Job Description

We are seeking an experienced RICS Building Surveyor or Conservation Architect to lead our in-house surveying team.


This is a small, friendly team which undertakes condition surveys on a wide range of historic buildings, many of them of national significance.


Based either in our Bristol, Oxford or London studio, the successful candidate will be leading and developing Purcell's surveying offer, both regionally and nationally. We are looking for someone with extensive experience of working on historic building projects and a track record of managing a professional team. They will need to be confident in generating new commissions and capable of ensuring that Purcell's building surveying services are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.


Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity.


We have staff of approximately 300 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Winners of Architect Employer of the Year 2022.


Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.



It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.


Benefits


Our benefits package includes


Agile, flexible and hybrid working, (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH) Annual leave increasing with long service Life assurance Study sponsorship with paid study leave Sabbaticals Employee assistance programme Season ticket loans Cycle to work scheme Virtual GP service Subscription fees Company day out A volunteering scheme Enhanced learning & development opportunities. The role

Your key responsibilities will be as below, but not limited to:

Raising the profile of Purcell's surveying offer, both within the practice and externally, including by networking with potential clients and collaborators. Coordinating the activities of team members who currently based in the Bristol, Oxford and London studios. Planning the allocation of staff resources and reporting monthly to senior management on forecast allocations and fees. Responsibility for financial performance of the team, including regular monitoring of fees and costs. Liaising with other professionals across all Purcell studios to plan mutual support on building surveys. Reviewing the outputs of team members to ensure consistency, maintenance of quality standards and efficient delivery. Undertaking site surveys to assess building defects and assess remedial works Administering construction contracts Providing high quality and timely advice to clients and their consultants relating to building material condition and performance, including preparation of illustrated reports and specifications. Maintaining a team strategy covering all aspects of team activities including skills development, technical capability, business development and recruitment. Preparing fee proposals and contributing to bids.

In-house training will be provided with the purpose of you swiftly becoming an asset to the company and to support you through the probation period.

Other Opportunities:

Promoting Purcell through writing articles for journals, newspapers, the Purcell website and appropriate social media Delivering occasional in-house training to other Purcell staff Developing an individual specialism in relation to historic buildings or building surveying in discussion with your Line Manager/Regional Partner. Attending external training courses to expand your own knowledge base and to develop your individual skill set Developing and using new technologies to aid in surveys. Developing and maintaining relationships with academic partners regarding research, training and career development.

Skills and Qualifications:

Essential:

Membership of the RICS and/or Conservation Accredited Architect Demonstrable track record of managing a professional team Previous experience of managing complex repair and refurbishment projects for historic buildings Commercial awareness and aptitude for business development Ability to interpret briefs and match resources to client needs, so that projects are delivered efficiently and profitably Ability to respond quickly to changing priorities due to the dynamic nature of surveying commissions and short deadlines for bid submissions. Recent experience of contract administration Up-to-date knowledge of relevant technical standards and statutory requirements In depth knowledge of building decay processes and repair techniques Attention to detail to ensure that recommendations are consistent and authoritative Good communication skills at all levels (internal & external) including confidence to deliver effective presentations Confidence in working at height from scaffolding, ladders and platforms A full driving licence will be required and willingness to stay away overnight occasionally for remote site visits.

Desirable:

RICS Accredited in Building Conservation and/or full member of IHBC Experience of delivering surveys for public bodies and national organisations Experience of cost estimating for repair projects Experience of using specialist surveying software such as GoReport. Experience of environmental monitoring and non-destructive investigation techniques How to apply


Please email a copy of your CV and portfolio referencing job code

P0037

to recruitment@purcelluk.com. Please include details of your Right to Work in the United Kingdom, as well as an available start date.
This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of Purcell.

Don't meet every single requirement? That's okay.


Research shows that women and people from underrepresented backgrounds can be less likely to apply unless they meet every criteria listed. At Purcell, we are committed to building an inclusive, transparent, and welcoming team. If you're enthusiastic about the role and excited to grow and learn with us, we warmly encourage you to apply.


When applying, please feel free to use your preferred name -- we don't require full or birth names at this stage.


We are proud to foster a culture of kindness, respect, and authenticity, where everyone can thrive and bring their whole selves to work.


Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 6 weeks of your original application, then you have been unsuccessful. Please continue to look at our vacancies and apply where relevant. We wish you all the best in your job search.



As world leaders of heritage and conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.