Tonbridge Hybrid (2 days remote)
£75,000 + £4,800 car allowance + mileage
Commercial, Heritage & High-End Retail Projects
Are you ready to operate at Director level from day one, with a clear and realistic path to full Directorship?
Do you enjoy leading people, shaping decisions, and being trusted to help run a business — not just deliver projects?
Are you a Chartered Surveyor looking for a role where your experience, judgement, and commercial thinking genuinely matter?
The Opportunity
Our client is a highly regarded, specialist building consultancy based in Tonbridge, Kent, working across London and the South East on premium projects — including flagship retail environments such as Harrods, listed buildings, and complex commercial refurbishments.
As part of a planned succession strategy, they are now seeking an Associate Director who will operate at Director level from the outset. This is not a stepping-stone role — it is a senior leadership position for someone who can take a holistic view of the business, combining technical authority with people leadership, client confidence, and commercial awareness.
The successful candidate will work closely with the existing Directors, with a clear and credible route to full Directorship within 1–2 years.
The Role
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with responsibility across projects, people, and the wider operation of the business. You will:
* Lead and deliver building surveying and building control projects across high-end retail, heritage, and commercial environments
* Act as Principal Designer under CDM regulations, ensuring safety and compliance from concept through to handover
* Take ownership of leading, mentoring, and developing a team of six, setting standards and supporting progression
* Represent Approved Inspector / National Building Control functions, ensuring compliance with evolving post-Grenfell legislation and the Building Safety Act
* Act as a trusted senior advisor to clients, contractors, and regulators
* Contribute to operational leadership, decision-making, and the strategic direction of the business
* Help shape how the consultancy grows — influencing systems, processes, and service delivery
* Work on standout projects including luxury retail rollouts, listed building restorations, and complex commercial refurbishments across London
This role will suit someone who enjoys running part of a small business, not just managing their own workload.
Requirements
* Chartered Surveyor (MRICS, MCABE, MCIOB or equivalent)
* Strong background in Building Surveying, with solid Building Control experience
* Good working knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and current regulatory frameworks
* Experience acting as Principal Designer and managing CDM compliance
* Proven experience leading or mentoring others (formal or informal)
* Background in commercial / private sector projects (retail, hospitality, heritage, commercial)
* Confident communicator, comfortable operating at client and senior leadership level
* Full UK driving licence (travel across London & South East required)
The client is flexible on background — what matters most is capability, leadership mindset, and long-term potential.
Why Join?
* Director-level responsibility from day one, with a genuine succession plan
* Clear progression to full Directorship within 1–2 years
* High-quality, interesting project portfolio — not volume-driven work
* Real influence over how the business operates and evolves
* Supportive, knowledgeable, down-to-earth team culture
* Autonomy, trust, and professional respect
* Ongoing CPD and professional membership support
Package
* £75,000 basic salary
* £4,800 car allowance
* 45p per mile travel expenses
* Hybrid working (Tonbridge base, London & South East projects)
Interested?
If you are a Chartered Building Surveyor ready to step into a true leadership role with Director-level influence, we would love to hear from you
Salary description
£75000.00 - £75000.00 per year