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: Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through impactful building projects.
- 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 employer: Cheltenham Borough Council
Cheltenham Borough Council is an award-winning organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Cheltenham. As a forward-thinking employer, we prioritise a supportive work culture that values diversity and encourages professional growth, offering flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to employee wellbeing. Join our friendly team and play a vital role in ensuring our community's homes are safe, accessible, and of the highest quality.
Contact Details:
Cheltenham Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Building Surveyor
✨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 researching the council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in making Cheltenham a better place and how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t just recite rehearsed answers—be yourself!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Cheltenham Borough Council. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Building Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Building Surveyor role. Highlight your relevant experience in building safety, project management, and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to making Cheltenham a better place. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of projects you've led or improvements you've made in previous roles. This helps us understand the impact you've had in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress. 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 external wall insulation. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the key responsibilities.
✨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. Highlight your communication skills and how you've collaborated with stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's current building safety initiatives or future projects. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and 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 enthusiasm for working as part of a team can make a great impression. Remember, they want to see the real you!
