Senior Building Control Surveyor - WMF2679e in Penrith

We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated Senior Building Control Surveyor to join Westmorland and Furness Council’s Building Control Service — a vital function ensuring that construction across our area is safe, compliant, and of the highest quality. Our Building Control Service is responsible for ensuring that all developments meet the requirements of the Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act, while also managing the Council’s statutory duties in relation to dangerous structures.

Working as part of a skilled and dedicated team, you’ll play an important role in maintaining safety, integrity, and confidence within the built environment. As a Senior Building Control Surveyor, you will lead on the assessment of building plans and conduct inspections across a range of construction projects, from residential schemes to complex commercial developments. You’ll provide expert advice to developers, contractors, and design teams, helping ensure that projects meet all statutory requirements and best practice standards. You will also act as a mentor to junior surveyors, supporting their development while contributing to the continuous improvement of the Building Control Service. This is a varied and rewarding role, combining technical expertise, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement.

Key priorities include:

• Assessing building plans and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.
• Managing a portfolio of diverse projects, ensuring timely and effective service delivery.
• Providing technical guidance to developers, contractors, and colleagues.
• Leading on enforcement cases and responding to dangerous structures when required.
• Supporting and mentoring junior officers and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promoting safe, sustainable, and compliant construction practices across the district.

This role offers the opportunity to develop your technical expertise and leadership skills while making a tangible impact on the safety and quality of construction across Westmorland and Furness.

Who we are looking for…

We are seeking a confident and capable Building Control professional with strong technical knowledge, practical experience, and a proactive, customer-focused approach. You will bring a balance of technical excellence, sound judgement, and communication skills to ensure safe and compliant building practices. You will hold full membership of a recognised professional body such as RICS, CABE, or CIOB, and be qualified to Level 2F. You will also hold a degree or HNC/HND in Building Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.

You will also bring:

• Considerable experience in Building Control, managing a range of construction projects.
• Excellent knowledge of UK Building Regulations and associated standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience managing complex technical issues.
• The ability to interpret and assess drawings, technical reports, and specifications.
• Proven communication and negotiation skills, able to work effectively with clients, contractors, and colleagues.
• Competence in using building control software and digital inspection systems.
• A commitment to safety, service quality, and continuous professional development.

If you’re ready to take on a senior technical role in a forward-looking Building Control service, helping ensure safe, high-quality, and sustainable development across Westmorland and Furness, we’d love to hear from you.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes.

For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Andy Carruthers (Senior Building Control Manager) via email andy.carruthers@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk to arrange an informal conversation.

Application and Interview information

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old that meet the essential criteria for the role.