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.