Assistant Director of Building Safety & Compliance

Description

Southwark is a brilliantly diverse and economically varied borough, home to a vibrant range of communities and cultures. As we work towards building a greener, fairer, and safer Southwark, we are seeking exceptional individuals to join us in creating lasting change. The Assistant Director of Building Safety & Compliance plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our residents by leading strategic and operational initiatives that uphold the highest standards of building safety.

About the role:

As the Assistant Director of Building Safety & Compliance you will have a pivotal responsibility in ensuring all council-owned properties comply with statutory and non-statutory safety regulations. This includes overseeing key legislation such as the Building Safer Futures legislation and the Fire Safety Act, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding residents across Southwark’s diverse housing portfolio.

In this role, you will inspire and lead the Building Safety, Compliance and Engineering teams, who are responsible for ensuring compliance in all Council  buildings, fire safety, heat networks, and electrical and gas systems. Through effective monitoring, strategic planning, and the implementation of safety measures, you will drive long-term policies that support the safe management of housing across the borough. Financial management and internal governance are key components, where you will need to ensure Southwark meets its safety obligations while delivering cost-effective services.

Collaboration is a central part of the role, as you will need to have strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and resident representatives. By aligning the Council’s strategic objectives with broader housing quality and safety goals, you will play a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing of Southwark’s diverse population. Additionally, you will lead a talented and inclusive team, fostering a positive workplace culture that reflects the Council’s values of equality, transparency, and community focus.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic, highly skilled, motivated and collaborative leader with strong expertise in project and programme management within complex regulatory environments. A deep understanding of key legislation, including the Building Safety Act 2021, is essential, along with knowledge of frameworks such as the Building Safety Regulator and Social Housing Regulator. This means you will need to hold full membership with either the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

You will need to have extensive leadership and management experience, with a proven ability to coach, develop, and motivate senior staff in politically sensitive environments. You will also need to demonstrate strategic planning experience at both local and regional levels, along with a track record of consulting and engaging with diverse communities to deliver positive outcomes.

Strong communication and leadership skills are vital to success in this role, as you will be expected to effectively engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that Southwark remains at the forefront of building safety and compliance. If you are passionate about making a real impact in a borough as dynamic and diverse as Southwark, and you have the expertise and leadership experience to drive excellence in building safety, we would love to hear from you.

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