Building Surveyor

Context

Mallards Support Services Ltd (MSS) is a recently formed company at the heart of a group of philanthropically funded sustainability initiatives in the Isle of Man: including a botanical garden and regenerative farming.

South African - British technology entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth lives on the Island and has been investing in these projects for over a decade.  This year will see a significant increase in activity and, thus, in the number of people employed in the Isle of Man (expected to be 20-30, but also to increase in the short-term).

MSS will provide a range of administrative and support services to all projects on the Island.  In addition, it is possible that support will be provided to other projects funded by Mark Shuttleworth; particularly, in São Tomé and Príncipe in Africa.

We are looking for a building surveyor and will consider candidates at different stages in their professional development.  The role will report to one of the directors of MSS.  At the time of writing this job description in April 2025, it is planned that an office for the company will be opened in Santon (and see below regarding working pattern).

Role Summary

The Building Surveyor has a portfolio of surveying, project management and property management responsibilities. The role requires interaction with a range of internal and external stakeholders, often managing several moving project parts simultaneously.  Construction projects and property management are central aspects of the role.

Key Responsibilities

Building surveying

• Conduct comprehensive building surveys, including condition surveys, dilapidation surveys, and pre-acquisition surveys.
• Prepare and manage schedules of work, specifications and tender documents for building projects.
• Oversee and manage building contracts, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness and adherence to project timelines.
• Provide expert advice on building pathology, construction techniques and materials.
• Carry out defect diagnosis and provide appropriate remedial solutions.
• Manage and administer planned preventative maintenance programmes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant building legislation and regulations legislation.

Property management

• Support the development and implementation of a phased estate management strategy to optimise property use, address property conditions, and support the long-term goals of the Isle of Man projects. This involves property assessment and categorisation, setting priorities for development and maintenance and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Oversee day-to-day property operations, including tenant management for residential properties; ensure compliance with all relevant Isle of Man regulations; manage service contracts; maintain accurate records; and manage insurance renewals for the portfolio.
• Lead and manage property improvement projects, including renovations, repurposing of buildings, and addressing derelict properties, while adhering to planning guidelines and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Develop and manage budgets, control costs, mitigate risks associated with the property portfolio, and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the estate.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Building surveying related degree or equivalent.      
• Membership of a relevant professional institution, e.g. RICS or CIOB, would be desirable.
• At least five years’ postgraduate experience.
• Understanding of construction procedures and material and project management principles would be desirable.
• Deep knowledge of controlling and monitoring budgets.
• Practical knowledge of quality and health and safety standards.
• Able to articulate project goals, delegate tasks, and provide feedback in a manner that leaves no room for ambiguity.
• Effective at planning, monitoring and reviewing.
• Sure-footed decision-making based on data, team input and situational factors.
• Command respect and trust.
• Able to manage resources.
• Able to motivate and encourage others and resolve conflicts.
• Decisive and able to work well under pressure.
• Be aware of who the project will affect and manage the effect it will have on them.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both verbal and written.
• Able to solve problems rapidly and come up with practical solutions.
• Able to co-ordinate work carried out by different people and organisations.
• Fully effective in a team or when working on your own initiative.
• Excellent IT skills across a range of applications, including project management.
• Knowledge of and, ideally, experience in the use of drone technology in surveying and design processes.
• Some experience in laser scanning, 3D modelling for design and Autodesk Revit 4D building and landscape information modelling would be desirable.

General

This role is based in the Isle of Man.

This role is intended to be full-time and based both in the office and the field.

However, candidates who wish to work on a part-time and/or home/office hybrid basis may be considered.

The successful candidate will need to have a full, clean driving licence as the role involves working at different sites on the Island.