Principal Registered Building Inspector

Lead complex, high‑profile work that keeps people safe—and help develop the next generation of inspectors.

We’re looking for a confident, pragmatic Principal Registered Building Inspector to play a pivotal role in our Building Control Service. You’ll be trusted to make sound, timely decisions across a varied caseload, mentor colleagues, and represent the Council on matters from plan checking to dangerous structures. You’ll report to our Building Control Team Leader and help deliver an excellent, responsive service to residents, designers and contractors across our mix of urban and rural communities.

Why join us

• Impact that matters. From plan assessments to site inspections and enforcement, your decisions will directly safeguard building quality and public safety across the borough.
• Supportive, tight‑knit team. You’ll join a team of six who genuinely enjoy working together, share knowledge, and actively support each other’s CPD. Development is encouraged and embedded in how we work.
• Clear progression. We’ll support training and supervised experience to help you progress towards Class 2F registration with the Building Safety Regulator.
• Work–life balance. Our standard hours are 9–5 with hybrid working available on non‑team days; the team is in the office on Monday and Thursday.

What you’ll do

• Examine and determine Building Regulations applications within your registration scope (Class 2A, B and D), issuing decisions within statutory timescales.
• Carry out site inspections across the borough (urban and rural), recording clear evidence and making timely, accurate compliance decisions.
• Advise and support colleagues on Building Regulations and associated legislation; mentor Class 1 and 2A Registered Building Inspectors.
• Provide fee quotations and responsive technical guidance to applicants, agents, architects and homeowners.
• Manage dangerous structures/demolitions work, including participation in an out‑of‑hours rota.
• Pursue enforcement where necessary, including preparing evidence and giving testimony in court proceedings.

What you’ll bring

• Registration with the Building Safety Regulator at Class 2A, B and D (essential) and the ability to maintain registration. Membership of RICS or CABE is expected, supported by a relevant degree (or equivalent experience).
• Depth of expertise in the Building Regulations, the Building Act 1984 and related legislation/updates.
• Technical acuity to check plans independently, make concise decisions at pace, and offer pragmatic, well‑reasoned solutions.
• People skills to build effective relationships internally and with designers, contractors and homeowners—communicating complex issues clearly in writing and in person.
• IT fluency and experience with case management databases (e.g., Uniform).

Special requirements: Full UK driving licence with access to a car for work, ability to undertake site inspections in all weathers (including working at height/climbing ladders), and willingness to join the out‑of‑hours rota for dangerous structures.

What we offer

• Salary: £51,038, rising to £52,381 (Year 1) and £53,724 (Year 2).
• Hybrid working on non‑team days; standard hours 9–5.
• Holidays: 26 days, rising to 29 days after five years’ continuous local government service.
• Essential Car User Allowance: £1,000 p.a. and free parking.
• Professional development: Active CPD culture and structured support towards Class 2F registration (classroom learning plus supervised practice).
• Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%
• Take a look here at all the additional benefits that we offer.

The selection process

• Shortlisting: Week commencing Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
• Interviews: Tuesday, 14 April 2026, including a short plan‑check exercise to showcase your technical judgement.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.