Inspection Lead

Make your mark at BRE!

BRE is a world-leading global organisation for innovation, science and data in the built environment. For over 100 years, we have supported governments, businesses and industry with pioneering research, testing and expertise. We are focused on growth, scale and expanding our global impact with products, services, standards and qualifications that address the challenges of a changing world. Driven by our purpose of helping everyone, in every building, everywhere, we are creating a safer, more sustainable built environment for people and planet.

Your role at BRE

As Inspection Lead, you'll be responsible for the overall performance of BRE's inspection and assessment activities, ensuring customers receive high-quality, objective and trusted services. You'll lead the strategy, operations and commercial performance of the function while overseeing inspection teams, quality systems, accreditation requirements and customer relationships.

Day to day, you'll work closely with technical, commercial and operational colleagues to ensure inspections are delivered efficiently, resources are effectively deployed and services continue to evolve in response to market and regulatory needs. This role offers the opportunity to influence business direction, develop new services and lead geographically dispersed teams across a varied and evolving portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of inspection, assessment and audit activities across UK and international markets.

• Ensure inspection processes are robust, consistent and compliant with accreditation and regulatory requirements.

• Drive quality, governance and continuous improvement across inspection operations.

• Develop and support high-performing inspection teams, including capability, succession and workforce planning.

• Manage operational performance, resource planning and geographical deployment of inspection services.

• Own budgets, commercial performance and profitability of the function.

• Build strong relationships with customers, accreditation bodies, regulators and industry stakeholders.

• Identify and develop new inspection services and growth opportunities.

• Oversee risk management, travel, safety and operational controls for inspection activities.

• Provide strategic leadership and performance reporting to senior stakeholders.

What we are looking for

We're looking for an experienced operational leader from an inspection, assurance, certification, compliance, audit or other regulated environment who can combine strong commercial awareness with excellent people leadership.

You'll ideally bring:

• Senior leadership experience within inspection, assessment, certification, audit or assurance services.

• Experience managing operational delivery, budgets and commercial performance, including P&L accountability.

• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, accreditation frameworks and compliance requirements.

• Experience leading managers and technical teams, including geographically dispersed workforces.

• A proven track record of driving operational improvement, performance and service excellence.

• Experience managing customer relationships and engaging with regulators, accreditation bodies or industry stakeholders.

• Strong leadership, coaching and change management capabilities.

• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.

• Experience developing new services, improving processes and supporting business growth.

• Experience with UKAS-accredited environments, ISO standards such as ISO 17021 or ISO 17020, and international inspection operations would also be beneficial.

• Experience within Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC), certification bodies, building control, engineering assurance, construction products, manufacturing quality, infrastructure, utilities, rail, energy or similarly regulated sectors would be particularly valuable.

BRE Benefits

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.

Financial & Security Benefits

• Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution

• Life assurance – 4x your basic salary

• Enhanced maternity package

Health & Wellbeing

• HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more

• Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points

Career Development

• Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform

• Professional membership reimbursement

For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits

Work Location Options

Hybrid – This role offers a mix of home and office working. You will need to be within commuting distance of our Watford office, as you will be expected to attend in person (1 - 2 times per week depending on business needs).

Our Recruitment Process

As part of our recruitment process we will be conducting 10-30 minute phone screening calls via an AI recruiter called Ryan with all shortlisted candidates. The information gathered from this screening will be used to help assess your suitability for the position.

Note to Employment Agencies

At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.

Equal Opportunities Statement

BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.