Associate Director - Building Surveyor / Building Control

Constant Recruitment Ltd; Tonbridge; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious building consultancy in Tonbridge is seeking an Associate Director - Building Surveyor to lead major projects and mentor a team. The successful candidate will enjoy director-level responsibility from day one, with a clear path to full Directorship in 1-2 years. Candidates should be Chartered Surveyors with expertise in Building Surveying and CDM compliance, ready to contribute to operations and decision-making across high-end retail and heritage projects. Competitive salary and hybrid working offered.

Benefits

Car allowance

Hybrid working

Professional membership support

Qualifications

• Chartered Surveyor with strong background in Building Surveying and solid Building Control experience.
• Experienced as Principal Designer managing CDM compliance.
• Confident communicator, able to operate at senior leadership level.

Responsibilities

• Lead building surveying and building control projects across various environments.
• Mentor and develop a team of six.
• Act as the Principal Designer ensuring safety and compliance.

Skills

Building Surveying

Leadership

Communication

CDM compliance

Client Relationship Management

Education

Chartered Surveyor (MRICS, MCABE, MCIOB or equivalent)

Job description

Associate Director - Building Surveyor / Building Control

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