Special FRA Project Surveyor

Daniel Owen Ltd

We are working with a respected Housing Association based in North London to recruit a qualified Fire Risk Assessor (FRA Surveyor). This is a unique opportunity to join a team focused on fire safety compliance, project management, and the resolution of latent defect claims across a diverse residential portfolio.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering fire safety projects, conducting FRA surveys (Types 1-4), managing remedial works, and supporting litigation and legal matters related to fire defects. You’ll also be providing input on construction contracts, insurance, and procurement matters.

This role is suited for professionals with a strong background in fire safety, contract law, and construction dispute resolution, particularly within the housing or public sector.

Key Responsibilities

Fire Risk and Project Oversight

• Conduct Fire Risk Assessments in line with PAS 79 across residential properties.
• Manage fire safety remedial works from instruction to completion, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Provide technical fire safety advice to internal teams in line with fire legislation and the Building Safety Act.
• Lead on the development and delivery of fire-related projects, working closely with Property Services, contractors, and compliance teams.
• Maintain risk registers, project documentation, and ensure works align with legal and regulatory standards.

Latent Defects and Legal Casework

• Oversee latent defect claims involving fire safety-reviewing archived documents, contracts, warranties, and insurance.
• Coordinate with solicitors and barristers on legal proceedings, including Technology & Construction Court cases.
• Provide plain-English legal advice to internal stakeholders regarding construction and liability issues.
• Draft and review legal documents including JCT, NEC, and other standard and bespoke construction contracts.
• Support pre-litigation processes and dispute resolution related to high-value or complex claims.

Contract and Procurement Support

• Advise on procurement strategies and contract terms for construction and fire safety works.
• Develop and maintain a library of standard contract templates and organisation-specific clauses.
• Provide legal input into the preparation of development agreements, consultant appointments, and warranties.

Administrative and Financial Coordination

• Raise purchase orders, process invoices, and reconcile supplier accounts related to fire safety and legal work.
• Audit and verify contractor invoices to ensure alignment with contractual obligations.
• Maintain accurate records on internal systems and ensure timely reporting on all case matters.

Data and Case Management

• Ensure all legal and project documentation is correctly structured, stored, and audited.
• Update internal databases and trackers such as Project Status Forms, maintaining current case information and deadlines.
• Oversee digital and physical files related to legal claims, contractor performance, and FRA works.

Collaboration and Support

• Liaise with Special Projects Surveyors to share evidence, progress claims, and plan remedial actions.
• Offer general legal and procedural advice to colleagues to ensure best practice in handling defect issues.
• Schedule and monitor claim deadlines and legal obligations, ensuring timely responses and actions.

Resident and Customer Engagement

• Respond to resident queries and complaints related to fire safety and latent defects in line with service standards.
• Draft clear, accurate correspondence and manage the Legal inbox, flagging urgent matters.
• Liaise with residents, contractors, and internal teams to provide progress updates and ensure case transparency.

Cross-Team and Departmental Contribution

• Provide support across Property Services when required, including administrative backup.
• Deliver training or briefings to internal teams on relevant legal and fire safety matters.
• Support responses to complaints involving construction issues, ensuring legal accuracy and customer service standards.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills:

• At least 3 years’ experience in fire safety surveying or risk assessment, ideally within housing or public sector.
• Proven background in managing construction or fire safety projects from inception to completion.
• Experience with construction law, defect liability, and the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Ability to produce legal advice and technical reports in clear, concise formats.
• Confident working with JCT/NEC contracts and coordinating litigation support.
• Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

• Fire Safety qualification (NEBOSH Fire, IFSM, IFE, or equivalent).
• Membership with relevant professional bodies (IFE, RICS, CIOB).
• Understanding of procurement processes and construction contract negotiation.
• Experience in managing litigation, adjudication, or arbitration.

What We Offer:

• Salary up to 60,000 per annum.
• Generous pension and holiday allowance.
• Hybrid/flexible working.
• A chance to deliver safety and legal solutions with social impact.
• Career growth opportunities within a specialist team environment.