Associate Director of Building Surveying - Edinburgh
Associate Director of Building Surveying - Edinburgh

Associate Director of Building Surveying - Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 60000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead diverse projects in Defence, Education, and Housing while shaping a new office.
  • Company: Join a powerhouse consultancy with a strong reputation and ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a clear pathway to Director within 3-4 years.
  • Why this job: Be part of something big from the start and influence the future of the Edinburgh office.
  • Qualifications: Confident Senior Building Surveyor ready for leadership and team building.
  • Other info: Enjoy autonomy without unrealistic targets in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.

Your new company

Step into a powerhouse consultancy with over five decades of success behind it. Established in 1971, this multi-disciplinary firm has built a reputation as one of the go-to consultancies in the South of England - delivering everything in-house, backed by a 200-strong team and ambitious plans to grow by another 170 heads in the next five years. Now, they’re bringing that momentum north. Six months ago, they opened their brand-new Edinburgh office, led by a highly respected Director who has already secured major Defence, Education, Commercial and Social Housing projects. With significant government funding, a thriving pipeline, and a proven track record of developing talent from apprentice to Director, this is a company with no glass ceilings and no limits on ambition. This is your chance to join at the perfect moment - right at the start of something big.

Your new role

You’ll join as an Associate Director, with a clear, supported pathway to Director level within 3-4 years. This isn’t a role where you’re just another cog. You’ll help shape the Scottish business from the ground up - influencing culture, workload, team structure and long-term strategy. You’ll work closely with the current Director (who came out of retirement to launch the office and is fully committed to mentoring you into their successor).

Your role will include:

  • Leading and delivering a diverse portfolio of Defence, Education, Commercial and Social Housing projects
  • Playing a key role in business development and client relationships
  • Helping grow the Edinburgh office to a 15-strong multi-disciplinary team over the next five years
  • Working alongside a QS and PM in the short term, with full autonomy to build your own team as the office expands
  • Becoming the future Director of the Edinburgh office - with full support, coaching and investment to get you there

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role now, not "one day".

What you’ll need to succeed

You’ll thrive here if you are:

  • A confident Senior Building Surveyor ready for the next step
  • Ambitious, driven and excited by the idea of shaping a growing office
  • Someone who enjoys autonomy and wants to influence how things are done
  • A natural leader who wants to mentor, build and inspire a team
  • Passionate about delivering high-quality work without the pressure of unrealistic fee targets
  • Comfortable working across a variety of sectors and building strong client relationships

If you’ve ever felt held back, overlooked or boxed in, this role is the antidote.

What you’ll get in return

Prepare for a package - and a future - that genuinely stands out:

  • £70k+ salary at Associate Director level
  • A significant uplift when you step into the Director role
  • A clear, transparent pathway to Director within 3-4 years
  • Hybrid working and full trust in how you manage your time
  • No fee-earning targets or "2x salary" pressure - just quality work and team growth
  • The chance to shape, lead and grow a brand-new Scottish office
  • Support from a Director who has walked the exact same path from junior to Director
  • A company that calls itself "the people’s company" - because everything revolves around employee wellbeing, development and success

This is one of those rare, career-defining opportunities that simply doesn’t come around often - especially in Scotland.

What you need to do now

We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. All expressions of interest will be handled with complete discretion, and your information will be treated in the strictest confidence throughout the process.

Associate Director of Building Surveying - Edinburgh employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Join a dynamic consultancy that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing, with a clear pathway to Director level within just a few years. The new Edinburgh office offers a unique opportunity to shape its future, backed by a supportive leadership team and a commitment to quality work without the pressure of unrealistic targets. Experience a collaborative culture where your ambitions are nurtured, and your contributions directly impact the success of the business.
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Contact Detail:

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Building Surveying - Edinburgh

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Associate Director role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in mentoring and team building. They want someone who can shape their new Edinburgh office, so let them know you're the one!

✨Tip Number 3

Research the company inside out! Understand their projects, values, and future plans. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their ambitious growth.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining this exciting opportunity right from the start.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Building Surveying - Edinburgh

Building Surveying
Leadership Skills
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Team Building
Project Delivery
Mentoring
Autonomy
Strategic Planning
Sector Knowledge (Defence, Education, Commercial, Social Housing)
Communication Skills
Ambition
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Ambition: When you're writing your application, let your ambition shine through! We want to see how excited you are about shaping the future of our Edinburgh office and taking on a leadership role. Share your vision and how you plan to contribute to our growth.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in building surveying and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can lead diverse projects, so connect your past work to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Tell us what drives you and why you’re passionate about delivering high-quality work. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the key sectors this company operates in, like Defence, Education, and Social Housing. Brush up on recent projects they’ve completed and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their work.

✨Show Your Leadership Skills

Since this role is all about shaping a new office, come prepared with examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and how you can inspire a growing team.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company's future and your potential role in it. Ask about their vision for the Edinburgh office and how they see the Associate Director contributing to that growth.

✨Emphasise Your Ambition

This role is a stepping stone to Director level, so make sure to express your ambition and drive. Talk about your career goals and how you see yourself evolving within the company over the next few years.

Associate Director of Building Surveying - Edinburgh
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Location: Edinburgh

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