Principal Building Surveyor

Cheltenham Borough Council has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Building Surveyor to join the team.
Location: Cheltenham, GL50 9SA
Salary: £48,738 - £54,229 per annum (pay award pending wef 1 April 2026)
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 17th May 2026
Come and work for an award-winning organisation!
We are an ambitious and forward-thinking council. We are committed to making Cheltenham a better place to live and work, enabling communities and businesses to thrive whilst protecting what is good about our town.
We aim to be an employer of choice where everyone is treated fairly and feels valued and respected. We aim to provide a stimulating and rewarding working environment that encourages our people to work together, provides opportunities for them to reach their full potential and achieve a healthy work/life balance.
Working at Cheltenham Borough Council means working as part of a committed, professional, and friendly team.
Principal Building Surveyor – The Role:
We’re looking for an experienced and forward‑thinking Principal Building Surveyor to lead our building safety and property improvement programmes across our housing stock. With a strong focus on fire safety compliance, major projects and disabled adaptations, this is a key leadership role ensuring our homes are safe, accessible, and meet the highest standards of quality.
You will oversee complex projects from inception to completion, provide expert technical advice, and work collaboratively with internal teams, contractors, and residents to deliver outcomes that genuinely improve lives.
Principal Building Surveyor – Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of fire safety programmes, including FRA actions, compartmentation works, fire door replacements and passive fire protection
- Oversee the delivery of major disabled adaptations, ensuring homes are accessible, safe, and suitable for residents’ needs
- Lead major projects such as the replacement of external wall insulation in blocks of flats
- Act as a technical expert on building pathology, compliance, and construction standards
- Manage project teams, external consultants, and contractors to ensure high‑quality, value-for-money outcomes
- Provide professional advice on complex building issues, specifications, remedial works, and compliance with relevant legislation
- Develop and maintain robust technical standards, policies, and specifications for fire safety and adaptations
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with exceptional stakeholder communication
- Undertake quality assurance inspections, technical audits, and the sign-off of critical safety works
- Collaborate closely with residents to ensure works consider individual needs and minimise disruption
- Support senior leadership in strategic planning, budget forecasting, and continuous improvement of building safety processes
Principal Building Surveyor – You:
- Degree in Building Surveying or a related discipline or at least 7 years relevant experience
- Chartered status (RICS, CIOB ) (Desirable)
- Significant experience within social housing, construction, or property compliance
- Expertise in fire safety legislation, building regulations, and adaptation standards
- Proven ability to lead and manage multiple programmes simultaneously
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills
- Strong understanding of health and safety, CDM Regulations, and risk management
What can we do for you…
- An excellent pension scheme. You will be eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- A generous holiday entitlement of 26 days (pro rata) rising to 31 days (pro rata) after five years (excluding Bank Holidays)
- A flexible and agile working environment. We aim to provide opportunities to work from home or elsewhere and offer flexibility in working hours
- A comprehensive programme of learning and development
- Two days (pro rata) paid time off for volunteering
- Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes
- Access to free counselling services
- Upon successful completion of your probation period, you will then have access to our - Healthcare Cashback Plan
- A cycle to work scheme
- Low-cost town centre parking
- A commitment to employee wellbeing
To submit your application for this Principal Building Surveyor opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now