Building Safety Regulator, Deputy Director of Operations

Job summary

This post will be in the Building Safety Regulator, not MHCLG. BSR is a non-executive departmental body of MHCLG, BSR staff are not civil servants, but retain access to Civil Service Pensions, CSCS, CSIBS and Civil Service Jobs. BSR use SCS pay bands.

On the 27 Jan 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) became an Executive Agency of the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). This marked a significant milestone for a new and growing regulator as it matures its services and establishes a robust position within the construction sector.

We are seeking two ambitious candidates to join us as Deputy Director of Operations within new Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

The BSR is a key part of the Government’s reforms of building regulation and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The BSR will be responsible for delivering the new, more stringent regulatory regime for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) in England; overseeing the safety and performance of the wider built environment, overseeing the building control profession; setting technical standards and providing technical advice to industry and Government; and helping to improve the competence of professions and trades working on buildings.

These roles will be to lead the effective and efficient delivery of the BSR’s regulatory functions in relation to HRB’s and responsible for the operational delivery of our building control, in-occupation assessment, investigation and operational excellence functions. They will also play an important role as a senior leader in the BSR and secure progress against the BSR’s wider strategic priorities.

Job description

The Deputy Directors of Operations will be fundamental to the success of the BSR’s operational objectives, turning business plan commitments and polices into proportionate, evidence-led, risk-based regulatory decisions and leading and delivering key regulatory functions aimed at ensuring that HRBs are safe and that residents feel safe in their homes. The teams that you lead are responsible for: assessing HRB land use planning and building assessment certificate applications, delivering building control for HRB construction projects, investigation of incidents and complaints and using enforcement and other sanctions to reduce risks, secure compliance with the law and hold duty holders to account; providing data, risk, quality assurance and people expertise to support operational delivery. The roles are fundamentally about delivering ambitious objectives which are at the heart of some of the Government’s mission, to deliver 1.5 million new safe homes and ensuring residents are safe in their homes.

We are therefore seeking two high-calibre individuals to provide inspirational leadership to continue to build on the successes of the last three years and to continue the high performing culture that has been at the core of BSR operations to date. The roles will operate in a challenging and exciting environment, subject to significant ministerial and public scrutiny, and where a key part of the role will be to look for opportunities to learn and improve decision making, delivery models and stakeholder relationships within and outside of government.

The overall size of BSR operations is just short of 400 people, working across four functions, and it is envisaged that functions will be split evenly across both roles. There will be a need to work closely between the roles, particularly in ensuring that there is a consistent approach to delivery, culture, improvement and operating values.

The candidate will also have experience of managing stakeholder relationships under challenging circumstances, the ability to earn trust, influence and advise senior stakeholders and a track record of achieving performance, behavioural and cultural change in industry. This will involve working with a range of stakeholders including residents and partner regulators in local authorities and fire & rescue services to improve the BSR’s overall impact, driving innovation to ensure sustained high performance and public confidence.

The roles will also sustain BSR’s strong track record for proportionate, risk-based regulation through leading innovation in regulatory practices, building competence and professional capability and providing independent assurance on the quality of regulatory decisions.

As senior leaders in BSR, the Deputy Directors of Operations will contribute to securing progress against the Division’s wider strategic priorities and make an active contribution to the leadership of the BSR as part of the senior leadership team.

We are therefore seeking applications from those who enjoy leading and working at pace through multi-disciplinary teams; who will lead an inclusive, high-performing division; and who has demonstrable experience in operational delivery leadership, development of a clear and deliverable vision, ability to see the bigger picture and translate strategic priorities.

These roles will be challenging and extremely rewarding and a fantastic opportunity for someone with the required leadership skills who wants to be part of achieving the required step-change in building safety and public protection.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation and delivery, in a high-performing culture, of the BSR’s statutory consultation function, the delivery of the building control function for HRBs, the regulation of currently occupied HRBs in England, the investigation of incidents and resident complaints with regards HRBs, and the operational excellence function which supports a high-performing culture
• Building capability and providing strong leadership to and management of, a multi-disciplinary and geographically dispersed operational division, inspiring its people and developing their capability, as well as inculcating a culture of teamwork, high performance and continuous improvement
• Developing and delivering an agreed programme of work that assures the effective management and control by duty holders of building safety risks in HRBs, the delivery of professional building control services by private and public-sector building control providers, and maintain public confidence in BSR and the new regulatory system
• Ensuring high standards of regulatory decision making by regulators and providing a high standard of regulatory advice to senior leaders, within the context of government policies and relevant regulatory frameworks
• Managing business risks, ensuring effective deployment of resources and accurate forecasts of performance. This includes contributing to work to identify and secure workforce/capabilities needed to deliver both current and future operational requirements
• Ensuring effective information flows and sharing of insight across BSR, other government departments, and local regulators to build broader capability and a joined-up approach to duty-holders and other stakeholders in the built environment
• Establishing and maintaining external networks to promote partnerships to deliver the BSR’s regulatory objectives and strategic goals

Person specification

The role requires the post-holder to have the leadership and interpersonal skills to quickly establish their professional credibility and authority. The following is sought:

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of leading large, geographically dispersed and multidisciplinary delivery teams, including the effective management of remote workforces, driving high performance, consistency of approach, engagement and accountability.
• Proven track record of mobilising, leading and transforming complex operational delivery functions, establishing new capabilities, integrating specialist teams and delivering government objectives in demanding and highly scrutinised environments.
• Substantial experience leading, contributing and shaping policy, strategy and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to translate strategic intent into practical implementation plans, operational delivery models and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining influential relationships with senior stakeholders at Board, Executive and Government level, securing collaboration, managing competing priorities and influencing outcomes within complex regulatory and political environments.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to provide visible leadership during periods of change, uncertainty or heightened public interest, maintaining the confidence of staff, stakeholders, the organisations BSR regulate and the wider public.

Desirable

• Experience as a Senior Responsible Officer or equivalent leadership role for complex enforcement, compliance or investigation activity
• A strong track record of influencing behavioural and cultural change across a sector, profession or regulated community, promoting compliance, raising standards and fostering positive engagement with regulatory objectives.
• Experience operating successfully in high-profile and highly scrutinised environments, demonstrating sound judgement, resilience and the ability to make timely decisions while upholding the principles of good regulation, transparency and public accountability.
• Experience representing an organisation at senior forums, industry events, media engagements and stakeholder meetings, communicating complex regulatory issues clearly to build confidence, trust and understanding.

Benefits

• Defined benefit pension scheme (a career average basis for new recruits).​
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career
• Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture
• 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave
• Parental leave benefits

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Introduction:This post will be in the Building Safety Regulator, not MHCLG. BSR is a non-executive departmental body of MHCLG, BSR staff are not civil servants, but retain access to Civil Service Pensions, CSCS, CSIBS and Civil Service Jobs. BSR use SCS pay bands.

AI Tools & Platforms- Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

How to Apply - To apply you will need to submit a CV and Statement of Suitability via the Be Applied link. Your CV (up to two pages) should set out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years. Your Statement of Suitability (up to two pages) should explain how your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential and desirable criteria for the role.

Application Guidance

Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/how-to-apply/

Disability Confident Scheme - BSR is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.

If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example, if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: Recruitment@buildingsafety.gov.uk

If successful in securing your role, BSR can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with BSR.

Equal Opportunities - We encourage candidates to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Data via Be Applied. The data will be treated in the strictest confidence and used for monitoring and statistical purposes only.

ThePanel - John Palmer (Director Operations), Vicki Molho (Director Strategy & Risk) and Graham Stallwood (Chief Executive, Planning Inspectorate).

Shortlist - Applications will be sifted after the closing date and shortlisted candidates will be invited to the next phase of assessment and interview. Your CV and Statement of Suitability will be assessed against the essential criteria, these will also be used to form the basis of the panel’s final interview questions. Desirable criteria will only be used to determine the merit order of candidates who rank evenly against the essential criteria.

Assessment - Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend a Staff Engagement Panel, designed to provide insight into how you engage and interact with your team. Feedback from the session is passed to the panel for consideration alongside your final interview.

Candidates may also be invited to meet with a Senior Stakeholder. This is not a formal part of selection, but an informal chance to find out more about the role and organisation.

Shortlisted candidates may also be invited to give a short presentation or complete an exercise at interviews - further details will be provided when invited to interview.

Feedback - This will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Expected Timeline

• Advert closes: 22nd November 2026

• Shortlisting: W/C 23rd November 2026

• Assessments: W/C 30th November 2026

• Interviews: W/C 7th December 2026

*Please note that we try to offer flexibility where possible, but it may not always be possible to offer alternative interview dates.

Terms & Conditions

Salary​ - Remuneration for this role is £86,000 per annum.

Contract - This is a permanent role. ​This post will be in the Building Safety Regulator, not MHCLG. BSR is a non-executive departmental body of MHCLG, BSR staff are not civil servants, but retain access to civil service pensions and civil service jobs. It is equivalent in pay scale to a civil service Pay band 1 post, as indicated on this advert.

​Security Clearance - All BSR roles require candidates to meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)to confirm identity and employment history. This successful candidate must also hold Security Check (SC)clearance, which can take up to eight weeks. All offers are conditional on successful completion of the required checks, and candidates should not resign from their current role until clearance is confirmed. Further information is available in the Cabinet Office HMG Personnel Security Controls.​

​Near Miss Offers - Please note that near miss offers may be made at the lower grade to candidates who do not meet the grade criteria for this campaign.

Annual leave - You will be entitled to 25 days leave, increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service. In addition to this you are entitled to 8 public/bank holidays plus an additional day for the King's Birthday. The allowance is pro-rated for part-time staff. With competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave we also recognise the importance of a good work-life balance and offer flexible working and a family friendly approach to work.

Sponsorship - This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.

Terms of benefits​

• Defined benefit pension scheme (a career average basis for new recruits).​
• Occupational Health Services.​
• Access to health and wellbeing support.​
• Leave provisions including carers’ leave, paid and additional unpaid maternity leave, paid paternity leave and paid adoption leave, volunteering leave.​

Conflict of interest​ - Candidates must note the requirement to declare any interests that might cause questions to be raised about their approach to the business of the Department. If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest, please contact SCS.recruitment@communities.gov.uk before submitting your application.​

Additional Checks - BSR reserve the right to conduct additional checks, including Google and social media checks, when recruiting candidates into a role within BSR. These checks will be carried out in line with the Civil Service Commission Principles and, if used all candidates will be subject to these additional checks.

T&C's - It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application.

Appeals and complaints - Working for a Public Body:

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.

Diversity and Inclusion - BSR embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

BSR values the different experiences and perspectives people bring and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Further information - If you believe that our recruitment principles including selection on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition have not been followed, you can raise a complaint by emailing scs.recruitment@communities.gov.uk

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.

As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : SCS recruitment
• Email : scs.recruitment@communities.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : scs.recruitment@communities.gov.uk