Construction Quality Assurance Inspector (Clerk of works)
Salary: £44,075 - £48,227 (Permanent)
Closing date: 06/09/2026
Department: CA Place Directorate
Location: GMCA
Division: Land & Property
Hours Per Week: 36.25
Job Details
Clerk of Works Capital Programmes (Estates)
Residing within Greater Manchester, and being able to regularly travel across GM sites, would be beneficial.
Grade 8 | Greater Manchester | Closing date: 06 September 2026
Help Assure the Quality of Greater Manchester’s Fire Estate
We are looking for an experienced Clerk of Works to play a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety and compliance of capital construction projects across the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) estate.
Working across new build, refurbishment and decarbonisation schemes, you will provide independent, professional site inspection and quality assurance, ensuring all works are delivered in line with specifications, standards and statutory requirements.
This is a hands-on, site-based role where your expertise will directly influence the quality and performance of frontline emergency service infrastructure.
About the Role
Reporting to the Strategic Transformation Lead, you will be part of a structured capital delivery team, working alongside Project Managers, consultants and contractors to ensure construction works meet required standards at every stage.
You will act as the eyes and ears on site, providing independent oversight and assurance across multiple live projects.
Your Key Responsibilities
Construction Phase Core Focus
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Undertake regular site inspections across multiple projects and work stages
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Monitor:
- Workmanship and installation quality
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Compliance with drawings and specifications
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Materials and subcontractor works
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Identify defects, non-compliance and risks, escalating issues promptly
Quality Assurance & Reporting
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Maintain detailed site records including:
- Site diaries
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Photographic evidence
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Progress tracking
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Produce:
- Weekly progress updates
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Exception and defect reports
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Support project reporting on quality, risk and programme
Testing, Commissioning and Compliance
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Witness testing and commissioning of building systems including:
- Mechanical and electrical systems
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Fire systems and life safety infrastructure
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Ensure compliance with:
- Building Regulations
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CDM requirements
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Contract specifications (NEC/JCT awareness)
Pre- and Post-Construction Activities
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Review drawings and specifications, identifying discrepancies early
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Attend pre-start meetings and site handovers
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Develop snagging lists and manage defects through to resolution
Support to Delivery Team
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Provide technical advice to Project Managers and Contract Administrators
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Contribute to a consistent approach to quality and assurance across the programme
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Build strong working relationships with stakeholders and contractors
Role Boundaries (Critical to Success)
To maintain independence and integrity, the Clerk of Works will not:
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Approve design changes
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Instruct contractors on construction methods (except for health & safety concerns)
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Commit the organisation financially or contractually
What You Bring
Experience
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Experience working as a Clerk of Works, Site Inspector or similar role
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Proven experience across multi-site construction programmes
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Experience in public sector or operational environments (desirable)
Technical Knowledge
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Strong understanding of:
- Construction processes and quality standards
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RIBA Plan of Work
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Building regulations and statutory compliance
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JCT / NEC contracts
- Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications
Skills
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Excellent attention to detail and technical scrutiny
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Strong written reporting and documentation skills
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Ability to challenge contractors constructively
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Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Qualifications
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Relevant construction/engineering qualification (HNC/HND/NVQ Level 4+)
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Professional membership (ICWCI, CIOB, RICS desirable)
Working Environment
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Multi-site role across Greater Manchester
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Regular presence on active construction sites
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Exposure to live operational fire and rescue facilities
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Combination of independent working and team collaboration
The Impact You’ll Have
In this role, you will:
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Ensure capital projects are delivered to high quality and safety standards
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Reduce defects and improve long-term building performance
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Provide assurance that public investment delivers real value
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Support the delivery of a modern, resilient fire estate
Why Join GMCA and what sets us apart?
There has never been a more important moment for public estate transformation. We are building for the future. The organisation is undergoing significant positive change and this role will be integral to shaping new standards of performance, capability and delivery.
You will play a key role in delivering a transformed fire and rescue estate that strengthens operational capability, improves service resilience and ensures assets are fit for the future. Through the successful delivery of capital investment programmes, your leadership will directly enable frontline response, modernise infrastructure and support Greater Manchester’s wider priorities around sustainability, growth and public service reform.
You will join a team that is:
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Delivering complex capital programmes that modernise critical emergency service infrastructure
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Driving net zero and decarbonisation through the design and construction of new and refurbished assets
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Working in partnership with operational services, technical specialists and delivery partners to achieve shared outcomes
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Focused on disciplined programme delivery, strong governance and measurable impact
Interested in joining us?
If you are looking for challenge responsibility and a chance to build something meaningful this is the environment for you. If you are driven by purpose, complexity and delivery, and want to take on a role where you can genuinely shape outcomes across a major city region we’d like to hear from you.
Joining our Team offers a host of Exceptional Benefits
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Hybrid Working Flexibility to blend office and remote work for optimal productivity and personal wellbeing
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Invest in your professional development We have a range of Learning and Development opportunities to support our people to learn and grow.
- Annual Leave Scheme enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 31 days plus bank holidays after 5 years’ service.
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Generous Pension Scheme We are part of the local government pension scheme, which offers a 19.2% employer contribution, as well as an AVC option
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Corporate Transport & Green Commute Initiatives Including a Season Ticket Scheme, Cycle to Work programs and Electric Car Lease options to support eco-friendly commuting
- Giving something back We also offer our teams the opportunity to give back to their local communities through volunteer days.
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Employee Assistance Programme Confidential support available 24/7 for personal and professional matters
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Occupational Health Access to our dedicated team for health advice and support
How to Apply
Applications close 6th September 2026.
Submit your CV to register your interest or request an initial confidential discussion.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact [email protected]
