At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead building safety and property improvement programmes to enhance community living standards.
- 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: Enjoy a friendly team atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building Surveying or 7+ years relevant experience; chartered status is a plus.
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 Gloucester 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 collaboration and innovation in enhancing Cheltenham's housing standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Building Surveyor in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the building surveying field, especially those who might have insights into Cheltenham Borough Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of fire safety compliance and building regulations. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the council's goals. Practice common interview questions and think about how your experience fits the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to tailor your approach to what Cheltenham Borough Council is looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Building Surveyor in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Specs Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure you’ve read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and requirements, so tailor your application to highlight those aspects.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on relevant projects you've led or been a part of. We’re looking for someone who can manage complex projects, so share specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in building safety and compliance.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheltenham Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of building surveying, especially fire safety compliance and building regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects mentioned in the job description, like fire door replacements and disabled adaptations, so you can speak confidently about them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Building Surveyor, you'll be leading teams and managing projects. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully led a project or team, highlighting your communication and stakeholder management skills. This will show that you're ready for the leadership aspect of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's current building safety initiatives or how they measure success in their projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The council values a friendly and collaborative environment, so showing your genuine self can help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you'd fit well within their team.
