Director – Surveying Education and Industry Development in Milton Keynes

The Sava School of Surveying is the leading provider of Ofqual-regulated vocational qualifications for residential surveyors, valuers and housing professionals. Our qualifications are awarded by the Awarding Body for the Built Environment and accredited by RICS and/or CABE. They are designed to produce capable, ethical professionals who raise housing standards across the UK. We work with new entrants and experienced practitioners alike. Our qualifications are recognised by leading employers and respected across the sector. We are commercially minded and purpose-led. Quality, credibility and the long-term development of the profession are at the heart of everything we do.

This is a senior leadership position with genuine influence over the Sava School of Surveying’s direction, products and reputation. You will be one of our principal outward-facing leaders — engaging with industry bodies, contributing to professional debate, and helping identify and develop new commercial opportunities. Internally, you will work closely with the Managing Director to shape strategy, support the team and maintain the standards that underpin our credibility. With support from colleagues you’ll lead the development of new qualifications from recognising the opportunity and developing the concept through to delivery. You will therefore have creativity, an eye for opportunity, and a genuine passion for competence-based learning. You will help lead the next chapter of the Sava School of Surveying and shape the future of the sector — driving product quality, raising standards, and developing skills. All while being one of our most visible and credible voices in the industry. This is not a purely strategic role, nor a purely operational one. You will need to think clearly and act decisively — and be comfortable doing both.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development & Commercial Growth: You will identify opportunities, then develop and help bring to market new qualifications, services and commercial offerings. This means understanding market demand, regulatory change and employer needs — and translating that understanding into viable products with clear commercial logic.
• Industry Engagement & External Leadership: You will represent the Sava School of Surveying publicly, building and sustaining the relationships that keep us relevant and respected across the sector.
• Thought Leadership & Communication: You will communicate complex ideas clearly to a range of audiences — from practitioners and employers to senior sector figures.
• Standards, Quality & Professional Practice: You will be a champion for high standards in surveying education and professional practice.
• Team Leadership & Organisational Contribution: You will support, develop and inspire our team, leading through influence and example.

Person Specification

We are looking for a credible sector professional who wants to shape the future of surveying education.

• Solid professional background in the built environment, property, construction or a related technical sector — residential surveying experience is an advantage but not a requirement.
• Ability to speak with authority and earn the respect of experienced practitioners.
• Commercial awareness: understanding of market demand, revenue models, pricing and risk.
• Ability to identify opportunities, shape a response and see it through to delivery.
• Confident, constructive communicator and influencer.
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing teams.

Preferred

• Professional chartership or recognised accreditation in a relevant discipline (such as chartered surveyor status, or equivalent).
• Minimum five years’ experience working within or closely alongside the private residential surveying sector.
• Established professional network and visibility in the sector (speaking, panels, committees etc.).
• Good working knowledge of UK vocational qualification frameworks and professional accreditation routes.
• Familiarity with the roles of RICS, CABE, Ofqual and awarding bodies in shaping standards and market behaviour.
• Empathy with the pressures facing small firms and self-employed professionals.

Leadership Approach

You lead through clarity and example. You listen carefully, share credit and take responsibility. You are ready to step into a Director-level role following a transition period.

Working Arrangements

• Commitment: This role requires full-time, exclusive dedication to the Sava School of Surveying.
• Location: Fully remote, with regular attendance at the Sava School of Surveying office as required.
• Travel: Travel will be required for events, conferences, stakeholder meetings and training.
• Start date: We are seeking a candidate who can be in post by January 2027 at the latest.