Assistant Building Surveyor in Sunderland

We’re looking for an Assistant Building Surveyor to join our Asset Delivery team—a great opportunity to grow your career while gaining hands‑on experience in a supportive environment. This role is ideal if you’re looking to build on your existing knowledge, develop your qualifications, and work towards a relevant degree alongside practical, on‑the‑job learning.

Entry‑Level Requirements

• Recognised professional qualification in a property‑related discipline (min HNC).

Responsibilities

• You’ll support our Surveying Services team to deliver planned investment programmes and specialist technical projects, carry out building pathology and condition surveys, and help manage complex repair works alongside external contractors—developing your skills across the full project lifecycle.
• Act as Project Lead and Client Representative (CDM 2015) on larger planned investment projects, ensuring all statutory requirements are met, including Planning, Building Control, and Health & Safety legislation.
• Support the development of pre‑contract information, including specifications, drawings and technical details, working closely with the Procurement Team and external partners to prepare tender documentation and assist with tender evaluations.
• Assist in carrying out defect and building pathology surveys, identifying root causes and supporting the development of specifications, designs and remedial solutions.
• Work collaboratively with Asset Management and wider Property teams to deliver a consistent, customer‑focused service.
• Support the production of Asbestos Strategies for investment and refurbishment programmes.
• Work closely with Project Managers, ensuring they have timely and accurate information to support the delivery of major investment schemes.
• Respond promptly to Principal Contractor requests for information, supporting smooth and efficient project delivery.
• Contribute to the coordination and preparation of designs, specifications, drawings and contract documentation across a range of projects, including major housing refurbishment programmes.
• In line with Gentoo standards, support the development of detailed specifications that enable effective delivery of works, working alongside Landlord Compliance and Repairs & Maintenance teams. This includes considering whole‑life costs and innovative solutions where appropriate.
• Assist with financial planning, including budget setting, monitoring and optimisation.
• Help validate investment needs and ensure planned works align with the Asset Management Strategy.
• Provide flexible support to the Surveying Services team, contributing where needed to meet service priorities.
• Work collaboratively across Asset Management to ensure accurate recording of works completions, maintaining up‑to‑date and reliable asset information.

A full UK driver’s licence is required; a basic DBS is funded and arranged by Gentoo.

Qualifications

• Full UK driver’s licence.
• A recognised property‑related qualification (minimum HNC).
• Working knowledge of CDM requirements, including the roles of Client Representative, Principal Designer and Principal Contractor under CDM 2015.
• Knowledge of building construction, domestic repairs and refurbishment, including older housing stock.
• Knowledge of the Building Safety Act, building standards, compliance obligations, planning regulations, regulatory standards and leasehold legislation.
• Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers and stakeholders.
• A clear commitment to delivering a customer‑focused service and achieving value for money.
• Ability to use and interpret data from building surveying equipment, including damp meters, hygrometers, thermal imaging cameras and laser measures.
• Experience supporting housing investment and compliance programmes, including pre‑construction activity, health and safety information, fire risk assessments and asbestos management.
• Experience working on housing investment, refurbishment or repair projects, including supporting contract administration and quality assurance activities.
• Experience building effective relationships with customers, internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and meet agreed objectives and deadlines.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar drawing software and confidence working with Office 365, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and asset management systems.
• Ability to understand, interpret and clearly present technical and complex information, including reports and project documentation.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a team and contribute to shared learning and development.
• Working knowledge of forms of contract, contract administration principles, variation control and commercial drivers within construction.
• Ability to build strong, effective working relationships across the Gentoo Property team and wider organisation.