Senior Building Control Surveyor

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is seeking a Senior Building Control Surveyor to protect residents by ensuring Building Regulations are met across residential and commercial developments. You will assess plans, conduct site inspections and lead enforcement actions on non-compliance while advising architects and developers with clear, practical guidance.

The role requires chartered status with RICS/CABE/CIOB and experience with 11–18m high projects, plus knowledge of Building Act 1984 and

Qualifications

• Chartered professional registered with a recognised body such as RICS, CABE or CIOB.
• Class 2F Building Inspector (or working towards) competency.
• Experience managing residential and commercial developments between 11m and 18m in height.
• Strong grasp of Building Act 1984 and related regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied portfolio of projects, from residential schemes to commercial sites and landmarks.
• Carry out detailed plan assessments and site inspections to ensure Building Regulations compliance.
• Lead enforcement matters, investigate unauthorised works and dangerous structures.
• Advise architects, contractors and developers, translating complex regulations into clear guidance.
• Support ISO 9001 quality standards and collaborate with Building Safety Regulator on high‑risk projects.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Technical decision-making

Stakeholder communication

Education

Chartered status with RICS/CABE/CIOB

Job description

Ensure buildings across our borough are safe, compliant and built to last

In a borough defined by architectural ambition and complex developments, safety and technical excellence matter. As a Senior Building Control Surveyor, you’ll play a key role in protecting residents and ensuring relevant building standards are achieved across every project you oversee.

What you’ll be doing:

You’ll manage a varied portfolio of projects, from residential schemes to commercial sites and landmark cultural institutions. This is a technically demanding role where your judgement and expertise will shape the safety and quality of developments across the borough.

You’ll carry out detailed plan assessments and site inspections to ensure compliance with Building Regulations and the Building Act 1984. Where issues arise, you’ll identify non-compliance early and work proactively to secure safe and appropriate outcomes.

You’ll lead on enforcement matters, investigate unauthorised works and dangerous structures ensuring the right actions are taken to keep residents safe.

You’ll provide clear, practical advice to architects, contractors and developers, translating complex regulations into straightforward guidance. As part of a forward-thinking service, you’ll also contribute to maintaining ISO 9001 quality standards and support the Building Safety Regulator on Higher-Risk Building projects under the new regime.

What you’ll bring

You’ll be a chartered professional, registered with a recognised body such as RICS, CABE or CIOB, and registered as a Class 2F Building Inspector or you could be a Class 2C Building Inspector working towards that competency. You’ll have proven experience managing residential and commercial developments between 11m and 18m in height, with a strong grasp of the Building Act 1984 and associated regulations.

You’ll be confident making technical decisions under pressure, particularly when dealing with dangerous structures or enforcement action. At the same time, you’ll be able to explain complex issues clearly and calmly to residents and non-technical stakeholders.

Strong relationship management skills are essential. You’ll work effectively with Principal Designers, Contractors and project teams, balancing firmness with professionalism. You’ll take ownership of your workload, maintain accurate records and demonstrate integrity, fairness and collaboration in everything you do.

Why join us

At RBKC, we’re all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future.

You’ll join a respected Building Control service known for its technical expertise and proactive approach. We offer a competitive salary and meaningful opportunities for professional development, allowing you to strengthen your knowledge and work on some of London’s most complex and high-profile projects.

You’ll be part of a supportive team culture where high standards are valued, learning is encouraged and collaboration is central to how we work. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise in a borough that prioritises safety, quality and long‑term resilience.

About us

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.

As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.

The we’re all in mindset sits at the heart of this role. Whether you’re reviewing plans, carrying out inspections or responding to urgent safety concerns, you take full responsibility for protecting our built environment. Your diligence and technical expertise ensure every project contributes to a safer borough for generations to come.

Working Style:

You’ll be based in the Borough for 3 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. You’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents’ lives.

Interview Details:

Interviews will take place on the 12th October 2026.

We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices.

• New hires will normally start at the minimum of the pay scale. However, a higher starting salary may be negotiated where a candidate demonstrates exceptional skills, knowledge, or experience.
• Employees receive annual salary increments until they reach the top of the pay scale, as well as any agreed cost of living pay awards.