At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead capital improvement programmes and manage planned maintenance projects for council housing.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on quality, safety, and sustainability in St Albans.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing quality while contributing to a carbon-neutral future.
- Qualifications: Degree level education, RICS or CIOB membership, and experience in planned works required.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community in a historic city with excellent transport links.
The predicted salary is between 38800 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Civic Centre, St Peter's Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3JE
Salary: £46,871 to £50,998 inclusive annual salary + £5,000 market supplement + up to 19.7 percent employer pension contribution
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week - Flexible working options (including hybrid)
Job Ref: P2432
Are you an experienced building surveyor ready to lead on improving the quality, safety and sustainability of council housing? We're recruiting a Senior Building Surveyor to join our Planned Works team, taking responsibility for delivering capital improvement programmes and planned maintenance projects.
This role offers the chance to shape major improvements to our housing stock, work with a dedicated team, and contribute to a high performing, resident focused service.
About the role
As our Senior Building Surveyor (Planned Works), you will lead the client side procurement and management of specialist contractors and ensure all planned works comply with statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Building Safety Act 2022. You will manage planned maintenance budgets, attend monthly core group and workstream meetings with our partnering contractor, and support resident engagement events. You will also manage and support team members through regular performance and development discussions. In addition, you'll contribute to policy updates, compliance monitoring and service improvements, working closely with colleagues across Housing to support the delivery of the Asset Management Strategy.
About you
You will be educated to degree level (or equivalent) and a member of RICS or CIOB, with experience delivering planned works programmes and individual capital works projects. You should have strong building contract management skills and experience in tendering and procurement, including an understanding of the Procurement Act 2023. You'll bring advanced knowledge of construction related legislation and best practice, including Health & Safety, Construction Design & Management 2015, the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021, the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR 2012), Decent Homes Standard, and Awaab's Law. Applicants should understand the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, its underpinning principles and the key Consumer Standards, especially those linking to maintenance and refurbishment.
Surveying expertise is required in diagnosing building defects relating to both traditional and non-traditional forms of construction. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, as is confidence in managing contractors, budgets and project delivery. You should also be proficient with IT systems such as MS Office, MS Project, CAD, housing management systems (e.g. MRI) and asset management software. IOSH and asbestos-related qualifications are required (or a willingness to obtain them promptly).
Join us in our aim to make St Albans City and District carbon neutral by 2030, guided by our Sustainability and Climate Crisis Strategy, we put the environment at the heart of every decision. We live our values trust, care, confidence, collaboration, and customer focus while delivering sustainable services, reducing environmental impact and making a difference.
St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1 the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short it is a great place to live and work.
In addition to working within a great team, you will have access to:
- 30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with current employer contribution up to 19.7 percent employer contributions
- Flexible working options
- Staff Parking Permit
- Reimbursement of professional fees
- Comprehensive development and training
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
- Access to discounts and benefits via online platform
Additional Information
Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
Safeguarding: This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Closing date for applications: 01 March 2026
Interviews are scheduled for w/c: 09 March 2026
NOTE: Interviews are conducted throughout the application process. We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Senior Building Surveyor - Planned Works in Watford employer: St Albans City & District Council
Contact Detail:
St Albans City & District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Building Surveyor - Planned Works in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially anything related to planned works or sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, and don’t forget to prepare some questions to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or case studies that highlight your skills in managing budgets, contractors, and compliance with building regulations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to making St Albans a better place to live.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Building Surveyor - Planned Works in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Building Surveyor role. Highlight your experience with planned works, capital improvement programmes, and any relevant qualifications like RICS or CIOB membership. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about improving council housing and how your background aligns with our values. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the Building Safety Act 2022 and other relevant legislation.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Strong communication is key in this role. In your application, give examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders or managed teams. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to collaborate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Albans City & District Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation mentioned in the job description, like the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also understand the legal framework that governs it.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully managed budgets and contractors. Be ready to discuss how you ensured compliance with health and safety regulations and how you engaged with stakeholders. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since this role involves managing and supporting team members, think about how you can convey your leadership style. Share experiences where you've fostered collaboration and development within a team. Highlighting your communication skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
Given the emphasis on sustainability in the job description, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to making St Albans carbon neutral by 2030. Bring ideas or examples from your previous work that align with environmental goals, showing that you share the company's values.