At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure high-quality standards in new build housing through site inspections and technical support.
- Company: Join Bernicia, a leading housing provider dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, health cash plan, gym discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a Great Place to Work® certified employer with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing quality while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong practical construction knowledge and a valid driving licence required.
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
Location: Ashington
Salary: up to £45,000 per annum (inclusive of car allowance)
Hours: 37 per week, Monday to Friday.
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 5PM on Monday 5th October 2026.
If you are passionate about achieving high standards in new build housing and have strong practical construction knowledge, our Technical Officer/Clerk of Works role could be the next step in your career. You will play an important role in improving the quality of Bernicia’s new homes, providing practical site inspection, technical advice and support throughout construction, handover and the defects period. This opportunity comes at a pivotal time following the launch of ‘The Bernicia Effect, Supporting Opportunity’ 2026-31 Corporate Strategy in which we will deliver up to 1000 new homes.
Role Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) for full-time employees;
- Health cash plan membership so you can save money by claiming cash back – over £1000 each year - towards essential healthcare such as dental, optical, physio and loads more. We’ll also cover the costs of including any dependent children in the scheme – up to the age of 21 or 24 if in full-time education – that you may have.
- Access to savings on gym memberships plus cash back and discounts on purchases from major retailers including supermarkets, travel, cinema and more.
- Generous pension scheme with life insurance of 3 x salary.
About the Technical Officer/Clerk of Works Role:
You will play a key role in ensuring Bernicia’s new homes are delivered to the highest quality standards. Working across a range of development sites, you will inspect construction works, assess workmanship and identify defects, quality concerns, contractual risks and areas of non-compliance. You will ensure that homes are constructed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, employer requirements, Building Regulations, fire safety requirements and the building contract.
The role involves regular site visits, monitoring construction progress, maintaining accurate site records and producing clear written and photographic reports. You will attend pre-start and progress meetings, represent Bernicia in discussions with contractors and project teams, and build effective working relationships that support the successful delivery of new homes whilst constructively challenging poor workmanship where required. You will also support the preparation and resolution of defects, contribute to the smooth handover of completed homes and provide technical advice on new build and latent defects. Through your practical knowledge and attention to detail, you will help drive continuous improvements in construction quality, specifications and future scheme delivery, ensuring customers receive homes that meet Bernicia’s standards and long-term expectations.
Please also see the associated Role Profile, for further details on accountabilities, along with guidance on essential and desirable criteria.
About us:
We’re all about helping people in need of housing. We believe a good home makes lots of other things possible, so we provide great homes and services that do just that. We’ve built Bernicia to be a business that people want to be a part of. We’re one of the North East’s largest and most successful housing providers; building, renting, selling and managing homes as well as providing services to over 60,000 customers.
Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Our people are what make us great. Their feedback has recognised us as a Great Place to Work® certified employer. We operate within a set of simple, but effective values, which blend perfectly to create our unique ‘Bernicia Way’ culture. This ensures we are customer focused, through working together, respecting each other, being accountable for our actions and demonstrating integrity and leadership.
You will be required to hold a current and valid driving licence.
Interviews will be taking place week commencing 12th October.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than advertised, should we receive a large volume of applications.
The Group is fully committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and we particularly welcome applicants from groups who are currently under represented at Bernicia.
Technical Officer / Clerk of Works employer: Bernicia
As a Homeless Service Support Worker based in Ashkirk, Sunderland, you will join a compassionate team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering 28 days of annual leave and opportunities for training and development. With a focus on community impact, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Officer / Clerk of Works
✨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 Bernicia, 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 Technical Officer / Clerk of Works at Bernicia.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Officer / Clerk of Works
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 Bernicia
✨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!
