At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in delivering innovative life science projects and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Bidwells, a leader in the science and technology property market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, wellness days, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, innovative culture.
- Why this job: Work on exciting projects that shape the future of science and technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building Surveying or related field; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
If you’re looking for a building surveying role where you’ll be trusted with meaningful responsibility, work on some of the UK’s most significant science and technology real estate, and develop alongside one of the sector’s leading specialists, we’d like to hear from you.
Our successful hire will work closely with an experienced Partner who specialises in delivering complex life science projects across the region. Working alongside our dedicated life science specialist, you'll gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of high-profile laboratory, refurbishment and commercial projects within one of the UK’s most innovative science and technology markets.
This opportunity is open to talented surveyors at any stage of their career - from graduates looking for exceptional mentoring through to experienced Chartered Surveyors seeking to accelerate their careers. We are also looking to speak with experienced contract administrators and project coordinators who have experience working in the built environment sector.
This is not a role where you’ll be pigeonholed. You’ll gain exposure to the full breadth of commercial building surveying, developing technical expertise while building trusted relationships with some of the UK’s most prestigious landlords, occupiers and institutional clients.
Your workload will have a particular emphasis on project delivery and contract administration, acting as Employer’s Agent or Contract Administrator on refurbishment, alteration and fit-out projects ranging from small complex works to multi-million-pound schemes. Projects are delivered across some of Cambridge’s most recognised innovation campuses, including:
- Cambridge Science Park
- Babraham Research Campus
- Granta Park
- Other leading science, technology and commercial assets throughout Cambridge and the wider Golden Triangle.
In recent years the team have completed speculative Laboratory fit-outs and CATA office schemes, alongside several high profile re-purposing schemes; notably 316 Cambridge Science Park from office to lab on behalf of Trinity College and the creation of a ISO8 Cleanroom and production facility within an industrial space for Sherlock Bio. Last month we delivered Cambridge’s first NABERS UK 5.5 star retrofit building at 334 Cambridge Science Park.
Alongside project work you’ll also gain experience in:
- Dilapidations
- Technical due diligence
- Planned preventative maintenance
- Defect diagnosis
- Landlord & tenant matters
- Principal Designer services
- Building pathology
We’re interested in people as much as qualifications. You might be a graduate with a strong academic background and genuine enthusiasm for commercial property, or an experienced surveyor looking to work on higher-profile projects with greater responsibility.
Ideally you’ll have:
- A degree in Building Surveying or a related discipline
- Progress towards, or achievement of, MRICS (where applicable)
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Commercial awareness and a practical approach to problem solving
- Curiosity, ambition and a desire to continually develop.
Cambridge is at the centre of Europe’s most exciting science and technology property market, and this role offers a front-row seat. You’ll work with pioneering clients delivering spaces that support life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation. From cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities to commercial campuses and headquarters buildings, no two projects are the same.
Most importantly, you’ll work alongside a highly experienced mentor who is passionate about developing people, sharing knowledge and giving individuals genuine responsibility from an early stage. Whether your ambition is to become a Chartered Surveyor, lead major projects or ultimately become a Partner, this role provides the experience, support and exposure to help you get there.
Bidwells has built an unrivalled reputation within the science and technology sector. We advise many of the UK’s most influential investors, developers and occupiers, combining technical excellence with deep market knowledge across Cambridge, Oxford, London and beyond. If you want to build a career—not just a CV—we’d love to hear from you.
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with generous salary and group bonus scheme. As a Real Living Wage employer, we’re committed to fair pay that reflects the true cost of living.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Including up to 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday (+ bank holidays) as a minimum, along with your birthday off work, a wellness day, paid sabbaticals, private medical cover, medicash plan, lifestyle discounts and perks, and more.
- Professional Development: Continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities.
- Innovative Culture: Be part of a forward-thinking team at the forefront of industry trends.
- Family Friendly: We offer enhanced family leave policies to support individuals close to you.
- Work-Life Balance: We value your well-being and offer agile working to support it.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief. Flexible working requests are considered from day one.
Recruitment agencies: Bidwells only pay agency fees where we have a signed agreement in place and that agency has been contacted and directed by a member of our Talent Acquisition Team to work on a specific vacancy. We do not pay agency fees when speculative and unsolicited CVs are submitted to Bidwells or any of our employees other than via our Applicant Tracking System and through our recruitment process. If this is not adhered to, agency fees will not be paid.
Building Surveyor/Contractor Administrator - Life Science in Cambridge employer: Bidwells LLP
At Bidwells, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. As a Lettings Coordinator in the vibrant city of Cambridge, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, mentorship from seasoned property experts, and a supportive environment that values your contributions, making it an ideal place to launch your career in residential property.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Building Surveyor/Contractor Administrator - Life Science in Cambridge
✨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 Bidwells LLP, 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 Building Surveyor/Contractor Administrator - Life Science at Bidwells LLP.
We think you need these skills to ace Building Surveyor/Contractor Administrator - Life Science in Cambridge
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 Bidwells LLP
✨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!
