Chief Building Official

City of Johns Creek, Georgia; Johns Creek (GA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(a) contribution plan

457(b) retirement plan

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Job summary

The City of Johns Creek invites applications for the role of Chief Building Official to lead the Building Division, oversee plan review, permitting, and inspections, and ensure regulatory compliance with high customer service standards.

We seek a leader who can modernize permitting operations, manage budgets, and collaborate with City leadership and external stakeholders. Salary range starts at $104,838 and goes to $119,377 per year, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Building Division, plan, organize, and supervise plan review, permitting, and inspections.
• Enforce State and City building regulations and review third-party inspection reports.
• Support budgeting and fee schedule adjustments based on activity.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate Building Division staff; provide ongoing training.

Skills

Technical leadership

Regulatory compliance

Public sector communication

Budgeting

Policy development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering/Architecture/Architectural Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

ICC certification

Plan review

Job description

The City of Johns Creek is seeking a Chief Building Official to lead our Building Division and set the standard for how a premier Georgia city delivers plan review, permitting, and inspection services. As Chief Building Official, you will manage and support all Building Division programs and activities under the direction of the Community Development Director, play a critical role in balancing regulatory compliance with customer-focused service, ensure operational oversight to usher compliance with adopted building standards and codes, and serve as the primary plan reviewer and trusted technical advisor to City leadership, builders, and residents. If you excel at leading technical teams, modernizing permitting operations, and balancing code enforcement with exceptional customer service, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Division Leadership: Plan, organize, and supervise the Building Division, collaborating across departments to coordinate and ensure timely plan review, permit issuance, and field inspection services. Improve operational efficiency by supporting permitting system enhancements and process improvements to streamline plan review. Maintain high standards for safety, sustainability, and quality development. Performs administrative, supervisory, and technical duties as required.
• Code Compliance: Apply and enforce State and City building regulations, approve issuance of Certificates of Occupancy/Completion, and review third-party inspection and special inspection reports.
• Communication: Demonstrate effective communication (both written and oral), public engagement, and customer service.
• Fiscal Oversight: Manage and participate in developing the Building Division's budget and recommend fee schedule adjustments based on forecasted activity and program costs.
• Team Development: Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate Building Division staff, and provide ongoing training on plan review, inspection methods, customer service, and regulatory changes.
• Case Management: Investigate, issue, and maintain records for Stop Work Orders, Notices of Violation, Citations, and building code cases, and testify in related proceedings as necessary.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a technical resource to the Construction Appeals Board and City Council, and represent the City with external stakeholders – builders, developers, and the public.
• Emergency Response: Respond to dangerous building situations and other emergencies as needed, including outside of regular business hours.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction building inspection, building design, plan review, structural engineering, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory role (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Structural Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience as a division manager or higher.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in Georgia.
• Fluency in one or more languages in addition to English.

Skills You'll Need

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes; Georgia fire and zoning regulations; structural calculations; and modern construction methods.
• Certifications: ICC certification as a Plumbing, Mechanical, Building, or Combination Inspector, or Plans Examiner. ICC Building Official certification obtainable within six (6) months of hire.
• Leadership & Judgment: Ability to lead technical staff, exercise independent judgment, and manage multiple complex projects and inspections to meet established timelines.
• Public Sector Communication: Ability to prepare clear, concise reports; represent the City before Council and the Construction Appeals Board; and engage constructively with differing public opinion.

Competitive Salary And Benefits Package

The City of Johns Creek offers a competitive salary and benefits package. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about delivering exceptional service and possess the required qualifications. Explore outstanding healthcare options and exceptional retirement benefits with the City of Johns Creek! Our comprehensive package includes a generous 12% contribution of your base pay to the 401(a) plan and a $1 for $1 match up to 5% in the 457(b) retirement plans, potentially totaling up to 22%! Access financial adviser services at no extra cost. Enjoy a competitive salary package crafted to align with the unique responsibilities and requirements of the Chief Building Official role. We offer competitive wages starting from $104,838 to $119,377 annually, DOQ.

Salary: $104838 - $119377 per year

About Us

Nestled in the northeast suburbs of Metro Atlanta, Johns Creek is Georgia's 10th-largest city and a premier destination for families and businesses. Home to 82,000 residents and supported by 291 dedicated employees, the City has built a reputation for safety and excellence since its incorporation in 2006. Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Best Place to Live in Georgia and the #1 in the U.S. (2026-2027), Johns Creek also ranked #1 Best Atlanta Suburb in 2024 by livability.com and #1 place to raise a family in Georgia by Niche.com. As a leader in health, wellness, and innovation, we are committed to fostering a safe, vibrant, and forward‑thinking community for everyone who calls Johns Creek home.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Johns Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other class or status protected by law.

IMPORTANT: By submitting your resume online, you hereby authorize the City of Johns Creek to contact, obtain, and verify the accuracy of the information contained in this application from all previous employers, references, and educational institutions. You also release the City of Johns Creek and its representatives from liability for seeking, gathering, and using such information to make employment decisions and all other persons or organizations for providing such information. You understand that any misrepresentation or material omission made by you on this application will be sufficient cause for cancellation of this application or immediate termination of employment if you are employed, whenever it may be discovered.