Associate Director Building Surveyor / Building Control
Tonbridge Hybrid (2 days remote)
£75,000 + £4,800 car allowance + mileage
Commercial, Heritage & High-End Retail Projects
Are you ready to operate at Director level from day one, with a clear and realistic path to full Directorship?
Do you enjoy leading people, shaping decisions, and being trusted to help run a business not just deliver projects?
Are you a Chartered Surveyor looking for a role where your experience, judgement, and commercial thinking genuinely matter?
The Opportunity
Our client is a highly regarded, specialist building consultancy based in Tonbridge, Kent, working across London and the South East on premium projects including flagship retail environments such as Harrods, listed buildings, and complex commercial refurbishments.
As part of a planned succession strategy, they are now seeking an Associate Director who will operate at Director level from the outset. This is not a stepping-stone role it is a senior leadership position for someone who can take a holistic view of the business, combining technical authority with people leadership, client confidence, and commercial awareness.
The successful candidate will work closely with the existing Directors, with a clear and credible route to full Directorship within 12 years.
The Role
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with responsibility across projects, people, and the wider operation of the business. You will:
Lead and deliver building surveying and building control projects across high-end retail, heritage, and commercial environments
Act as Principal Designer under CDM regulations, ensuring safety and compliance from concept through to handover
Take ownership of leading, mentoring, and developing a team of six, setting standards and supporting progression
Represent Approved Inspector / National Building Control functions, ensuring compliance with evolving post-Grenfell legislation and the Building Safety Act
Act as a trusted senior advisor to clients, contractors, and regulators
Contribute to operational leadership, decision-making, and the strategic direction of the business
Help shape how the consultancy grows influencing systems, processes, and service delivery
Work on standout projects including luxury retail rollouts, listed building restorations, and complex commercial refurbishments across London
This role will suit someone who enjoys running part of a small business, not just managing their own workload.
Requirements
Chartered Surveyor (MRICS, MCABE, MCIOB or equivalent)
Strong background in Building Surveying, with solid Building Control experience
Good working knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and current regulatory frameworks
Experience acting as Principal Designer and managing CDM compliance
Proven experience leading or mentoring others (formal or informal)
Background in commercial / private sector projects (retail, hospitality, heritage, commercial)
Confident communicator, comfortable operating at client and senior leadership level
Full UK driving licence (travel across London & South East required)
The client is flexible on background what matters most is capability, leadership mindset, and long-term potential.
Why Join?
Director-level responsibility from day one, with a genuine succession plan
Clear progression to full Directorship within 12 years
High-quality, interesting project portfolio not volume-driven work
Real influence over how the business operates and evolves
Supportive, knowledgeable, down-to-earth team culture
Autonomy, trust, and professional respect
Ongoing CPD and professional membership support
Package
£75,000 basic salary
£4,800 car allowance
45p per mile travel expenses
Hybrid working (Tonbridge base, London & South East projects)
Interested?
If you are a Chartered Building Surveyor ready to step into a true leadership role with Director-level influence, we would love to hear from you.
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