Job Description
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Help shape the spaces that matter.
Design & Energy Services is a multi-disciplinary team delivering professional design, technical, quantity surveying, and project management services across the Council. The team supports a diverse portfolio of projects including housing, schools, public buildings, energy schemes, and demolition programmes. Working both independently and collaboratively, the service plays a key role in delivering the Council’s capital programme and corporate priorities, ensuring projects meet statutory and regulatory requirements while achieving high-quality, customer-focused outcomes
Develop your future while delivering today’s projects
What you will get to do
- Support delivery of the Council’s capital programme across a range of projects of varying size, scale, and complexity, including energy and demolition schemes, ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance.
- Provide a comprehensive professional service across pre-construction, design, design coordination, and project administration (RIBA Stages 0–7).
- Undertake roles such as Principal Designer in line with the Building Regulations, Building Safety Act, and CDM 2015.
- Act as Contract Administrator (JCT) or Project Manager (NEC) within both traditional and Design & Build environments.
- Undertake site visits and surveys; prepare employer’s requirements, scopes, reports, and coordinate pre-construction information and professional services.
- Develop and deliver schemes to agreed briefs, budgets, and programmes, maintaining strong quality assurance and audit trails in line with procedures.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and wider services to deliver projects aligned to corporate priorities.
- Contribute to team development, including mentoring or managing colleagues where required.
- Carry out additional duties appropriate to the grade to support service delivery.
Your next project starts here
What you will bring
- Strong knowledge of building construction, refurbishment and new-build, relevant legislation (including Party Wall Act 1996), Codes of Practice, RIBA Plan of Work 2020, and CDM 2015.
- Experience delivering projects across surveys, scoping, programming, design coordination/review, and preparing comprehensive works packages.
- Proven ability to act in key roles including Principal Designer, Contract Administrator (JCT), or Project Manager (NEC) within construction projects. [
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with a collaborative approach and strong customer focus.
- Competence in relevant systems including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and NBS.
- Minimum HNC (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline, and a full UK driving licence with access to transport or mobility support.
- A proactive, organised, and flexible approach, with the ability to deliver value for money and work effectively as part of a team.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.