At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse building projects, from maintenance to large-scale refurbishments.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a commitment to work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS) with strong technical and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Principal Building Surveyor to join our Capital Projects service. This is a full time, permanent role based at the Civic Offices in Portsmouth, with hybrid working. This role would be perfect for newly chartered surveyors or experienced surveyors seeking a change.
This role sits within the Housing, Neighbourhoods and Building Services directorate, delivering professional building surveying services and project work across a varied portfolio of housing and corporate assets. You will lead a team responsible for refurbishment schemes, planned maintenance, compliance works and building safety projects, supporting the council to maintain and improve its properties.
The work will be diverse, ranging from smaller maintenance schemes through to large-scale projects, including retrofit and Net Zero initiatives, with responsibility for project management, contract administration and technical delivery. As the Principal Building Surveyor, you will manage resources, budgets, contractors and consultants to ensure projects are delivered effectively and in line with legislation and policy.
You will oversee workloads, support the development of your team, and maintain high professional standards across surveying services. You will also work closely with clients and stakeholders, prepare briefs, advise on options and costs, and support informed decision-making to deliver successful outcomes across the council’s property portfolio.
Who is the person summary
We are looking for a qualified and experienced Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS) with a strong technical background and a degree in a relevant construction discipline. You will bring a broad understanding of building surveying practice, including contract management (particularly JCT), building legislation, and construction health and safety.
With proven experience delivering professional surveying services and managing projects, you will demonstrate sound commercial awareness, including cost control and value‑for‑money decision making. Strong IT skills, including the use of Microsoft packages and design software such as AutoCAD, are essential.
You will be an effective leader and communicator, capable of managing and developing a team while working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders. Organised and methodical, you will confidently oversee multiple projects, provide clear professional advice, and contribute to high‑quality service delivery.
A commitment to supporting the professional development of others, particularly through the RICS APC pathway, is key. Due to the nature of the role, you will either hold a full driving licence with access to a vehicle or be willing to learn to drive to support travel across sites in and around Portsmouth.
If you are enthusiastic, a good communicator and a Chartered Building Surveyor with experience of providing a range of building surveying professional services and managing building related projects then we would love to hear from you!
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Principal Building Surveyor – Portsmouth employer: Recruit4Mum
As a Principal Building Surveyor at Portsmouth City Council, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the community through impactful building projects. Our supportive work culture prioritises professional development, offering opportunities for growth and mentorship, particularly through the RICS APC pathway. With a commitment to hybrid working and a focus on sustainability initiatives, we provide a fulfilling environment where your expertise can truly make a difference in the local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Building Surveyor – Portsmouth
✨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 Recruit4Mum, 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 Building Surveyor – Portsmouth at Recruit4Mum.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Building Surveyor – Portsmouth
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 Recruit4Mum
✨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!
