At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Building Control Surveyors and drive business development.
- Company: Join Sweco, a leader in sustainable solutions and innovative consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and comprehensive employee benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree and professional qualification in Building Control required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Sweco
Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable. Sweco Building Standards offers clients a class-leading regulatory & consultancy Building Standards service that is specifically co-ordinated to meet the responsibilities being imposed through the Building Safety Act and BCAR processes. We pride ourselves on our quality and technical expertise that underpins our full suite of services, and we listen and engage with our clients to anticipate regulatory issues and deliver successful projects.
We are currently looking for an Operations Director to join our Building Standards team in West Malling, Kent.
What does the role involve?
Reporting to the Department Manager you will lead and manage a team of Building Control Surveyors, ensuring targets are met in terms of financial results, clients, projects and people. You will develop the team and generate business by looking for leads/opportunities to maximise profit whilst supporting the wider business unit, region and business.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Commercial leadership: Set and deliver team budgets, own profit and loss, ensure accurate financial and project reporting, and identify and manage risks to protect margins.
- Resource and delivery management: Manage workload, capacity and resources against order backlog, direct teams to meet project objectives, and ensure effective project controls and governance.
- Client and business development: Build and maintain strong client relationships, capture client feedback, manage and approve bids, and collaborate with peers to share clients and opportunities.
- People leadership: Develop team capability through coaching and collaboration, drive improvements using staff feedback, and ensure compliance with ethics and mandatory training.
- Quality and compliance: Maintain high standards on Building Regulation projects, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and professional standards.
- Strategic contribution: Support regional planning, contribute to Board and Director discussions, collaborate with senior colleagues, and escalate risks or opportunities appropriately.
To Be Successful In This Role You’ll Have
- An appropriate degree along with a professional qualification such as MRICS, MCIOB or MCABE.
- RBI registration with a proven track record within Building Control.
- Good understanding of client projects and of the broader division.
- Capacity to influence strategic decision making within the business and the ability to make commercial decisions within defined parameters.
- Good analytical and process ability.
What’s in it for you?
Working for Sweco you’ll experience an inclusive, friendly and flexible working environment where colleagues are encouraged to grow and develop together. A meaningful career where you’ll help to transform society by being a trusted consultant to our clients. As part of our Building Standards division, you’ll work to maintain the highest standards alongside a team of innovators in a variety of projects, with regular training and bitesize learning opportunities. We’re committed to enabling all our colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible and hybrid working, to ensure we have a healthy work/life balance, and ask our employees to have an office or site presence on an average of three days a week. If you believe you have the skill set required, we’d love to hear from you.
Employee Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
- Competitive pension contribution
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical Insurance (including family cover)
- Company car or car allowance
- Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
- Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays and your birthday (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
- Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
- Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
- We plant a tree for all new starters!
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone. We encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 who opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
If I have a disability, can I get help (e.g. reasonable adjustments) with the application process? If you’re an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are unable to use the online application system, please contact GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk for assistance. In order to address your request the following information is needed: Name, best method for contacting you (Phone or email), the position title, and requisition/vacancy number. Upon receipt of this information, we’ll respond to you promptly to obtain more information.
Please note: we reserve the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date. Sweco UK&I have an internal resourcing team who are responsible for all recruiting activity. We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted agencies and a process not to accept speculative CVs. Our PSL was reviewed in November 2025 and we are not looking to add any additional agencies. We’ll be reviewing the PSL again at the end of 2026. Our Talent Community for experienced professionals is a great way to keep up to date with our latest news, insights, future vacancies, and exclusive events hosted by our experts.
Operations Director - Building Control in West Malling employer: Sweco
At Sweco, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and flexible work environment that empowers our employees to thrive both professionally and personally. As an Operations Director in West Malling, Kent, you will lead a dedicated team while enjoying a meaningful career that contributes to societal transformation through innovative building standards. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits, and a focus on work-life balance, Sweco is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a real impact in the field of building control.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Building Control in West Malling
✨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 Sweco, 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 Operations Director - Building Control at Sweco.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Building Control in West Malling
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 Sweco
✨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!
