*Job Purpose*
To provide both strategic leadership and practical co‑ordination for all church building, fabric, and development projects across the Diocese of Argyll & The Isles. The postholder will develop diocesan‑wide systems and priorities, while also offering hands‑on support to vestries in planning, permissions, contractor management, and project delivery.
*Key Responsibilities*
*1. Strategic Leadership*
* Develop a diocesan buildings strategy aligned with mission, sustainability, and long‑term stewardship.
* Create and maintain a prioritised pipeline of capital and maintenance projects.
* Advise the Bishop, Standing Committee, and Buildings Committee on risk, resource allocation, and long‑term planning.
* Establish standardised processes for project initiation, procurement, and reporting.
*2. Project Co‑ordination & Delivery*
* Support vestries in scoping works, preparing briefs, and managing timelines.
* Assist with planning applications, listed building consents, building warrants, and Canon 35 submissions.
* Visit congregations to assess buildings, meet contractors, and troubleshoot issues.
* Oversee tendering, contractor selection, and site progress where required.
*3. Compliance & Governance*
* Ensure all projects meet statutory requirements (planning, building control, H&S, accessibility).
* Maintain accurate records of permissions, inspections, and compliance documentation.
* Support vestries in understanding their legal responsibilities as property trustees.
*4. Fabric & Asset Management*
* Maintain a diocesan asset register with condition reports and maintenance cycles.
* Develop a preventative maintenance programme to reduce emergency repairs.
* Promote sustainability, energy efficiency, and carbon‑reduction initiatives.
*5. Financial & Funding Support*
* Assist vestries in preparing budgets and cashflow forecasts.
* Identify and support applications for external grants (Heritage Lottery, Historic Environment Scotland, trusts).
* Monitor project expenditure and ensure financial accountability.
*6. Communication, Training & Capacity Building*
* Provide training sessions for vestries on building management and project delivery.
* Produce templates, guidance notes, and checklists for congregations.
* Foster good communication between congregations, contractors, and diocesan bodies.
*Person Specification*
*Essential*
* Experience in building project management, estates management, or construction co‑ordination.
* Ability to work at both strategic and operational levels.
* Strong understanding of planning processes and building regulations.
* Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
* Ability to travel across a geographically dispersed diocese.
* Competence with digital tools for project tracking and reporting.
*Desirable*
* Experience with heritage buildings or ecclesiastical architecture.
* Knowledge of Scottish planning law and listed building processes.
* Experience working with charities, voluntary organisations, or faith communities.
* Understanding of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s governance and canons.
Pay: From £18,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
Work Location: In person
Contact Details:
Diocese of Argyll and The Isles Recruitment Team
