At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major development projects that transform Plymouth and create thriving communities.
- Company: Plymouth City Council, committed to inclusive growth and regeneration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, flexible working, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and influence significant investment decisions.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on Plymouth's future through landmark regeneration projects.
- Qualifications: Chartered Surveyor or Built Environment Professional with project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
Plymouth stands at the beginning of a once-in-a-generation transformation. With £4.4 billion of investment into the Devonport Dockyard, the city has an extraordinary opportunity to drive sustainable growth, unlock new opportunities and create thriving communities for future generations. This investment is not just about infrastructure — it is about shaping a city where people can build successful careers, access high‑quality homes and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. At the heart of this vision is an ambitious commitment to deliver 10,000 new homes across Plymouth in partnership with Homes England, helping to create vibrant neighbourhoods and support long‑term economic prosperity for the city and its residents.
Are you an experienced Chartered Surveyor or Built Environment Professional with a passion for delivering transformational regeneration and development projects? We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Principal Surveyor (Strategic Projects) to lead the delivery of major development initiatives that will shape the future of Plymouth. This is a high‑profile opportunity to play a leading role in delivering ambitious regeneration schemes, working alongside public and private sector partners to create sustainable economic growth and improved outcomes for the people of Plymouth.
About The Role
As Principal Surveyor (Strategic Projects), you will take overall responsibility for leading and delivering complex major development and regeneration projects on behalf of the Council. You will work collaboratively with internal services, external consultants, development partners and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, effectively and in line with strategic priorities. You will provide professional leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, helping to drive innovation, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service standards. The role also includes deputising for the Head of Service where appropriate and representing the Council at senior‑level meetings, partnerships and public forums.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of major development and regeneration projects across the city.
- Manage complex property development matters including acquisitions, disposals, valuations and site assembly issues.
- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior officers, Corporate Management Team and elected Members.
- Manage and oversee the delivery of approximately £500 m of project development value through development partnerships.
- Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with developers, partners, government agencies and stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement in project delivery, service quality and operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, legislative and professional standards.
- Support media communications and stakeholder engagement relating to strategic projects.
- Promote apprenticeships, training opportunities and social value through development activities.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Qualifications
- Membership or Fellowship of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or relevant Built Environment qualification.
Essential Experience
- Delivering major property development and regeneration projects.
- Managing complex valuation and development matters.
- Budget management and financial planning.
- Leading multidisciplinary teams and partnerships.
- Continuous service improvement and performance management.
- Working collaboratively across public and private sector organisations.
- Preparing and presenting reports to senior leaders and elected Members.
You Will Also Possess
- Strong commercial and financial awareness.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- The ability to work under pressure within a politically sensitive environment.
- Up-to-date knowledge of property law, development appraisals and compulsory purchase processes.
The role requires travel across sites within Plymouth City Council’s geographical boundaries.
Why Join Us?
At Plymouth City Council you’ll be part of an ambitious organisation committed to delivering inclusive growth, regeneration and opportunity for the city. This role offers the opportunity to influence major investment decisions, work on landmark projects and help shape Plymouth’s future.
We Offer
- Competitive salary and local government pension.
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
- Professional development and training support.
- A collaborative and forward‑thinking working environment.
- Opportunities to work on nationally significant regeneration projects.
Apply Now
If you are a commercially driven Chartered Surveyor or Built Environment Professional ready to lead high‑value strategic projects and make a lasting impact in Plymouth, we would love to hear from you.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Emma Wilson by email emma.wilson@plymouth.gov.uk.
Closing Date – Sunday 21 June 2026
Principal Surveyor in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Plymouth City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and regeneration in the vibrant city of Plymouth. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to lead significant strategic projects, employees can expect a collaborative work culture that values innovation and community impact. Join us to be part of a transformative journey that shapes the future of Plymouth while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Surveyor in Plymouth
✨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 PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL, 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 Principal Surveyor at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Surveyor in Plymouth
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 PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨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!
