Director of Surveying Operations

ERGO Group AG; Birkenhead; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Director of Surveying to lead the Building Warranty Inspection Services, focusing on growth and technical compliance. The role involves strategic oversight of surveyor operations, ensuring high standards of inspection and compliance while fostering an inclusive leadership environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial, construction, and insurance sectors.
• Technical knowledge of Building Regulations and standards.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement operational and strategic plans in line with company goals.
• Deliver inspection elements of underwriting business.
• Manage and develop business to achieve KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Qualified Surveyor/Engineer (MCABE, MRICS, MBEng, MIStructE)

Job description

As part of the MD Group, the Director of Surveying is responsible for creating and implementing the business plan for Building Warranty Inspection Services. This includes driving growth, ensuring profitability, maintaining strong technical inspections for all sites, and supporting developers in building quality homes for homeowners. Reporting to the Managing Director, this role requires a strategic thinker with experience in the latent defect insurance market (or similar), strong skills in managing and developing Technical Compliance and Standards, exceptional leadership abilities, and a proven track record of delivering profitable business results.

Location: This position is fully remote (with occasional travel to our Birkenhead head office)

The Director of Surveying oversees the Warranty Inspection Service within MD Group, comprising:

• National network of surveyors
• Major Projects, overseeing high-rise and high-value builds
• Technical Operations, including a small team of structural engineers
• Technical Auditing
• Surveyor Operations
• Training (External and Internal)

This role leads the development and implementation of the strategic direction for surveying service, technical capability, and standards, supporting MD Group’s ‘2025 and beyond’ growth ambitions. It provides motivational leadership to the division’s leadership team and ensures technical standards are embedded across surveying teams.

You will collaborate with the Operations Director to monitor service performance and identify innovation opportunities, and with the Commercial Director to support growth, pricing, and retention initiatives. Additionally, you will work closely with the Director of Premier Guarantee Building Control (PGBC) to ensure capacity and leadership within the Regions align with PGBC to deliver optimal service.

Key to success is championing diversity, talent, and career development, creating an inclusive environment. As a member of the Executive Leadership team, you will contribute to organizational strategy and operational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement the division’s annual operational and strategic plans in line with company goals.
• Lead and oversee performance against goals and objectives across all functions.
• Deliver inspection elements of the underwriting business, working with underwriting teams to develop best practices.
• Ensure provision of resources for audits, technical expertise, and support for developers and surveyors across the UK.
• Manage and develop the business to achieve KPIs, adhering to standards and codes of conduct.
• Implement risk management practices ensuring consistent quality in inspections.
• Develop and improve the Technical Manual and Knowledge Management systems.
• Build and mentor a high-performing, collaborative, and innovative team.
• Empower managers to deliver effective performance management.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and customer service across the network.
• Stay informed on industry developments and seek opportunities for expansion.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management System Procedures.
• Collaborate to design and launch innovative insurance products and services.
• Develop KPIs and metrics to monitor surveying initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Engage with stakeholders, including customers, partners, and regulators, to promote the company’s interests.
• Report on business performance to senior leadership and boards as required.
• Lead ad hoc projects and initiatives as assigned.

Key Skills:

• Proven leadership with extensive experience in commercial, construction, and insurance sectors, ideally as a qualified surveyor/engineer (MRICS, MBEng, MIStructE, or similar).
• Deep technical knowledge of construction, Building Regulations, and standards.
• Strong relationship-building skills with construction professionals and the public.
• Effective stakeholder management in a matrix environment.
• Ability to analyze trends and make informed business decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of simplifying complex topics.
• Knowledge of the business, economic, and construction market environment.
• Understanding of risks in the construction warranty sector and risk mitigation strategies.
• Awareness of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
• Experience with quality management systems to ensure high surveying standards.

Personal Attributes:

• High integrity and ethical standards.
• Strong analytical skills and quick learning ability.
• High standards, accountability, and empowerment of teams.
• Inspirational leadership with the ability to motivate and trust teams.
• Hands-on approach when necessary.
• Critical thinker with influencing skills.
• Customer-centric, innovative, and adaptable to change.
• Strong project management skills.

Qualifications:

Preferably qualified as a Surveyor/Engineer (MCABE, MRICS, MBEng, MIStructE, or similar).

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive. Candidates can request reasonable adjustments during recruitment.