Building Surveyor/Contractor Administrator - Life Science

Develop commercial building surveying expertise by working on high-profile science and technology property projects while receiving mentoring from experienced industry specialists.

Job Advert

If you’re looking for a building surveying role where you’ll be trusted with meaningful responsibility, work on some of the UK’s most significant science and technology real estate, and develop alongside one of the sector’s leading specialists, we’d like to hear from you.

Our successful hire will work closely with an experienced Partner who specialises in delivering complex life science projects across the region. Working alongside our dedicated life science specialist, you'll gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of high-profile laboratory, refurbishment and commercial projects within one of the UK's most innovative science and technology markets.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your expertise while learning from industry-leading professionals with extensive experience across the commercial property sector, gaining valuable insight into some of the region's most exciting and complex developments.

This opportunity is open to talented surveyors at any stage of their career - from graduates looking for exceptional mentoring through to experienced Chartered Surveyors seeking to accelerate their careers. We are also looking to speak with experience contract administrators and project coordinators who have experience working in the built environment sector.

The Role

This is not a role where you’ll be pigeonholed. You’ll gain exposure to the full breadth of commercial building surveying, developing technical expertise while building trusted relationships with some of the UK’s most prestigious landlords, occupiers and institutional clients.

Your workload will have a particular emphasis on project delivery and contract administration, acting as Employer’s Agent or Contract Administrator on refurbishment, alteration and fit-out projects ranging from small complex works to multi-million-pound schemes.

Projects are delivered across some of Cambridge’s most recognised innovation campuses, including:

• Cambridge Science Park

• Babraham Research Campus

• Granta Park

• Other leading science, technology and commercial assets throughout Cambridge and the wider Golden Triangle.

In recent years the team have completed speculative Laboratory fit-outs and CATA office schemes, alongside several high profile re-purposing schemes; notably 316 Cambridge Science Park from office to lab on behalf of Trinity College and the creation of a ISO8 Cleanroom and production facility within an industrial space for Sherlock Bio. Last month we delivered Cambridge’s first NABERS UK 5.5 start retrofit building at 334 Cambridge Science Park.

Alongside project work you’ll also gain experience in:

• Dilapidations

• Technical due diligence

• Planned preventative maintenance

• Defect diagnosis

• Landlord & tenant matters

• Principal Designer services

• Building pathology

About you

We’re interested in people as much as qualifications. You might be a graduate with a strong academic background and genuine enthusiasm for commercial property, or an experienced surveyor looking to work on higher-profile projects with greater responsibility.

Ideally you’ll have:

• A degree in Building Surveying or a related discipline

• Progress towards, or achievement of, MRICS (where applicable)

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Commercial awareness and a practical approach to problem solving

• Curiosity, ambition and a desire to continually develop.

Why This Role?

Cambridge is at the centre of Europe’s most exciting science and technology property market, and this role offers a front-row seat.

You’ll work with pioneering clients delivering spaces that support life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation. From cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities to commercial campuses and headquarters buildings, no two projects are the same.

Most importantly, you’ll work alongside a highly experienced mentor who is passionate about developing people, sharing knowledge and giving individuals genuine responsibility from an early stage.

Whether your ambition is to become a Chartered Surveyor, lead major projects or ultimately become a Partner, this role provides the experience, support and exposure to help you get there.

Why Bidwells?

Bidwells has built an unrivalled reputation within the science and technology sector. We advise many of the UK’s most influential investors, developers and occupiers, combining technical excellence with deep market knowledge across Cambridge, Oxford, London and beyond. If you want to build a career—not just a CV—we’d love to hear from you

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We recognise and reward talent with generous salary and group bonus scheme. As a Real Living Wage employer, we’re committed to fair pay that reflects the true cost of living.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Including up to 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday (+ bank holidays) as a minimum, along with your birthday off work, a wellness day, paid sabbaticals, private medical cover, medicash plan, lifestyle discounts and perks, and more.

• Professional Development: Continuous learning, study support and promotion opportunities.

• Innovative Culture: Be part of a forward-thinking team at the forefront of industry trends.

• Family Friendly: We offer enhanced family leave policies to support individuals close to you.

• Work-Life Balance: We value your well-being and offer agile working to support it.