At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UCL's building surveying function and oversee capital projects.
- Company: Join UCL, a world-leading university with a diverse estate.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, cycle to work, and more.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on sustainability and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a renowned estate and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in building surveying and RICS membership required.
The predicted salary is between 68284 - 76244 £ per year.
Ref Number B28-00314
Professional Expertise: Estates, Facilities, Accommodation and Safety
Department: Finance, Commercial and Estates (B28)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £68,284-£76,244
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Type: Hybrid
Available for Secondment: No
Closing Date: 27-Jul-2026
About us: Join UCL, one of the world's leading universities, and help shape the future of one of the UK's largest and most diverse estates. With over 250 buildings, 4 million square feet of academic space and more than 4,250 student bedrooms, our estate is central to delivering world-class education and research. As part of Campus Infrastructure & Operations, you'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking team committed to creating a safe, sustainable, inclusive and inspiring campus. Our ambitious Estates Strategy will transform our estate for future generations, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, efficiency and enhancing the campus experience.
About the role: As Principal Building Surveyor, you will lead UCL's building surveying function, providing strategic and technical leadership across our estate. You'll oversee building fabric strategy, asset management, capital projects and statutory compliance, ensuring our buildings remain safe, functional and fit for purpose. You'll lead a team of surveyors, manage consultants and contractors, develop business cases, deliver refurbishment and renewal projects, and work closely with stakeholders across the university to support the delivery of our Infrastructure Master Plan. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of a world-renowned estate while delivering projects that have a lasting impact.
About you: You'll be an experienced building surveying professional with a degree (or equivalent experience) and professional membership of a recognised body such as RICS. You will bring significant experience delivering capital projects within a complex organisation, alongside strong leadership, project management and stakeholder engagement skills. You'll be confident developing strategic plans and business cases, managing competing priorities and leading high-performing teams. Most importantly, you'll be collaborative, customer-focused and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes that support sustainability, inclusion and continuous improvement.
What we offer: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Principal Surveyor employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Surveyor
✨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 UK Dementia Research Institute, 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 Principal Surveyor at UK Dementia Research Institute.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Surveyor
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 UK Dementia Research Institute
✨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!
