Associate Director - Building Surveyor / Building Control
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 1–2 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 1–2 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