Buildings Director

About Us

St Aubyn Estates has been part of the West Cornwall landscape for more than 650 years. It comprises 5,000 acres in total, including one of the most glorious stretches of the Southwest Coast Path between Porthgwarra and Nanjizal. Some 2,000 acres are farmed directly with the remaining agricultural land let to tenants. It also comprises of 180 acres of woodland, residential and commercial properties, holiday cottages and café. At the heart of the Estate is St Michael’s Mount, which is managed in partnership with the National Trust.

With a portfolio of this nature comes a significant maintenance obligation which over recent years has been coupled with an expansive programme of capital expenditure projects. The Estate’s ability to deliver such is facilitated by its highly successful and award-winning in-house building operation, Cornish Heritage Builders (CHB), which as well as repair and maintenance work of Estate assets have undertaken numerous legacy projects over the years. Cornish Heritage Builders has also been developing a portfolio of external clients who entrust the team to empathetically restore or renovate period houses, cottages and barns.

The Role

St Aubyn Estates is seeking a Buildings Director for Cornish Heritage Builders. The Buildings Director will be a driving force in the continued delivery and growth of Cornish Heritage Builders, building on the incredibly strong foundation developed over the preceding years.

Main Responsibilities

• Continuing the growth of CHB, maintaining, and enhancing the reputational prowess of the company from an external perspective whilst balancing its commitment to the Estate and its assets.
• The management of all reactive and planned maintenance, refurbishment works, compliance works and capital projects within the St Aubyn Estates portfolio.
• The management of all reactive and planned maintenance, refurbishment works, compliance works, conservation works and capital projects on St Michaels Mount.
• The sourcing, implementation, and management of external building contracts.
• To maintain and enhance relationships with key stakeholders, particularly the National Trust.
• Overseeing direct reports within the CHB team in delivering the above. The team consists of a secretary, six carpenter / joiners, six masons, three labourers and one plumber.
• The appointment of contractors and management of an approved contractors list to facilitate the delivery of the main responsibilities.
• Health and Safety Compliance for CHB.

Summary of Duties

• The effective operation, notification and recording of reactive and planned maintenance of estate properties, including all compliance works and the quinquennial external repair and painting programme.
• The coordination of both internal and external resources for all reactive, planned and capital building works.
• The repair and renewal of all Estate infrastructure including water supplies, drains (foul and grey water), tracks, ditches, and culverts etc.
• The fulfilment of the management requirements for St Michael’s Mount assets that were gifted to the National Trust. To include regular liaison with the National Trust Sub-Agent, the National Trust appointed Architect and formal engagement with National Trust representatives as required.
• The development of the joinery workshop capability of CHB to include fabrication of bespoke items for external clients.
• Appointment of external advisers such as architects and engineers as required.
• Procurement process including preparation of detailed specifications of work and the subsequent pricing of such, preparation, and submission of tender documentation, planning applications and Listed Building Consent applications.
• The improvement of the energy efficiency and carbon footprint of the SAE and SMM portfolios endeavouring to reduce energy consumption and reduce waste.

Knowledge and Experience

• Practical working knowledge of traditional vernacular construction and heritage buildings. Knowledge of Cornish specific techniques would be an advantage.
• Be commercially astute and adaptable to deliver a wide variety of projects for a diverse range of clients.
• Proven track record of project delivery, budgeting, and financial management.
• Professional experience of CDM contract management and administration.
• Proficient and confident use of IT with software skills to include MS Office.
• Experience of renewable heating systems, particularly ASHP’s and GSHP’s.
• CAD and mapping software proficiency would be an advantage.
• CITB Site Safety Plus qualification is essential. If this qualification is not yet possessed, there must be a willingness to obtain this accreditation as soon as possible following appointment.
• A H&S qualification such as IOSH or NEBOSH or equivalent would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Full UK driving licence.  

The Candidate

• An MRICS qualified Building Surveyor or professionally qualified equivalent, preferably with at least 10 years PQE or a qualified tradesperson with extensive experience in the building sector. 
• Experience of rural and heritage property, diversified leisure assets and facilities is essential.
• An ambitious and entrepreneurial individual with a track record of optimising existing operations and developing new commercial opportunities.
• An inspirational and charismatic leader who communicates effectively and can build strong relationships both internally and externally.

How to apply

• Closing date for applications: 22nd November 2024
• Applications are to include a covering letter and Curriculum Vitae 
• The full Job Description can be accessed via our website https://staubynestates.com/careers-and-apprenticeships/