Business Manager - Building Control in Oldbury

Sandwell Council’s Place Division is seeking an experienced Business Manager - Building Control to join its Building Control team on a full-time, permanent basis, to be based from its Oldbury office. The organisation works to a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

As Business Manager - Building Control, you will lead and develop a high-performing Building Control service within Sandwell Council's Place Directorate. Reporting to the Head of Planning and Building Control, you will provide strategic, operational and technical leadership across the service, ensuring compliance with building regulations and associated legislation while delivering an excellent customer-focused and commercially driven service. The role combines professional expertise, people leadership, financial management and service development, with responsibility for managing performance, income generation, regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction. You will work closely with developers, contractors, elected members, partner organisations and regulatory bodies, helping to shape a modern, efficient and innovative Building Control service that supports growth, safety and development across the borough.

About the role

• Provide professional and technical leadership to Building Control Surveyors and wider service teams.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, associated legislation and Building Safety Regulator requirements.
• Act as the operational lead for Building Control, supporting strategic service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Manage complex and high-profile building control projects, including major commercial developments.
• Oversee performance, quality assurance, customer service standards and service outcomes.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and innovative ways of working to enhance service delivery.
• Lead on dangerous structures, enforcement matters, sports ground safety and emergency response arrangements.
• Manage service budgets, trading accounts, income generation and financial performance.
• Promote a commercial approach to service delivery, protecting and growing market share within a competitive environment.
• Develop strong partnerships with customers, developers, contractors, elected members and external agencies.
• Prepare reports, performance information and briefings for senior management, committees and regulatory bodies.
• Support the implementation of new technology and digital solutions to improve efficiency and customer experience.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff, ensuring appropriate training, professional competency and regulatory registration requirements are maintained.

About you

• Hold a relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in Building Control or a related discipline.
• Be a member of an appropriate professional body and eligible to maintain Building Safety Regulator registration at a minimum Class 2F/4 level.
• Have significant Building Control experience, including assessing complex building regulations applications.
• Demonstrate experience of managing change.
• Have a strong understanding of Building Control legislation, regulatory frameworks and public safety requirements.
• Possess experience of enforcement activity, dangerous structures and sports ground compliance.
• Be commercially aware, with experience of income generation, budget management and business planning.
• Be an effective communicator with the ability to influence, negotiate and build strong professional relationships.
• Show sound judgement when dealing with complex technical, operational and regulatory issues.
• Be committed to partnership working, continuous improvement and innovation.
• Be flexible in supporting out-of-hours emergency responses, evening meetings and site inspections where required.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values-led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive.

Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.