Deputy Head of Building Control

Deputy Head of Building Control (Class 3 Specialist) - Planning

Location: North London/Hybrid

Reports To: Head of Building Control (Class 4 Technical)

Job Overview

• Manage a team of inspectors, including Specialist Building Inspectors, Building Inspectors and Trainee Building Inspectors, and provide supervision of project work where appropriate and within limits of competence.

• Undertake specialist and technical assessments and make decisions using qualifications, skills and practical experience to deliver the Building Control service through the Council s scheme of delegation under the Building Act 1984 and associated legislation.

• Ensure buildings comply with relevant regulatory standards relating to health, safety, sustainability, energy conservation, accessibility and design.

• Lead the Building Control service and maintain effective working relationships with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and associated regional hubs.

• Oversee the Council s response to relevant committees, participation in Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs), performance reporting and registration of inspector roles.

• Evaluate and allocate a full range of projects, with a focus on complex schemes and high-risk buildings, including those within scope of the Building Safety Act.

• Examine plans, carry out site inspections, and initiate and manage enforcement action where necessary.

• Assess dangerous structures and implement immediate works where required.

• Deputise for the Head of Building Control as necessary.

Key Accountablities

• Discharge the Council s delegated powers and duties under the Building Act 1984, Building Safety Act 2022 and associated legislation.

• Provide appropriate advice and support regarding compliance with Building Regulations and related legislation.

• Manage a portfolio of projects, including high-risk and in-scope buildings, covering new applications, regularisations and reversion applications.

• Maintain accurate records for plan appraisals, site inspections and compliance assessments.

• Ensure compliance with the Building Act 1984, Building Safety Act 2022, Building Regulations 2010, associated legislation and technical standards.

• Provide accurate information, advice and professional support to businesses and individuals.

• Investigate complaints, demolition controls, dangerous structures, contraventions and unauthorised works.

• Undertake enforcement action, including issuing notices where necessary.

• Participate in the dangerous structures rota and respond within the required two-hour target both during and outside normal working hours.

• Authorise emergency works through contractor framework agreements.

• Prepare evidence files for legal proceedings and attend court as an expert witness where required.

• Liaise with external agencies, stakeholders, statutory undertakers, contractors, consultants, elected members and internal departments.

• Maintain strong relationships with building professionals and deliver excellent customer service.

• Support service development and business growth opportunities.

• Work flexibly to respond to workload and service demands, including occasional extended or out-of-hours working.

Management Responsibilities

• Manage a team of inspectors with varied professional and technical expertise.

• Support, supervise and mentor team members.

• Delegate plan checking, site inspections and related duties where appropriate.

• Assist colleagues in gaining experience and demonstrating competency.

• Deputise for the Head of Building Control when required.

• Contribute to the vision, values and strategic priorities of the Planning and Building Control service.

• Promote engagement and motivation within the team.

• Support the maintenance of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.

• Foster a culture of service excellence, performance improvement and customer satisfaction.

• Maintain expert knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022, Building Inspector Competence Framework (BICoF), Registered Building Inspector Code of Conduct and Building Safety Case Regime.

Training & Development

• Actively pursue personal and professional development.

• Maintain chartered membership of a relevant professional body.

• Maintain Building Inspector registration at the appropriate level (currently Class 3 Specialist Building Inspector) or equivalent validated competence.

• Demonstrate compliance with the relevant code of conduct.

• Only undertake unsupervised activities within validated competency limits.

• Undertake work beyond competency limits only under appropriate supervision.

• Train, mentor and develop members of the Building Control team.

Financial Responsibilties

• Ensure financial support processes are completed efficiently and accurately.

• Maintain project records and service level agreements.

• Contribute to the marketing and promotion of the Building Control service.

• Support efforts to minimise loss of work to private sector competitors.

• Assist the Head of Building Control in delivering a cost-effective service.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Comply with the Health and Safety Policy and associated arrangements.

• Complete mandatory health and safety training.

• Ensure risk assessments are completed for activities involving significant hazards.

• Identify and implement appropriate control measures.

• Ensure staff understand risk assessment findings and required controls.

• Monitor health and safety compliance and address concerns promptly.

• Include health and safety considerations in management meetings.

• Lead by example and enforce health and safety standards.

Person Spec

Essential:

• Degree or Master s qualification in Building Control, Building Surveying, Construction, Structural Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent learning and experience.

• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, CABE, CIOB or equivalent.

• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Experience & Knowledge

Essential:

• Experience managing a Building Control team or similar technical service.

• Extensive knowledge of construction methods, materials and techniques.

• Strong knowledge of Building Control legislation and regulations, including the Building Act 1984.

• Understanding of local government services and procedures.

• Awareness of professional boundaries and governance requirements.

• Understanding of financial constraints affecting service delivery.

• Experience delivering excellent customer service.

• Significant Building Control experience, including high-risk and complex developments.

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

• Ability to motivate teams and manage workloads effectively.

• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Effective decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to operate effectively within a political environment.

• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.

• Ability to prepare technical and expert witness reports.

• Thorough knowledge of Building Regulations 2010, Approved Documents and British Standards.

• Current Building Inspector registration at Class 3 level or equivalent.

• Ability to assess plans, conduct site inspections and maintain comprehensive records.

• Strong ICT skills, including Microsoft Office and specialist software.

• Self-motivated, organised and capable of working independently.

• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support organisational change.

• Demonstrated competence in accordance with the Building Inspector Competency Framework.

For further details about the position, please contact Ollie at Hill & Hill Recruitment.