Principal Land Surveyor

The Survey Association; Birmingham, Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading geomatics company is seeking a Principal Land Surveyor to oversee major project delivery, ensure compliance with industry standards, and mentor junior staff. The role requires strong technical expertise, experience in relevant sectors, and solid communication skills to foster client relationships and team collaboration. Opportunities for professional development and contribution to a progressive team culture are provided.

Benefits

CPD programs

Mentorship schemes

Support for chartership applications

Qualifications

• Experience in Energy, Highways and Rail sectors is desired.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and build client relationships.
• Experience with BIM integration and mobile mapping is valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead on delivery of major survey projects and ensure health and safety compliance.
• Deliver high-quality geospatial services and mentor junior staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on project objectives.

Skills

Good communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics, Surveying, Geography, GIS, or a related discipline

Chartered in CICES or RICS or working towards

Tools

AutoCAD

GNSS

Total Stations

Laser scanners

GIS platforms

Job description

Job opportunity with
Freedom Surveys & Inspections

Principal Land Surveyor

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
To provide technical delivery, advice and support to the Geomatics (Surveying & Inspections) team, as appropriate, and support the Senior Partner. Leading on delivery across major survey projects and providing advice to Senior Land Surveyors in management of their projects. Line management responsibilities of staff and playing a key role in the development of new and repeat business

KEY DELIVERABLES
ACTIVITY
• Lead on delivery of projects to clients including on major frameworks and complex projects
• Drive health and safety performance and SHEQ compliance within the geomatics function.
• Deliver accurate and high-quality geospatial services, including LiDAR, and UAV surveys, spatial data management, and GIS analysis.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, planning, environmental, and consenting to align geomatics deliverables with overall project objectives
• develop and/or mentor junior members of staff
• programme work activities and delegate, where appropriate
• support on bids and tenders
• ensure quality delivery to programme and cost
• Strategic communication with clients and management

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
For recruitment and development purposes the following knowledge, skills and experience are required:
EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL
Technical and Professional knowledge and experience associated with the role.
Good communication skills, both written and oral at all levels of hierarchy
Ability to build lasting relationships with clients and colleagues.
Able to analyse problems and identify solutions.
Commercial awareness

EXPERIENCE DESIRABLE
• Experience in Energy, Highways and Rail sectors
• Line management experience

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and qualifications normally associated with successful performance of role. Please specify if any qualifications or professional memberships are essential, e.g. for contractual or legal reasons.

QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS – ESSENTIAL
• Chartered in CICES or RICS or working towards
• Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics, Surveying, Geography, GIS, or a related discipline (QCF Level 6 or equivalent)

QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS – DESIRABLE
• Masters Degree in relavent discipline

TRAINING
Refer to Training Matrix
Notes:
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel may be required to project sites or client meetings. A full UK driving licence is essential.

• Equipment Use: Familiarity with a wide range of surveying tools and software is expected, including GNSS, Total Stations, laser scanners, UAVs, and software such as AutoCAD, n4ce, and GIS platforms.

• Flexibility: The role may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines or access restricted sites.

• Team Environment: This is a senior leadership role within the Geomatics team. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to team culture, knowledge sharing, and staff mentoring.

• Innovation: A proactive approach to adopting emerging technologies and improving workflows is encouraged. Experience with BIM integration, mobile mapping, or AI-assisted data processing is highly valued.

• Health & Safety: Adherence to and promotion of the company’s SHEQ procedures is mandatory. The role includes a responsibility to report near misses and actively participate in toolbox talks and audits.

• Professional Development: The company supports continued professional development through CPD programs, mentorship schemes, and support for chartership applications.