Principal Surveyor
Plymouth, England, United Kingdom Full-time Posted 1 week ago
Principal Surveyor (Strategic Projects)
Plymouth stands at the beginning of a once-in-a-generation transformation. With £4.4 billion of investment into the Devonport Dockyard, the city has an extraordinary opportunity to drive sustainable growth, unlock new opportunities and create thriving communities for future generations.
This investment is not just about infrastructure — it is about shaping a city where people can build successful careers, access high-quality homes and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. At the heart of this vision is an ambitious commitment to deliver 10,000 new homes across Plymouth in partnership with Homes England, helping to create vibrant neighbourhoods and support long-term economic prosperity for the city and its residents.
Are you an experienced Chartered Surveyor or Built Environment Professional with a passion for delivering transformational regeneration and development projects? We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Principal Surveyor (Strategic Projects) to lead the delivery of major development initiatives that will shape the future of Plymouth.
This is a high-profile opportunity to play a leading role in delivering ambitious regeneration schemes, working alongside public and private sector partners to create sustainable economic growth and improved outcomes for the people of Plymouth.
About The Role
As Principal Surveyor (Strategic Projects), you will take overall responsibility for leading and delivering complex major development and regeneration projects on behalf of the Council. You will work collaboratively with internal services, external consultants, development partners and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, effectively and in line with strategic priorities.
You will provide professional leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, helping to drive innovation, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service standards.
The role also includes deputising for the Head of Service where appropriate and representing the Council at senior-level meetings, partnerships and public forums.
Key Responsibilities
Essential Qualifications
You will have substantial experience within a middle management role, with a proven track record in:
Why Join Us?
At Plymouth City Council you’ll be part of an ambitious organisation committed to delivering inclusive growth, regeneration and opportunity for the city. This role offers the opportunity to influence major investment decisions, work on landmark projects and help shape Plymouth’s future.
We Offer
If you are a commercially driven Chartered Surveyor or Built Environment Professional ready to lead high-value strategic projects and make a lasting impact in Plymouth, we would love to hear from you.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality, we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Emma Wilson by email emma.wilson@plymouth.gov.uk .
Closing Date - Sunday 21 June 2026
Plymouth stands at the beginning of a once-in-a-generation transformation. With £4.4 billion of investment into the Devonport Dockyard, the city has an extraordinary opportunity to drive sustainable growth, unlock new opportunities and create thriving communities for future generations.
This investment is not just about infrastructure — it is about shaping a city where people can build successful careers, access high-quality homes and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. At the heart of this vision is an ambitious commitment to deliver 10,000 new homes across Plymouth in partnership with Homes England, helping to create vibrant neighbourhoods and support long-term economic prosperity for the city and its residents.
Are you an experienced Chartered Surveyor or Built Environment Professional with a passion for delivering transformational regeneration and development projects? We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Principal Surveyor (Strategic Projects) to lead the delivery of major development initiatives that will shape the future of Plymouth.
This is a high-profile opportunity to play a leading role in delivering ambitious regeneration schemes, working alongside public and private sector partners to create sustainable economic growth and improved outcomes for the people of Plymouth.
About The Role
As Principal Surveyor (Strategic Projects), you will take overall responsibility for leading and delivering complex major development and regeneration projects on behalf of the Council. You will work collaboratively with internal services, external consultants, development partners and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, effectively and in line with strategic priorities.
You will provide professional leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, helping to drive innovation, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service standards.
The role also includes deputising for the Head of Service where appropriate and representing the Council at senior-level meetings, partnerships and public forums.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of major development and regeneration projects across the city.
- Manage complex property development matters including acquisitions, disposals, valuations and site assembly issues.
- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior officers, Corporate Management Team and elected Members.
- Manage and oversee the delivery of approximately £500m of project development value through development partnerships.
- Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with developers, partners, government agencies and stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement in project delivery, service quality and operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, legislative and professional standards.
- Support media communications and stakeholder engagement relating to strategic projects.
- Promote apprenticeships, training opportunities and social value through development activities.
Essential Qualifications
- Membership or Fellowship of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or relevant Built Environment qualification.
You will have substantial experience within a middle management role, with a proven track record in:
- Delivering major property development and regeneration projects
- Managing complex valuation and development matters
- Budget management and financial planning
- Leading multidisciplinary teams and partnerships
- Continuous service improvement and performance management
- Working collaboratively across public and private sector organisations
- Preparing and presenting reports to senior leaders and elected Members
- Strong commercial and financial awareness
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- The ability to work under pressure within a politically sensitive environment
- Up-to-date knowledge of property law, development appraisals and compulsory purchase processes
Why Join Us?
At Plymouth City Council you’ll be part of an ambitious organisation committed to delivering inclusive growth, regeneration and opportunity for the city. This role offers the opportunity to influence major investment decisions, work on landmark projects and help shape Plymouth’s future.
We Offer
- Competitive salary and local government pension
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
- Professional development and training support
- A collaborative and forward-thinking working environment
- Opportunities to work on nationally significant regeneration projects
If you are a commercially driven Chartered Surveyor or Built Environment Professional ready to lead high-value strategic projects and make a lasting impact in Plymouth, we would love to hear from you.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality, we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
- Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Emma Wilson by email emma.wilson@plymouth.gov.uk .
Closing Date - Sunday 21 June 2026
