Building Survey Lead

Plowman Craven Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25

Performance bonus

Pension salary sacrifice

Travel cards (London)

Fleet vehicles

Life assurance

Family benefits

Social events

Employee owned in trust

Job summary

Plowman Craven is seeking an experienced Building Survey Lead to head the Inspection Division, combining traditional surveying with digital inspection technologies to deliver market-leading solutions across diverse assets.

You will set technical standards, oversee complex surveys, and mentor the team while working with Commercial to define new services and support client bids in the London region.

Qualifications

• Degree in Building Surveying, Structural Engineering, Building Pathology, Construction Technology or a related discipline.
• Chartered status (RICS/CIOB/IStructE/CABE or similar) or working towards chartership.
• Significant experience in condition surveys, building pathology and defect diagnosis.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, structural systems and building regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Building Survey team, setting technical standards and QA processes.
• Plan complex condition surveys, structural investigations and defect diagnosis projects.
• Develop innovative inspection methodologies with drones, LiDAR, thermography and digital tools.
• Collaborate with Commercial teams to define new inspection services and bids.
• Act as senior technical authority for building pathology and structural issues.
• Mentor surveyors and support recruitment for team growth.
• Review and sign off high-quality reports, drawings and outputs.
• Coordinate with internal teams and subcontractors on complex projects.

Skills

Leadership experience

Technical report writing

Client engagement

Digital inspection tools

Education

Degree in Building Surveying, Structural Engineering, Building Pathology, Construction Technology or related

Tools

Drones

LiDAR

Thermography

SLAM

Job description

Introduction

As one of the largest measurement survey companies in the UK, Plowman Craven provides a range of services to the property, rail and infrastructure markets.

Our innovation, dynamic approach and commitment to delivering a flawless service is achieved by investing in and empowering our employees to push boundaries and reach new heights.

Regardless of the size or complexity of a project, our clients trust us to provide a service that goes beyond their expectations.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Building Survey Lead to join our Inspection Division. This is an exciting opportunity for a technical expert in building pathology, condition assessment and structural investigation who is passionate about shaping and growing a specialist surveying capability.

Working across Operations and Commercial, you will lead the development of innovative inspection services, establish technical standards and methodologies, and support the growth of a high-performing team. You’ll combine traditional building surveying expertise with modern digital inspection technologies to deliver market-leading solutions across a diverse range of asset types.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the Building Survey team, setting technical standards and quality assurance processes.
• Plan and oversee complex condition surveys, structural investigations and defect diagnosis projects.
• Develop innovative inspection methodologies incorporating technologies such as drones, LiDAR, thermography and digital inspection tools.
• Work with Commercial teams to define new inspection services, support bids and develop client-focused solutions.
• Act as the senior technical authority for building pathology, material defects and structural issues.
• Mentor and develop surveyors, supporting recruitment and the continued growth of the team.
• Review and sign off high-quality technical reports, drawings and inspection outputs.
• Collaborate with internal teams and specialist subcontractors to deliver complex inspection projects.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Building Surveying, Structural Engineering, Building Pathology, Construction Technology or a related discipline.
• Chartered status (RICS, CIOB, IStructE, CABE or similar), or working towards chartership.
• Significant experience in condition surveys, building pathology, structural investigation and defect diagnosis.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, structural systems and building regulations.
• Experience leading technical teams or acting as a senior technical specialist.
• Commercial awareness with experience supporting fee proposals, bids and client discussions.
• Excellent technical report writing and communication skills.
• Experience using or integrating digital inspection technologies such as drones, LiDAR, SLAM or thermography would be advantageous.

Plowman Craven is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Plowman Craven is a great place to work and offers a range of competitive family friendly benefits including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave – increasing to 30 days plus bank holidays
• Performance related bonus
• Salary sacrifice pension contribution scheme
• Travel loans & travel cards (Zone 1+2) for London-based roles
• Access to fleet vehicles
• Life assurance
• Enhanced family friendly benefits
• Social activities organised yearly
• Employee owned company held in a Trust for the benefit of employees

Please note : All benefits outlined above is subject to variations based on the location / country of the advertised role.