At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a portfolio of commercial Building Surveying instructions and work directly with clients.
- Company: Independent property consultancy with a strong presence in Manchester and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, hybrid working, and significant autonomy over client relationships.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape and lead a growing department with planned investment in team expansion.
- Why this job: Gain direct client exposure and a clear pathway to leadership in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: MRICS qualification and strong experience in commercial Building Surveying required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
- Working Pattern: Hybrid – typically 2 days per week in Manchester
- Qualification: MRICS essential
The Opportunity
I am representing a growing independent property and construction consultancy seeking to appoint an experienced MRICS Chartered Building Surveyor to strengthen its commercial Building Consultancy team in Manchester.
This is an opportunity for an established commercial Building Surveyor who wants greater autonomy, direct client exposure and a genuine route towards taking a senior position within a growing consultancy.
The successful individual will inherit an established pipeline of work and deliver a varied range of professional Building Surveying instructions, including Technical Due Diligence, pre-acquisition surveys, dilapidations, schedules of condition, defect diagnosis and Contract Administration.
Importantly, this is not a residential or homebuyer surveying position.
The work is predominantly across commercial property, including industrial, office and other commercial assets, alongside instructions for property managers, corporate occupiers and public-sector organisations.
For somebody with the right ambition, there is clear scope to take increasing ownership of client relationships and ultimately help develop and manage the Building Consultancy function as further surveyors are recruited.
The Business
My client is an independent property, surveying and construction group with an established presence in Manchester and operations across the UK.
The wider business combines Building Consultancy, Surveying & Engineering and Project/Construction Delivery, providing clients with an integrated service from initial technical advice and surveying through to project delivery.
The group works with an established client base across the private and public sectors, including major corporate occupiers, property managers, healthcare organisations, education providers and local authorities.
Significant investment has been made in business development and marketing, creating a healthy pipeline of inbound work and supporting an ambitious five-year growth strategy.
The environment is deliberately entrepreneurial and non-corporate.
This should particularly appeal to somebody who wants greater influence and responsibility than may be available within a larger national consultancy.
The Role
You will take responsibility for your own portfolio of commercial Building Surveying instructions, working directly with clients from initial enquiry through to completion.
Typical work will include
- Technical Due Diligence and pre-acquisition surveys
- Commercial building surveys
- Dilapidations for landlords and tenants
- Schedules of Condition
- Defect diagnosis and building pathology
- Technical inspections and reporting
- Contract Administration
- Preparation of specifications and scopes of work
- Tendering and procurement
- Refurbishment, maintenance and improvement projects
- Project Management where appropriate
- Planned maintenance and feasibility advice
- Managing instructions from enquiry through to completion
- Preparing fee proposals and quotations
- Developing and maintaining client relationships
- Identifying opportunities for repeat and additional instructions
There will also be opportunities to undertake Party Wall work for candidates with relevant experience, although this is not essential.
The Candidate
MRICS qualification is essential.
You are likely to be an established Chartered Building Surveyor, Senior Building Surveyor, Associate or Associate Director currently working within a commercial Building Surveying consultancy.
You should have
- MRICS Chartered status
- Strong commercial Building Surveying experience
- Experience delivering TDD / pre-acquisition surveys
- Good working knowledge of commercial dilapidations
- Experience preparing Schedules of Condition
- Strong defect diagnosis and building pathology knowledge
- Contract Administration experience
- Experience preparing scopes, specifications and tender documentation
- The ability to independently manage multiple professional instructions
- Strong client-facing and report-writing skills
- Commercial awareness and confidence discussing fees and preparing proposals
- The maturity to operate as a technically reliable “safe pair of hands”
- An interest in taking greater responsibility as the Building Consultancy team expands
The business is flexible on title.
The quality and breadth of the individual's Building Surveying experience is considerably more important than whether they are currently called Senior Surveyor, Associate or Associate Director.
Progression
This is not a vacancy where the successful individual will simply join as another fee-earning surveyor.
The business intends to continue investing in its Building Consultancy team, with further Chartered and graduate-level recruitment anticipated.
As the successful individual becomes established, there will be scope to take greater responsibility for:
- Key client relationships
- Technical quality and delivery
- Mentoring and developing other surveyors
- Work allocation and team management
- Recruitment and growth of the department
- Improving processes and structure
- Supporting the commercial performance of the Building Consultancy division
There is therefore a genuine pathway towards departmental leadership, without progression being dependent upon somebody above you leaving.
Package & Benefits
- £65,000 – £75,000 basic salary (potentially higher depending on experience)
- Approximately £10,000 bonus potential
- Total package potentially around £75,000 – £85,000
- Hybrid working
- Typically 2 days per week in Manchester, with flexibility around surveys and site commitments
- Established pipeline of commercial Building Surveying work
- Direct exposure to senior leadership
- Significant autonomy over clients and instructions
- Planned investment in additional Building Surveying headcount
- Genuine opportunity to help shape and ultimately lead a growing department
This would particularly suit an MRICS commercial Building Surveyor who enjoys remaining technically involved but wants greater autonomy, client ownership and a clearer route towards leadership within an ambitious independent consultancy.
Locations
Chartered Building Surveyor in Cheshire, Warrington employer: James & Partners
Join a thriving family-owned estate agency in Peckham, where you will be part of a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional service in the New Homes sector. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from comprehensive training, guaranteed commission, and exciting overseas incentive trips, all while enjoying a competitive salary and the perks of a company car. This is not just a job; it's an opportunity to grow your career in a reputable firm that values its employees and fosters a positive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chartered Building Surveyor in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like James & Partners, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Chartered Building Surveyor at James & Partners.
We think you need these skills to ace Chartered Building Surveyor in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at James & Partners
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
