Group Head of Pre-Construction

Axis, part of Axis CLC, is a trusted property services specialist delivering responsive repairs, planned works, refurbishments and voids services across the UK. Backed by over 110 years of combined experience and the wider strength of Axis CLC, operating from 23 UK offices and employing more than 2,500 people nationwide, we support housing providers and public sector clients with high-quality maintenance and compliance services that help keep residents safe, properties well maintained and communities supported.

We’re looking for an experienced Group Head of Pre-Construction to lead pre-construction activity across our social housing planned refurbishment and building safety programmes nationally.

This is a senior strategic role with responsibility for ensuring projects are technically robust, fully compliant, commercially viable and operationally ready before works commence. You’ll lead the coordination of design development, statutory approvals, building safety and regulatory requirements, programme planning and project readiness, creating a consistent approach to pre-construction across the Group.

Working closely with Managing Directors, operational and commercial teams, clients, consultants and regulatory bodies, you’ll provide the critical link between design, compliance and operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group’s Pre-Construction function across multiple business units and projects throughout the UK.

• Develop and implement consistent pre-construction processes, governance and best practice across the Group.

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams, coordinating architects, engineers, Principal Designers and specialist consultants.

• Lead compliance with the Building Safety Act and associated regulatory requirements, including Gateway submissions where applicable.

• Coordinate engagement and submissions with the Building Safety Regulator, Building Control and other statutory authorities.

• Oversee planning applications, statutory approvals and associated requirements to ensure projects are ready to commence.

• Ensure Golden Thread information and Principal Designer requirements are effectively managed.

• Build strong relationships with Housing Associations, Local Authorities and framework clients, acting as a senior technical representative during pre-construction.

• Establish and manage a multidisciplinary consultant framework capable of supporting projects nationally.

• Work closely with Operations and Commercial teams to ensure seamless mobilisation and transition from pre-construction into delivery.

• Oversee project readiness reviews, pre-start programmes, surveys, investigations and enabling requirements.

• Support bids and tenders, technical reviews, value engineering and the identification and mitigation of design and commercial risks.

• Lead, develop and mentor the Pre-Construction team, including Design Managers, Technical Coordinators and associated professionals.

• Drive high standards of health, safety, quality, accountability and continuous improvement across all pre-construction activity.

About You

• Significant senior management experience within social housing planned refurbishment, building safety or a closely related environment.

• Extensive experience leading complex pre-construction or pre-construction activities across multiple projects.

• Strong knowledge of façade remediation, external envelope refurbishment and occupied residential refurbishment.

• Thorough understanding of the Building Safety Act, Building Regulations and CDM Regulations.

• Experience working with the Building Safety Regulator, Building Control and Local Planning Authorities.

• Strong understanding of PAS 9980, fire remediation and building safety compliance.

• Proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and specialist consultants.

• Strong understanding of design risk, statutory approvals, planning and project mobilisation.

• Experience working with Housing Associations, Local Authorities and public-sector clients.

• Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Building Surveying, Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline. Professional membership such as RICS, CIOB, ICE, RIBA or CABE would be advantageous.

What We Offer

• Competitive Base Salary based upon experience

• Car allowance / Performance Related Bonus / Private Medical Insurance

• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays.

• Up to £2,000 colleague referral fee.

• Ongoing training, support and career development within the wider Axis CLC Group.

Why Axis CLC

Joining Axis CLC means being part of a national team delivering essential services across housing, education, healthcare, defence and commercial property. We value reliability, quality and social impact, and offer meaningful work with real opportunities to grow.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Many faces, one Axis CLC. We value diversity and are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. If you need any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know