Senior Building Control Team Leader

Senior Building Control Team Leader

Location: West Sussex
Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days WFH)
Contract: Temporary
Duration: Until 31 March 2027, with potential for a further 6–12 month extension
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start Date: 14 September 2026
Rate: £77.84 PAYE / £90.00 P/H Umbrella LTD

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in West Sussex for an experienced Senior Building Control Team Leader to lead and manage the Council's Building Control service during an important period of service development and regulatory change.

This is a senior operational and technical position, combining team leadership, building control delivery, regulatory compliance and service improvement. The successful candidate will lead a small team of Registered Building Inspectors and administration staff while continuing to undertake technical Building Control duties themselves.

A key focus of the role will be ensuring the service is fully prepared for an upcoming Building Safety Regulator (BSR) audit, including a mock audit before the end of 2026, while maintaining effective statutory Building Control services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and supervise a team comprising 3 Registered Building Inspectors, an Administration Officer and a Data & Administration Manager.
• Oversee the effective processing of Building Control applications from initial submission through to completion.
• Undertake and oversee site inspections, Building Notices, Full Plans, regularisations and reversions.
• Carry out duties as a Registered Building Inspector, including managing an appropriate caseload of inspections and applications.
• Ensure statutory Building Control duties are delivered in accordance with the Building Regulations, Building Act 1984 and Building Safety Act 2022.
• Oversee Initial Notices, Competent Persons Notifications, Demolition Notices and associated processes.
• Manage dangerous buildings/structures and ensure appropriate action is taken where public safety is at risk.
• Ensure appropriate enforcement action is undertaken, including Stop Notices and Compliance Notices where required.
• Provide technical guidance, professional advice and support to Building Control staff.
• Maintain high operational standards, accurate records and effective data management.
• Act as a key point of contact for developers, residents, regulatory bodies, Approved Inspectors and other local authorities.
• Work closely with Planning, Property, Housing and Environmental Health colleagues.
• Support the Council's housing and regeneration programmes through the provision of Building Control services.
• Develop, review and implement operational procedures and processes.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for senior management and Cabinet when required.
• Support business development and maximise income generation and market share for the Building Control service.
• Liaise with LABC and other Building Control teams to share good practice and support future service arrangements.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for a number of specific service improvement and compliance priorities, including:

• Preparing the Building Control service for a mock BSR audit and subsequently supporting preparations for the formal audit.
• Reviewing systems, processes, records, governance, health & safety, income generation and service delivery arrangements.
• Reviewing and consolidating BSR documentation and improving document management.
• Developing and completing the Building Control Quality Management System in line with LABC guidance.
• Supporting the upgrade of the IDOX software management system.
• Overseeing the implementation and administration of the Building Safety Levy.
• Supporting recruitment and management of a Building Safety Levy Officer.
• Continuing the automation of key Building Control functions.
• Finalising online payment functionality through Submit-A-Plan.
• Ensuring Registered Building Inspectors receive appropriate CPD, training and professional development.
• Developing formal procedures for recording non-compliance and unauthorised works.
• Reviewing enforcement procedures with Legal Services.
• Reviewing health & safety arrangements and risk assessments for inspections and site visits.
• Coordinating quarterly performance reporting to the Regulator and the Annual Report for 2026/27.
• Reviewing and updating homeowner guidance and Building Control web content.
• Managing legacy applications from previous shared-service arrangements.

The successful candidate must have:

• Current Registered Building Inspector (RBI) status.
• Specialist Level competency, including Class 3H, as defined by the Building Safety Regulator.
• Class 3 or Class 4 Building Control competency appropriate to the role.
• Evidence of Level 3 or Level 4 relevant qualifications.
• Extensive Building Control experience, including complex and high-risk buildings.
• Significant experience of Local Authority Building Control.
• Proven experience managing and leading Building Control teams.
• Strong knowledge of statutory Building Control requirements and enforcement.
• Strong understanding of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its implications for Building Control bodies and Local Authorities.
• Experience dealing with complex regulatory compliance and enforcement matters.
• Strong technical knowledge and the ability to provide professional guidance to Building Control Inspectors.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• A full driving licence.
• Membership of an appropriate professional body, such as RICS, CABE, CIOB or the Institute of Fire Engineers, where applicable to professional status.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience of service transition, restructuring or organisational change within a Local Authority.
• Experience of data migration and systems integration.
• Experience supporting Building Control service transformation.
• Knowledge of water neutrality and its impact on development within the Sussex North Water Supply Zone.
• Experience preparing a Building Control service for regulatory audit.

We are looking for an experienced Building Control professional and team leader who can combine strong technical knowledge with effective operational management.

You will need to be confident leading a team, dealing with complex applications and regulatory matters, providing technical direction and driving improvements across a Building Control service.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Building Control professional to play a key role in maintaining statutory compliance while helping shape the future delivery of the service.

If interested, please contact Josh on 01772 208967 or joshua.hull@servicecare.org.uk