4 August 2025

Why Technical Specification Manager Simon Chose Anchor

At Anchor, we’re proud to have colleagues who bring not just knowledge and experience, but genuine care for the homes and residents. One of those individuals is Simon Berry, Technical Standards and Specification Manager, whose recent Fellowship with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) reflects a career spent raising standards and making an impact.

How did you become a Technical Standards and Specification Manager in care?

I’ve worked in construction for most of my life, and over the years I’ve gone from Builder’s Merchant to Site Operative, Surveyor to Project Manager. In 2024, I reached a personal milestone I never thought I’d achieve: I became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Find out how you can join our team and start making a difference today.

What is a Technical Standards and Specification Manager?

As Technical Standards and Specification Manager, I’m responsible for writing and maintaining the technical specifications for our planned works—everything from kitchens and bathrooms to windows, doors, and external improvements across our national property portfolio.

We currently have around 23 core specifications, which are updated regularly to reflect changes in legislation, building regulations, and sector innovation. I also carry out quality audits, join contractor meetings, and keep updated on developments in building materials and methods.

Where could you fit in at Anchor? From care to property and assets, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits you. Check out what job roles we have available here.

What do you enjoy the most about being a Technical Standards and Specification Manager?

It’s a great mix of travel, field-based work and home-based work, and that’s exactly what I love about it.

What has been your career journey with Anchor?

I started at Anchor as a Technical Manager, moved into Senior Surveyor roles, then Project Manager. Eventually, I joined the Asset Strategy team and became an Asset Evaluation Surveyor. When the new role of Technical Standards and Specification Manager came up in 2023, it felt like the perfect fit.

What made you stay working with Anchor all this time?

What’s kept me here all this time is that sense of continual development. Whether it’s formal training, peer support, or just being part of a forward-thinking team, —there’s always space to grow.

Here is why you should join us at Anchor.

Why did you choose to get a job at Anchor?

Anchor wants people to succeed, and if you do have a burning desire to pursue a career path, there are support materials and courses available.

Construction is almost certainly not what you think it is, and there is a huge amount of technical skill involved in many of the fields, especially with the emerging use of artificial intelligence, which promises some exciting additional careers.

Learn more about who we are as a business, including our values and goals.

What would you advise to anyone else looking to take a similar career path?

You don't have to be an academic, and the industry is highly adaptable. There are a vast number of specialisms in construction, such as building maintenance, planning, project management, as well as specialist areas such as building services and building design work. There is something for everybody.

Simon Berry is a Technical Standards and Specification Manager at Anchor

Looking to gain some experience? Why not check out our apprenticeship options?