Group Head of Pre-Commencement

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-Commencement to lead pre-commencement 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-commencement 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-Commencement function across multiple business units and projects throughout the UK.

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

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

• Oversee design development from feasibility through to construction, ensuring solutions are coordinated, buildable and compliant.

• 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-Commencement team, including Design Managers, Technical Coordinators and associated professionals.

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

• Knowledge of public procurement and framework contracts.

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and manage technical and programme risk.

• An accomplished leader with excellent stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and decision-making skills.

• Able to influence and provide technical leadership at Director and Executive level.

• 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 salary and benefits package.

• Car allowance, and performance bonus

• Hybrid working across office, site and home as required.

• 25 days' annual leave + bank holidays.

• Up to £2,000 colleague referral fee.

• Long-service awards at key milestones.

• Perkbox - discounts on coffee, cinema, travel and wellbeing.

• 1 paid volunteer day each year.

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

• The opportunity to shape and lead a strategically important Group-wide function as the business continues to grow.

Our Commitment

Many faces, One Axis. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion across all teams and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Adjustments will be made where needed.

Many faces, one Axis CLC.

We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer and believe our diverse workforce makes us stronger. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know - we'll be happy to support you.