At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee repair and refurbishment projects for Waterstones' estate.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved book retailer focused on customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent shop discounts and work in a friendly, dynamic team.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel required; ideal for those who thrive in a multi-site environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with a passionate team in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Chartered Building Surveyor or working towards MRICS.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Home Based in Oxford, Cambridge, London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Bedfordshire
We are looking for a Building Surveyor to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones. You will be responsible for overseeing a proactive programme of external and internal repair and refurbishment schemes to ensure that the Waterstones estate is fit for purpose and complies with legislation. You will ensure all project works are undertaken safely, in line with the budget and timescales and meet the required business standards.
What you will be doing
- Supporting capital project works, dilapidations, acquisitions and disposals.
- Develop, oversee and administer annual programme of works.
- Develop detailed specifications and scope of works for repair programmes & capital works (generally using JCT forms of Contracts).
- Supporting an extensive shop development programme to ensure that a holistic lifecycle approach is taken to capital investment with a focus on building fabric.
- Ensure estate is fit for purpose and identify where improvements can be made.
- Ensuring the local delivery of revenue & capital works meets with all policies & standards set by Waterstones & is in accordance with the Company’s Health & Safety plan, along legislative & legal obligations.
- Manage & oversee Party Wall schemes.
- Oversee Landlords works, ensuring they are carried out safely and to the required high standard.
- Negotiate dilapidation claims with Landlords.
- Input strategically with technical advice to support the needs and growth of the business.
- Contribute to the development of yearly budgets & 5 yearly rolling investment maintenance plans.
- Develop & prepare monthly reports covering risks, progress, H&S and areas of significant activity to drive performance.
- Escalate and flag issues as required.
- Key stakeholder for the strategic plans and approach to dilapidations, estate management.
- Work with external suppliers and consultants to drive innovation, add value and deliver expectations within agreed SLA / KPI’s.
- Produce capital expenditure requests and efficiently administer the subsequent orders and payments process.
- Manage the effective delivery of Planned Preventative Maintenance works & Fabric & Plant (small works) & be involved, where directed, in associated capital programmes.
- Manage dispute resolution for contracts at a local level.
What we need from you
- Qualified Chartered Building Surveyor (or working towards MRICS).
- Holds a Building Surveying degree.
- Extensive knowledge of dilapidation management.
- Knowledge of Party wall management.
- Data analysis and reporting capability.
- Ideally worked within a retail or similar industry.
- Used to working in a multi-site environment.
Person Profile
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
- Proven ability to negotiate effectively.
- Highly organised and able to extensively multi-task.
- Able to manage effectively to get results.
- Resilient and adaptable.
- Used to working autonomously.
- Innovative and proactive approach.
- Ability to build and maintain effective internal and external working relationships.
- Ability to prioritise workload based on business needs.
- Comfortable with weekly travel.
Why work for Waterstones
At Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again. We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Café W’s, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes. Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one).
In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.com.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Retail
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Building Surveyor employer: Waterstones
Waterstones is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation in the heart of London. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to thrive while contributing to a beloved brand that has been a cornerstone of bookselling since 1982. The company provides ample opportunities for professional development, a supportive culture, and the chance to be part of a team that values creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Building 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 Waterstones, 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 Building Surveyor at Waterstones.
We think you need these skills to ace Building 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 Waterstones
✨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!
