Principal Environmental Health Officer (Fire and Building Safety)

About the Role

Tower Hamlets is rebuilding its team dedicated to deliver the London Remediation Acceleration Action Plan to keep residents safe in their homes.  The rebuild includes recruitment of a Principal Environmental Health Officer.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a range of diverse and complex buildings and to secure your already acquired relevant and expertise.  

You’ll be leading a team of specialist EHOs, providing technical supervision and monitoring casework activity and progress. You work with the programme lead on prioritisation of work and escalation activity. You will carry out inspections, assess risks and work with building owners, managing agents, relevant public sector stakeholders and residents to deliver successful remediation outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervision of two EHOs
• Allocation and prioritisation of work
• Maintenance of accurate building records and Golden Thread information.
• Carry out inspections of residential buildings.
• Undertake HHSRS assessments.
• Take enforcement action as appropriate
• Monitor enforcement action

About You

You will have:

• A recognised Environmental Health qualification and EHRB registration (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of Building Safety Act 2022.
• Understanding of high-rise and higher-risk residential buildings
• Awareness of the role of the Building Safety Regulator and Golden Thread principles.
• Experience in private sector housing enforcement.
• Knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
• Management/supervision experience
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to manage a varied workload.
• A commitment to improving housing standards and resident safety.

This is a fixed term contract for 24 months 

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.

• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.

• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.

• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.