Building Control Manager

Lead, Innovate and Shape the Future of Building Control

Are you an experienced Building Control professional looking for a new leadership challenge?

This is an exciting opportunity to join the senior management team within our Planning and Development Service and play a key role in delivering safe, sustainable and high-quality development across the borough.

As the Council's lead Building Control Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for that part of our service, ensuring statutory responsibilities are fulfilled while driving innovation, income growth and continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to build a competitive, business-like service through leading a team of skilled and experiencedinspectors that oversee complex and high-profile projects, and help shape the future direction of our service within an increasingly competitive and evolving regulatory environment.

The service has passed its BSR Audit in the last 12 months and has firm foundations on which to grow and evolve. This role will enable you to combine your technical skill and expertise with your business acumen and exploit new opportunities to develop the service.

About the Role
Alongside the Assistant Director – Planning & Development, the post will be one of four senior managers in the service charged with establishing its strategic direction and priorities, as well as having responsibility for the operation and delivery of Building Control services. This will include:-

• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations and professional standards by the team.
• Providing technical leadership and expert advice on Building Regulations, dangerous structures, enforcement matters, appeals and building safety.
• Developing and implementing a thriving business plan that promotes growth, financial sustainability and excellent customer service.

Oversee service budgets, fees and charges, performance monitoring and market development opportunities.

• Leading on digital transformation initiatives and process optimisation (alongside the Strategic Business Development Manager).

About You
Although having Class 4 Technical manager accreditation is desirable, this post also offers an opportunity for those candidates wishing to grow this element of their skillset with a view to qualifying as a Class 4 Manager. You should have significant experience as a registered building inspector with at least a Class 2A accreditation with the aim of expanding this within the Class 2 categories.

You will be a highly motivated leader with a passion for service excellence.

We offer:
A senior leadership role with significant influence and responsibility.
The opportunity to shape and grow a commercially successful Building Control service.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
Generous annual leave entitlement.
Local Government Pension Scheme.
Learning and development opportunities to support your professional growth.
A supportive organisation committed to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Click to view a Job Description

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Simon Cole, Assistant Director Planning and Development, on 01233 330642

When applying - Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working. Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Local Government Reorganisation proposals have been announced on the 16 July 2026 and Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community