Director - Building Surveying and Project Management

Location Bristol
Discipline: Building Surveyors
Job type: Permanent
Contact name: Cornelia Enslin

Contact email: cornelia@rotaterecruitmenr.com
Job ref: 817117TRINCE
Published: about 4 hours ago
We are seeking an experienced and driven Director of Building Surveying to establish and lead a new office in Bristol. This senior role combines technical excellence in traditional building surveying with strong leadership, client relationship management, and business development. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality surveying projects while growing the business presence in the South West region.

Key Responsibilities:

Establishment and Leadership
  • Set up and lead the Bristol office, including hiring key staff, defining structure, implementing processes, and managing budgets.
  • Represent the business locally, serving as the senior face of the company in Bristol and surrounding areas.
Technical Delivery
  • Lead traditional building surveying assignments such as condition surveys, defect diagnosis, dilapidations, pre-acquisition / pre-purchase surveys, planned maintenance, and repair specifications.
  • Ensure technical excellence, quality assurance, and compliance with relevant building, health & safety, and regulatory standards.
  • Oversee project delivery, manage risk, and ensure clients receive accurate, timely, and cost-effective services.
Client Relations & Business Development
  • Maintain and deepen relationships with existing clients, ensuring continuity of service and identifying new opportunities.
  • Actively pursue new clients and commissions in the South West through prospecting, pitching, and tendering.
  • Attend industry events and networking opportunities to raise the company profile and build a strong regional reputation.
Financial and Operational Management
  • Set financial targets for the Bristol office, monitor performance, and ensure profitability.
  • Develop business plans, budgets, and resource plans.
  • Ensure efficient workflows, cost control, and proper systems for reporting, scheduling, invoicing, and risk management.
Collaboration and Integration
  • Work closely with other offices and senior leadership to share best practices, utilise firm-wide resources, and maintain service consistency.
  • Contribute to strategic decisions as part of the senior leadership team.
Person Specification:
  • Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS or equivalent) with significant experience in traditional building surveying (condition surveys, dilapidations, planned maintenance, etc.).
  • Proven track record of delivering high-quality, technically robust surveying advice and reports.
  • Strong commercial mindset with ability to generate new business and manage long-term client relationships.
  • Experience leading teams, growing operations, and managing budgets/financial targets.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills; able to mentor, motivate, and inspire colleagues.
  • Entrepreneurial, self-starting, and comfortable building a new office from the ground up.
  • Knowledge of the Bristol and South West property market and existing client network is highly advantageous.
  • Experience across diverse property sectors including investors, occupiers, asset, and property managers.
  • Familiarity with sustainability, building performance, and heritage properties is a plus.
Salary & Benefits:
  • Salary up to £100,000 GBP (depending on experience)
  • Performance-based bonus
  • Opportunity to lead and shape a new office
  • Flexible / hybrid working options
  • Support from established company infrastructure and leadership
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development
  • Exposure to high-quality, interesting projects in commercial property and real estate