Applications have opened for the permanent chair role at the Building Safety Regulator which is currently filled by Andy Roe.

Roe was appointed on an interim basis last July after retiring from his previous role as commissioner of the London Fire Brigade.

He has been leading high-profile efforts to cut delays in building approvals that have plagued the sector after the introduction of the new gateway approvals process. Roe, who was made a peer earlier this year, is expected to apply,

The post was advertised earlier this month with applications due to close on 15 September ahead of a shortlist being drawn up by the second week of October. Interviews will be wrapped up by the middle of November with an appointment expected shortly afterwards.

Applicants have been told the role carries a salary of £104,000 per annum for 156 days of work a year. The role will last up to three years.

The government said it is looking for a “proven senior leader” and said that experience with “public safety, housing, construction, the built environment or other safety-critical sectors would be particularly valuable”.

It added: “As Chair, you will provide strategic direction, oversee governance and performance, and support and challenge the Chief Executive and executive team to deliver the regulator’s ambitious objectives.

“You will also act as a key ambassador for the organisation, building trusted relationships with government, industry, regulators, residents and other stakeholders while championing transparency, accountability and public confidence.”