At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead building safety and property improvement programmes to enhance community living.
- Company: Join Cheltenham Borough Council, an award-winning and forward-thinking organisation.
- Benefits: Generous salary, excellent pension, flexible working, and 26+ days holiday.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through safe and accessible housing.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building Surveying or 7 years relevant experience; chartered status preferred.
The predicted salary is between 48738 - 54229 £ per year.
Cheltenham Borough Council has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Building Surveyor to join the team.
Location: Cheltenham, GL50 9SA
Salary: £48,738 - £54,229 per annum (pay award pending wef 1 April 2026)
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 17th May 2026
Come and work for an award-winning organisation! We are an ambitious and forward-thinking council. We are committed to making Cheltenham a better place to live and work, enabling communities and businesses to thrive whilst protecting what is good about our town. We aim to be an employer of choice where everyone is treated fairly and feels valued and respected. We aim to provide a stimulating and rewarding working environment that encourages our people to work together, provides opportunities for them to reach their full potential and achieve a healthy work/life balance. Working at Cheltenham Borough Council means working as part of a committed, professional, and friendly team.
The Role:
We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Principal Building Surveyor to lead our building safety and property improvement programmes across our housing stock. With a strong focus on fire safety compliance, major projects and disabled adaptations, this is a key leadership role ensuring our homes are safe, accessible, and meet the highest standards of quality. You will oversee complex projects from inception to completion, provide expert technical advice, and work collaboratively with internal teams, contractors, and residents to deliver outcomes that genuinely improve lives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of fire safety programmes, including FRA actions, compartmentation works, fire door replacements and passive fire protection
- Oversee the delivery of major disabled adaptations, ensuring homes are accessible, safe, and suitable for residents' needs
- Lead major projects such as the replacement of external wall insulation in blocks of flats
- Act as a technical expert on building pathology, compliance, and construction standards
- Manage project teams, external consultants, and contractors to ensure high-quality, value-for-money outcomes
- Provide professional advice on complex building issues, specifications, remedial works, and compliance with relevant legislation
- Develop and maintain robust technical standards, policies, and specifications for fire safety and adaptations
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with exceptional stakeholder communication
- Undertake quality assurance inspections, technical audits, and the sign-off of critical safety works
- Collaborate closely with residents to ensure works consider individual needs and minimise disruption
- Support senior leadership in strategic planning, budget forecasting, and continuous improvement of building safety processes
You:
- Degree in Building Surveying or a related discipline or at least 7 years relevant experience
- Chartered status (RICS, CIOB) (Desirable)
- Significant experience within social housing, construction, or property compliance
- Expertise in fire safety legislation, building regulations, and adaptation standards
- Proven ability to lead and manage multiple programmes simultaneously
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills
- Strong understanding of health and safety, CDM Regulations, and risk management
What can we do for you:
- An excellent pension scheme. You will be eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- A generous holiday entitlement of 26 days (pro rata) rising to 31 days (pro rata) after five years (excluding Bank Holidays)
- A flexible and agile working environment. We aim to provide opportunities to work from home or elsewhere and offer flexibility in working hours
- A comprehensive programme of learning and development
- Two days (pro rata) paid time off for volunteering
- Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes
- Access to free counselling services
- Upon successful completion of your probation period, you will then have access to our Healthcare Cashback Plan
- A cycle to work scheme
- Low-cost town centre parking
- A commitment to employee wellbeing
To submit your application for this Principal Building Surveyor opportunity, please click Apply now!
Principal Building Surveyor in Cheltenham employer: Cheltenham Borough Council
Cheltenham Borough Council is an award-winning organisation that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, making it an excellent employer for the Principal Building Surveyor role. With a commitment to creating a supportive work environment, generous holiday entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive learning and development programme, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to the community's safety and quality of life. Join a friendly and dedicated team that values your expertise and fosters a culture of respect and collaboration.
Contact Details:
Cheltenham Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Building Surveyor in Cheltenham
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Building Surveyor in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
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Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Principal Building Surveyor role at Cheltenham Borough Council, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheltenham Borough Council
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Cheltenham Borough Council operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
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In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Cheltenham Borough Council. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
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Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Cheltenham Borough Council.
