Director - Surveying Education and Industry Development

Director - Surveying Education and Industry Development

Sava School of Surveying, 4 Mill Square, Featherstone Road, Milton Keynes MK12 5ZD
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Job title: Director - Surveying Education & Industry Development

Team: Education Development

Responsible to: Managing Director

Contract: Permanent (target start by January 2027)

Location: Remote, with attendance at Sava School of Surveying office as required

Date: February 2026

About the Sava School of Surveying

The Sava School of Surveying is the leading provider of Ofqual-regulated vocational qualifications for residential surveyors, valuers and housing professionals. Our qualifications are awarded by the Awarding Body for the Built Environment and accredited by RICS and/or CABE. They are designed to produce capable, ethical professionals who raise housing standards across the UK.

We work with new entrants and experienced practitioners alike. Our qualifications are recognised by leading employers and respected across the sector.

We are commercially minded and purpose-led. Quality, credibility and the long-term development of the profession are at the heart of everything we do.

The Role

This is a senior leadership position with genuine influence over the Sava School of Surveying's direction, products and reputation.

You will be one of our principal outward-facing leaders - engaging with industry bodies, contributing to professional debate, and helping identify and develop new commercial opportunities. Internally, you will work closely with the Managing Director to shape strategy, support the team and maintain the standards that underpin our credibility. With support from colleagues you'll lead the development of new qualifications from recognising the opportunity and developing the concept through to delivery. You will therefore have creativity, an eye for opportunity, and a genuine passion for competence-based learning.

You will help lead the next chapter of the Sava School of Surveying and shape the future of the sector - driving product quality, raising standards, and developing skills. All while being one of our most visible and credible voices in the industry.

This is not a purely strategic role, nor a purely operational one. You will need to think clearly and act decisively - and be comfortable doing both.

Key Responsibilities 1. Product Development & Commercial Growth

You will identify opportunities, then develop and help bring to market new qualifications, services and commercial offerings. This means understanding market demand, regulatory change and employer needs - and translating that understanding into viable products with clear commercial logic.

• Spot opportunities and assess their commercial and strategic merit
• Evaluate demand, pricing, margin and delivery implications for new initiatives
• Ensure new developments reinforce the Sava School of Surveying's long-term competitive position
• Personally lead the development of new qualifications from initial concept through design, regulatory approval and launch - working with subject matter experts, the awarding body and internal colleagues throughout.

2. Industry Engagement & External Leadership

You will represent the Sava School of Surveying publicly, building and sustaining the relationships that keep us relevant and respected across the sector.

• Attend and present at industry events, conferences, webinars and professional forums
• Develop and maintain relationships with RICS, CABE and other key bodies
• Participate in sector conversations around standards, skills and professional practice
• Position the Sava School of Surveying as a credible, independent voice in the surveying world

Your professionalism and judgement will reflect directly on our business. You will need to be visible, confident and consistent.

3. Thought Leadership & Communication

You will communicate complex ideas clearly to a range of audiences - from practitioners and employers to senior sector figures.

• Deliver engaging presentations and contribute authoritatively to industry debate
• Translate regulatory or technical complexity into practical, accessible insight
• Write and speak with clarity, credibility and purpose
• Be comfortable responding to questions and thinking on your feet

4. Standards, Quality & Professional Practice

You will be a champion for high standards in surveying education and professional practice.

• Provide technical input into qualification development and quality assurance
• Support the processes that protect the Sava School of Surveying's reputation and learner outcomes
• Identify where standards can be raised and challenge constructively where necessary

5. Team Leadership & Organisational Contribution

You will support, develop and inspire our team, leading through influence and example.

• Mentor and support learning, delivery and development colleagues
• Contribute to open days, virtual classrooms and internal initiatives
• Work collaboratively with the Managing Director on strategic direction
• Help build an organisation that is resilient, adaptive and ambitious

Person Specification

We are looking for a credible sector professional who wants to shape the future of surveying education.

• Solid professional background in the built environment, property, construction or a related technical sector - residential surveying experience is an advantage but not a requirement
• Ability to speak with authority and earn the respect of experienced practitioners
• Commercial awareness: understanding of market demand, revenue models, pricing and risk
• Ability to identify opportunities, shape a response and see it through to delivery
• Confident, constructive communicator and influencer
• Experience leading, mentoring or developing teams

Preferred

• Professional chartership or recognised accreditation in a relevant discipline (such as chartered surveyor status, or equivalent)
• Minimum five years' experience working within or closely alongside the private residential surveying sector
• Established professional network and visibility in the sector (speaking, panels, committees etc.)
• Good working knowledge of UK vocational qualification frameworks and professional accreditation routes
• Familiarity with the roles of RICS, CABE, Ofqual and awarding bodies in shaping standards and market behaviour
• Empathy with the pressures facing small firms and self-employed professionals

Leadership Approach

You lead through clarity and example. You listen carefully, share credit and take responsibility. You are ready to step into a Director-level role following a transition period.

Working Arrangements

Commitment: This role requires full-time, exclusive dedication to the Sava School of Surveying.

Location: Fully remote, with regular attendance at the Sava School of Surveying office as required.

Travel: Travel will be required for events, conferences, stakeholder meetings and training.

Start date: We are seeking a candidate who can be in post by January 2027 at the latest.