About LIVINGWAY
At LIVINGWAY, we create places where people can live well, feel connected, and thrive. As a specialist Build-to-Rent owner and operator, we combine hospitality-led service, operational excellence, and community focused living to deliver exceptional resident experiences whilst protecting and enhancing asset performance.
We believe compliance is far more than a regulatory obligation. It is fundamental to resident safety, operational excellence, investor confidence, reputation, and long-term asset value.
We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded, and highly motivated Head of Building Safety & Compliance to lead compliance, building safety, fire safety, and health & safety across our growing portfolio.
This is a senior leadership position responsible for safeguarding residents, protecting assets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and embedding a culture of safety and accountability throughout the organisation.
Job Title / Director of Building Safety & Compliance
Reports To / Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location / Manchester Head Office with regular travel across the LIVINGWAY portfolio.
Contract Type / Full-Time | Permanent
Role Overview
The Head of Building Safety & Compliance is a senior leadership role within LIVINGWAY, responsible for establishing, maintaining, and continuously improving the organisation's compliance, building safety, fire safety, and health & safety frameworks.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the role acts as the organisation's lead authority on building safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring all assets are operated safely, legally, and in accordance with the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Building Safety Regulator guidance, and all associated legislation.
The role has responsibility for compliance governance, risk management, regulatory engagement, contractor assurance, resident safety, compliance performance, and strategic oversight across the entire LIVINGWAY portfolio.
The successful candidate will ensure robust systems, controls, reporting frameworks, and governance structures are in place to provide confidence to residents, investors, partners, regulators, and the Executive Team that LIVINGWAY's buildings are safe, compliant, and professionally managed.
Key Responsibilities (But not limited to)
Building Safety Governance & Regulatory Compliance
- Lead and oversee compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and industry guidance.
- Act as LIVINGWAY's lead subject matter expert on the Building Safety Act 2022 and Building Safety Regulator requirements.
- Monitor developments from the Building Safety Regulator and implement necessary operational, procedural, and policy changes.
- Support and advise on Principal Accountable Person and Accountable Person responsibilities where applicable.
- Develop, implement, and maintain LIVINGWAY's Building Safety Management System.
- Establish and maintain building safety risk registers across the portfolio.
- Maintain the Golden Thread of Information, ensuring building information remains accurate, accessible, auditable, and up to date.
- Ensure building safety risks are identified, assessed, documented, monitored, and effectively controlled.
- Lead preparations for regulatory inspections, audits, investigations, and Building Assessment Certificate requirements.
- Act as the primary point of contact for regulators, enforcement bodies, local authorities, fire services, consultants, and specialist advisors.
- Develop and manage resident engagement strategies relating to building safety matters.
- Implement mandatory occurrence reporting procedures where required.
- Ensure compliance evidence and regulatory records are maintained to the highest standard.
- Advise the CEO and Executive Team on emerging risks, regulatory changes, and compliance strategy.
Fire Safety Leadership & Management
- Take overall responsibility for fire safety compliance across the LIVINGWAY portfolio.
- Ensure compliance with:
- Building Safety Act 2022
- Fire Safety Act 2021
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Relevant British Standards
- Approved Documents and industry guidance
- Lead the management of all Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) and ensure recommendations are implemented within agreed timescales.
- Maintain strategic oversight of:
- Fire alarm systems
- Emergency lighting
- Smoke ventilation systems
- Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs)
- Dry risers
- Sprinkler systems
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Fire doors
- Fire stopping
- Compartmentation
- Evacuation systems
- Implement and oversee fire door inspection programmes.
- Manage compartmentation surveys and all associated remedial works.
- Ensure all fire safety inspections, servicing, testing, and maintenance programmes remain compliant.
- Undertake regular site inspections and compliance reviews.
- Investigate fire incidents, near misses, and safety concerns, ensuring lessons learned are implemented across the portfolio.
- Lead emergency preparedness planning and support operational teams with fire drills and evacuation procedures.
- Act as the senior escalation point for all fire safety matters.
Property Compliance Management
Maintain full oversight of all statutory compliance requirements including:
- Gas Safety certificates (if applicable)
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
- Fixed Wire Testing
- Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) where applicable
- Water Hygiene and Legionella Compliance
- Asbestos Management and Surveys
- Lift Inspections (LOLER)
- Pressure Systems Compliance
- Emergency Lighting Certification
- Security and Access Control Systems
- Health & Safety Risk Assessments
- Contractor Competency Management
- Building Fabric Safety Inspections
Ensure all certifications remain valid, remedial works are completed within required timescales, and compliance standards are maintained across the portfolio.
Compliance Governance, Risk & Reporting
- Own and manage the LIVINGWAY Compliance Dashboard.
- Maintain and oversee the Corporate Compliance Risk Register.
- Maintain the Building Safety Register and ensure all compliance activities are accurately recorded.
- Develop and implement compliance monitoring frameworks and governance procedures.
- Produce monthly compliance, risk, and building safety reports for the CEO and Executive Team.
- Monitor compliance performance against KPIs and statutory obligations.
- Ensure all audit findings, compliance actions, and remedial works are tracked through to completion.
- Escalate critical risks, compliance breaches, and regulatory concerns immediately.
- Support investor reporting, due diligence exercises, mobilisations, acquisitions, and operational reviews.
Contractor & Supplier Assurance
- Lead the procurement, appointment, and performance management of specialist compliance contractors and consultants.
- Ensure all contractors maintain appropriate qualifications, accreditations, insurance, and competency requirements.
- Verify specialist fire safety contractor accreditation including BAFE, FIRAS, BM TRADA, and equivalent schemes where applicable.
- Conduct supplier audits and contractor performance reviews.
- Monitor service level agreement performance and contractor compliance.
- Audit completed works to ensure quality, compliance, and regulatory standards are achieved.
- Maintain the Contractor Accreditation Register and ensure all records remain current.
Health & Safety Leadership
- Lead organisational compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation.
- Develop, review, and maintain company-wide health & safety policies and procedures.
- Conduct health & safety audits and inspections across the portfolio.
- Investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses.
- Ensure corrective and preventative actions are implemented effectively.
- Promote a positive safety culture across the organisation.
- Support managers in understanding and fulfilling their health & safety responsibilities.
Strategic Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and deliver LIVINGWAY's long-term compliance and building safety strategy.
- Prepare and manage the annual compliance budget.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, governance, reporting, and risk management.
- Drive continuous improvement across compliance systems and operational procedures.
- Support the implementation of technology, automation, and AI-driven solutions to enhance compliance management and reporting.
- Deliver training, guidance, and coaching to operational teams across the business.
- Foster a culture where compliance, safety, and resident wellbeing are integral to every operational decision.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior compliance, building safety, fire safety, facilities management, or property compliance role.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Building Safety Act 2022
- Fire Safety Act 2021
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Health & Safety legislation
- Residential property compliance requirements
- Experience managing multi-site residential or mixed-use portfolios.
- Experience leading fire safety and building safety compliance programmes.
- Experience managing contractors, consultants, and specialist suppliers.
- Strong audit, governance, and regulatory reporting experience.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of risk management.
- Ability to interpret legislation and implement practical operational solutions.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Experience within Build-to-Rent, PBSA, residential, hospitality, or mixed-use developments.
- Experience working with Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
- Experience engaging directly with the Building Safety Regulator.
- Experience developing compliance frameworks and management systems.
- Experience using specialist compliance software platforms.
Qualifications
One or more of the following:
- NEBOSH General Certificate
- NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate
- IOSH Managing Safely
- AIFireE, GIFireE, or MIFireE
- Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety
- Level 4 or Level 5 Building Safety Qualification
- Level 6 Diploma in Building Safety Management
- Facilities Management Qualification
- Health & Safety Qualification
Equivalent experience will also be considered.
What We Offer
At LIVINGWAY, we believe people thrive when they feel valued, supported, and connected.
We offer:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Private Healthcare (following successful probation)
- Birthday Day Off
- Team Wellness Programme
- Regular Team Events
- Ongoing Professional Development
- Opportunity to shape and influence a growing Build-to-Rent platform
- A collaborative culture built on trust, accountability, and excellence
Equal Opportunities
LIVINGWAY is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
Application Process
Please submit:
- A current and up-to-date CV
- A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and relevant compliance experience
Successful candidates will be invited to a multi-stage interview process
Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
- How would you implement the Building Safety Act 2022 across an existing operational portfolio?
- How would you build a culture where compliance is everyone's responsibility rather than simply a department function?
- How would you prioritise actions if several buildings had competing compliance risks at the same time?
- Talk me through how you would establish and maintain a Golden Thread process at LIVINGWAY.
- How would you present compliance risks to the CEO and Executive Team?
Work Location: In person
