Building Safety Manager

A client of mine who is a leading Housing Association is looking to recruit a Building Safety Manager on a full time permanent basis. Travel across the Regions of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, & Cornwall with 2 x visits to London per month will be a requirement for this position, therefore access to own vehicle and driving licence are essential.

The Building Safety Team will be the first point of contact for all fire and structural safety enquiries. The Building Safety Manager should influence at senior levels and give expert advice to all levels within the business. Management of building safety controls, processes, and procedures are the responsibility of many different stakeholders within the business. The Building Safety Manager is key in ensuring responsibilities in relation to our higher-risk buildings (HRBs) are effectively coordinated and carried out and evidenced through the building safety cases. Ensure that all HRBs are managed and maintained in accordance with our building safety management system. In addition, you will be supporting in developing a culture of high performance, strong engagement and commitment to building and customer safety.

Lead a team of a Building Safety Team Leader and an Officer, responsible for daily oversight of the HRBs, reporting on compliance and providing advice and guidance to colleagues and residents on building safety matters.

• Support duty holder in respect of fire and building safety to ensure that we meet our current and anticipated regulatory obligations (including monitoring the regulatory environment and learning from best practice).
• Ensure that all identified HRBs are managed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Building Safety Act.
• Liaise with external agencies and other housing providers to keep abreast of good practice.
• Represent the organisation with external partners and stakeholders including Local Authorities, HSE, MHCLG, Fire and Rescue Authorities etc.
• Develop strong and effective relationships and promote building safety within the Group to ensure that all our activities contribute to improved resident safety.
• Support the Growth and Assurance Directorate with relevant information required by the Regulator (i.e. supply key building information, update the safety case, provide information to support the application for BAC).
• Oversee the management of the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting System and the management of customer building safety related complaints in HRBs.
• Ensure the Director of Health, Safety and Property Compliance is made fully aware of any potential Mandatory Occurrences.
• Develop and deliver a robust and risk-based approach to building safety which is proportionate and offers best value.
• Document Building Safety Management System and undertake regular reviews.
• Compile BSCs for all HRBs including the documentation of building specific safety management systems and risk assessments.
• Act as the main point of contact for colleagues, customers and stakeholders on matters of fire and building safety in relation to HRBs.
• Act as joint contact alongside the Head of Fire Safety to Primary Authority Partner - London Fire Brigade (LFB).
• Develop plans with operational teams for the delivery of fire and building safety work on HRBs including any further investigations or interim measures as required.
• Develop procedures for the management of relationships with third party Accountable Persons and the monitoring of their building safety and compliance obligations.
• Be involved in the development of the design guide/employer's requirements/fire strategies for new higher-risk developments.
• Play a leading role in ensuring the delivery of resident engagement strategies for HRBs.
• Work with Development and Asset Management colleagues to establish processes and procedures to manage the digital record from handover, throughout occupation phase, and develop and maintain the golden thread of information.
• Review and sign off all relevant handover information prior to occupation.
• Work with Asset Management, Service Delivery and Development teams to develop change control processes and gateway approval points for HRBs.
• Assist in the preparation and presentation of accurate management information and reports for Boards, the Executive and other external stakeholders as required.
• Take responsibility for own personal development, updating knowledge of changes in legislation, best practice and other developments relevant to the post holder's service and which affect the wider business.
• Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be specified and that are commensurate with the level of the job.
• Support and deputise for the Head of Property Compliance, when necessary.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent and/or suitable experience in a related technical role.
• Specifically technical knowledge of: Building Design & Construction, Life Safety, Protection, Fire and Behaviour, Compartmentation, Fire Strategies, Building Fabric & Systems, Interaction of System and Components.
• Educated to at least level 4 in a fire safety management or asset compliance discipline (e.g., hold an advanced fire management diploma or equivalent, NEBOSH Fire certificate or equivalent).
• Evidence of specialist training and experience, membership of a professional body, or certification by a third-party certification body.
• Experience of working with multiple stakeholders in a building safety capacity to achieve common goals.
• Experience of analysing complex and difficult situations and recommending appropriate practical and responsive solutions.
• Extensive knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements for building services and safety, particularly in HRBs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a particular strength for influencing, negotiating and consultation.
• Strong customer focus and experience of managing relationships with customers and both internal and external stakeholders.
• Interpersonal, communication and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop the team and individuals.
• Ability to read and disseminate technical, performance data, and indicators; and translate technical information for a non-technical audience.
• Good understanding of Health and Safety legislation and issues affecting the delivery of construction works and a safe building environment.
• Experience of using digital solutions/software to monitor and evidence performance.
• Hold a full valid driving licence and able to travel locally, regionally and nationally, including some nights away from home.