Building Safety & Compliance Officer

Job Title: Building Safety & Compliance Officer

Location: Norwich based head office, with the option for hybrid working after a thorough induction period.

Rewards & Benefits: £34K-£38K per annum, dependent upon skills, knowledge and experience. Benefits include 5 weeks' annual leave, plus a day off for your birthday and 4 wellbeing days each year, access to the Employment Hero reward platform, hybrid working arrangements, free on-site parking, an inclusive and supportive working environment, employer and employee pension contributions, professional membership and subscription fees, ongoing training and professional development opportunities, industry-leading technology, and the opportunity to work alongside an experienced Senior Property & Compliance Manager within a growing and award-winning Property Management team.

About Us:

At Watsons Property Group Ltd, we are a leading Chartered Surveying firm working across the UK property market. Established since 1890, we continue to develop and grow our current geographical base and client portfolio.

The Compliance Officer will support the delivery of compliance, building safety and risk management activities across a portfolio of residential blocks and estates. Working closely with the Senior Property & Compliance Manager, the postholder will coordinate statutory inspections, monitor compliance actions, maintain regulatory records and assist in ensuring all buildings remain safe, compliant and well managed.

The role will support the management of fire safety, health and safety, contractor compliance and wider building safety obligations, helping to ensure compliance with relevant legislation including the Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Act and associated regulations. The postholder will work collaboratively with Property Managers, contractors and specialist consultants to monitor remedial actions, maintain compliance programmes and support the effective delivery of resident safety initiatives. Acting as a key member of the Property Management team, the Compliance Officer will provide practical compliance guidance, identify and escalate risks where appropriate, and contribute to the continuous improvement of compliance processes, systems and reporting across the managed portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of compliance activities across the residential block and estate management portfolio, ensuring statutory obligations and company requirements are met.
• Maintain compliance registers, trackers and records, ensuring accurate and auditable information is available at all times.
• Provide proactive administrative support to the Senior Property & Compliance Manager and wider team, including managing diary reminders, coordinating compliance review cycles and supporting the preparation, review and follow-up of compliance reporting to ensure key actions are progressed in a timely and organised way.
• Co-ordinate Fire Risk Assessments, Health & Safety inspections, Fire Door Inspections and other statutory surveys across the portfolio.
• Monitor and track remedial actions arising from inspections, assessments and audits, ensuring works are completed within agreed timescales.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Act, Health and Safety legislation, RICS guidance and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Maintain records relating to fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors, lifts, asbestos, water hygiene, electrical installations and other compliance-critical systems.
• Work closely with Portfolio Property Managers to identify, prioritise and address compliance issues across managed developments.
• Liaise with contractors, consultants and specialist advisors to arrange inspections, obtain reports and ensure compliance actions are completed effectively.
• Support the appointment and monitoring of contractors, ensuring insurance documentation, certifications, accreditations and compliance records remain valid and up to date.
• Produce compliance reports, management information and performance updates to support operational decision-making and regulatory oversight. Identify compliance risks and areas of concern, escalating matters to the Senior Property & Compliance Manager where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records within Qube and ensure compliance documentation is stored and managed in accordance with company procedures.
• Respond to compliance-related enquiries from leaseholders, residents, freeholders, directors, contractors and colleagues in a professional and timely manner.
• Assist with the communication of building safety, fire safety and compliance matters to residents and other stakeholders.
• Support internal audits, external inspections and regulatory reviews by collating and presenting relevant information and documentation.
• Assist Property Managers with compliance aspects of planned maintenance, major works projects and contractor management. Act as an advisory capacity to the Lettings portfolio with the Head of Lettings in aligning professional requirements across all Watsons managed properties.
• Keep abreast of changes in legislation, guidance and industry best practice, sharing knowledge and recommendations with colleagues as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of compliance procedures, systems and reporting processes. Promote a positive culture of compliance, safety, accountability and excellent customer service across the Property Management Division.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Property & Compliance Manager and wider Property Management Division to deliver a consistent, professional and customer-focused service.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience within residential property management, lettings, estate management, housing, facilities management, property administration or a related property environment.
• An understanding of property compliance, health and safety, building safety or statutory obligations affecting residential properties.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work with residents, contractors, clients and colleagues.
• A practical and solution-focused approach, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience maintaining records, managing documentation and coordinating activities across multiple sites or projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and confidence using business or property management systems.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification, or a willingness to obtain this within an agreed timeframe.
• Fire Safety qualification, relevant experience, or a willingness to undertake further training and development

Desirable Requirements:

• Previous experience within leasehold, block or estate management.
• Knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation, building safety requirements or residential property regulations.
• Experience coordinating inspections, contractor activities or compliance-related actions.
• Familiarity with property management software such as Qube.
• Membership of, or willingness to work towards, a professional qualification with The Property Institute (TPI), AssocRICS, IOSH or a similar professional body.