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

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

Location: London Borough of Barnet
Salary: £71,713 per annum
Department: Planning & Building Control
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Reports to: Head of Building Control / Director of Planning
Direct Reports: Senior Building Control Surveyors, Building Inspectors, Technical Officers, Administrative Staff

Role Overview

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly qualified Building Control professional to join a forward-thinking local authority as Deputy Head of Building Control (Class 3 Specialist).

This senior leadership role is responsible for supporting the strategic and operational management of Building Control services across the borough, ensuring statutory compliance, service excellence, and effective delivery of complex and high-risk developments. The successful candidate will possess extensive local authority experience, advanced technical expertise, and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams within a highly regulated environment.

The postholder will act as a Registered Building Inspector Class 3 Specialist and provide authoritative technical guidance on complex building regulations matters, dangerous structures, enforcement action, and major development projects. The role will also contribute strategically to planning, regeneration, housing growth, and public safety objectives within the borough.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Service Management

Support the Head of Building Control in leading and managing the Building Control function within a complex local authority environment.

Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic service plans, policies, and transformation initiatives.

Drive continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across Building Control services.

Lead on service performance management, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction targets.

Deputise for the Head of Building Control in their absence, including attendance at senior leadership meetings and council committees.

Building Control & Regulatory Expertise

Act as the lead technical specialist for complex and high-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act and associated regulations.

Oversee compliance with the Building Act, Building Regulations, fire safety legislation, and associated statutory frameworks.

Assess and determine applications involving major commercial, residential, mixed-use, and specialist developments.

Provide expert advice on structural safety, dangerous structures, fire safety compliance, accessibility, and sustainability standards.

Lead investigations into unauthorised works, enforcement cases, and dangerous structures.

Ensure the authority fulfils its statutory obligations as a Building Control Authority.

Local Authority & Planning Expertise

Work closely with Planning, Regeneration, Housing, Environmental Health, Highways, and Legal teams on strategic borough-wide projects.

Provide specialist advice to Planning Committees, elected members, senior council officers, and external stakeholders.

Support the council’s wider planning and regeneration agenda through effective Building Control integration.

Represent the authority in regional forums, regulatory meetings, tribunals, and legal proceedings where required.

Contribute to local authority policy development and interpretation of evolving building safety legislation.

Leadership & People Management

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Building Control team.

Manage recruitment, workforce planning, performance management, and succession planning activities.

Promote a culture of accountability, professional excellence, and continuous learning.

Support staff in achieving and maintaining professional registration and competency requirements.

Financial & Operational Management

• Support budget management, income generation, and commercial performance of the Building Control service.
• Monitor workloads, resource allocation, and service delivery performance indicators.
• Contribute to procurement activities, contractor management, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Ensure effective risk management, governance, and audit compliance.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

Degree in Building Surveying, Building Control, Construction Management, Civil/Structural Engineering, or related discipline.

Registered Building Inspector (RBI) – Class 3 Specialist status

• Membership of a recognised professional body such as:
  • CABE
  • RICS
  • CIOB
  • ICE
• Evidence of substantial Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Desirable 

Chartered status with CABE, RICS, CIOB, or equivalent.

Management qualification such as ILM or equivalent leadership programme.

Experience of digital Building Control systems and service modernisation.

Experience within a London Borough or metropolitan local authority environment.

Knowledge of sustainability, retrofit, and modern methods of construction.