The Role

The Design Service is an in-house, fee-earning multi-disciplinary consultancy service covering a full range of construction professional services including M&E, building and quantity surveying, architecture, landscape architecture, energy management and project management.

The service delivers a wide range of projects across the public realm and the expanding Council’s housing self-build programme.

This service is rare if not unique in local government and this role presents an opportunity for an experienced and customer focussed professional to make a difference in a forward looking and commercially minded Council.

As an Assistant Building Surveyor/ Building Surveyor you will work closely with Stakeholders and colleagues within the Design Service.

You will need to demonstrate strong programme planning & delivery, procurement & contract management skills and an ability to effectively manage budgets. You will also need to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of building construction and relevant legislations, defects identification and have the ability to write technical reports and schedules of works.

You will prepare programmes, budgets, risk assessments and cash flow forecasts for individual projects and manage implementation to the highest possible quality and safety standards, delivering schemes that meet the Council’s budget, design, and sustainability objectives in line with procurement and financial procedures.

You will undertake a range of property surveys including technical appraisals of properties, property defect analysis and diagnostic surveys; preparing specifications and schedule of works for tender.

You will provide technical advice to other staff, both technical and non-technical, on construction and building related matters.

On council designated projects you will provide the following from inception to completion:

• technical advice
• prepare contract documentation
• manage payments
• other contract administration

You will monitor and keep accurate records of progress on site, including a record of any variations, snagging and health and safety records.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

• Have previous building surveying or construction experience in the public sector is desirable.
• Have a compelling track record of project managing and delivering major works contracts.
• Experience of budgeting, estimating, interim and final accounts
• Experience of tender procedures and contract administration
• Strong negotiation skills
• Total IT literacy with excellent communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously and to tight deadlines
• Have or working towards RICS accredited degree or equivalent in Building Surveying and/ or membership of RICS or CIOB.

We are looking for individuals with a good experience of working within the field of building surveying and construction. Crucially, with the ability to effectively coordinate and monitor multiple programmes of work and communicate between stakeholders and clients.

You will be an excellent communicator with a positive attitude and good organisational skills; you will have the ability to follow through your work effectively and follow through to completion, with an emphasis on high standards and quality.

You will also be solutions focused and comfortable taking responsibility for tasks and delivering results. You will be expected to manage your projects, including reporting as required to senior management. Involvement in projects can be from the initial concept through to completion. Carrying out conditions surveys, feasibilities, costings and agreeing the scope and brief with the client, preparing specifications, schedules of work and contract documentation, overseeing construction, ensuring your projects are procured, delivered safely, efficiently, and within the development goals and budget. An end-to-end experience.

This is an exciting opportunity where you will have the support and the training to improve your capabilities and develop your skills to another level. If this sounds like an opportunity you have been seeking, we are keen to hear from you!

If you want to know more about this post then please telephone Sarah Finn, Business Manager (Design) on 07976 976607 for an informal discussion.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed hours, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date: Sunday 10^th October 2021

Shortlisting Date: W/C Monday 11^th October 2021

Interview Date: TBC  

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible. Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

The application process for this campaign will be anonymised.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils

Attached documents

•  Job Profile