building Safety Act and associated regulatory requirements, including Gateway submissions where applicable.
- Coordinate engagement and submissions with the Building Safety Regulator, Building Control and other statutory authorities.
- Oversee planning applications, statutory approvals and associated requirements to ensure projects are ready to commence.
- Ensure Golden Thread information and Principal Designer requirements are effectively managed.
- Build strong relationships with Housing Associations, Local Authorities and framework clients, acting as a senior technical representative during pre-construction.
- Establish and manage a multidisciplinary consultant framework capable of supporting projects nationally.
- Work closely with Operations and Commercial teams to ensure seamless mobilisation and transition from pre-construction into delivery.
- Oversee project readiness reviews, pre-start programmes, surveys, investigations and enabling requirements.
- Support bids and tenders, technical reviews, value engineering and the identification and mitigation of design and commercial risks.
- Lead, develop and mentor the Pre-Commencement team, including Design Managers, Technical Coordinators and associated professionals.
- Drive high standards of health, safety, quality, accountability and continuous improvement across all pre-commencement activity.
About You
- Significant senior management experience within social housing planned refurbishment, building safety or a closely related environment.
- Extensive experience leading complex pre-construction or pre-commencement activities across multiple projects.
- Strong knowledge of façade remediation, external envelope refurbishment and occupied residential refurbishment.
- Thorough understanding of the Building Safety Act, Building Regulations and CDM Regulations.
- Experience working with the Building Safety Regulator, Building Control and Local Planning Authorities.
- Strong understanding of PAS 9980, fire remediation and building safety compliance.
- Proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and specialist consultants.
- Strong understanding of design risk, statutory approvals, planning and project mobilisation.
- Experience working with Housing Associations, Local Authorities and public-sector clients.
- Knowledge of public procurement and framework contracts.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and manage technical and programme risk.
- An accomplished leader with excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and decision-making skills.
- Able to influence and provide technical leadership at Director and Executive level.
- Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Building Surveying, Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
- Professional membership such as RICS, CIOB, ICE, RIBA or CABE would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Car allowance, and performance bonus.
- Hybrid working across office, site and home as required.
- 25 days' annual leave + bank holidays.
- Up to £2,000 colleague referral fee.
- Long-service awards at key milestones.
- Perkbox - discounts on coffee, cinema, travel and wellbeing.
- 1 paid volunteer day each year.
- Ongoing training, support and career development within the wider Axis CLC Group.
- The opportunity to shape and lead a strategically important Group-wide function as the business continues to grow.
Our Commitment
Many faces, One Axis. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion across all teams and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Adjustments will be made where needed. Many faces, one Axis CLC. We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer and believe our diverse workforce makes us stronger. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know - we'll be happy to support you.
Group Head of Pre-Commencement employer: Axis CLC Group
Axis CLC is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where reliability and quality are at the forefront of our mission. As a Painter and Decorator, you will benefit from competitive pay, a company van, and opportunities for professional development while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance communities across various sectors. Our commitment to inclusion and employee wellbeing ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to grow within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Pre-Commencement
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Axis CLC Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Group Head of Pre-Commencement at Axis CLC Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Pre-Commencement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Axis CLC Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
