Head of Monument Conservation

Head of Monument Conservation

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Job Search Place Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team to conserve Wales' historic monuments and ensure visitor safety.
  • Company: Cadw, dedicated to preserving Welsh heritage and culture.
  • Benefits: Civil Service benefits including annual leave, training, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Collaborate with heritage organisations and develop future conservation leaders.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the preservation of historic sites while leading a skilled team.
  • Qualifications: Degree in historic building conservation and relevant professional membership required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

This role is responsible for ensuring Cadw's 132 historic monuments across Wales, in state care, are in good condition, accessible, and safe for visitors. It includes developing a robust in-house direct labour craft team of masons and joiners, including trainees, into a well-trained team. There are approximately 30 people in this team, mostly craft skilled masons and joiners.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and inspire a team of 30 people dedicated to the conservation of Cadw's monuments and their setting.
  • Ensure clear work priorities, quarterly progress monitoring, robust training and development plans, and access to resources and equipment.
  • Develop a robust system to monitor the condition of Cadw's monuments and plan a three-year rolling programme of prioritized conservation work and budget, using in-house teams or external consultants/contractors as needed.
  • Ensure briefs or invitations to tender for condition reporting or digital measured surveys are clear and benchmarked to industry standards.
  • Review the SafetyCulture inspection system to log condition issues and ensure value.
  • Lead on climate mitigation and adaptation for Cadw's monuments in care.
  • Manage the team's annual spend within the approved budget.
  • Collaborate with the Head of Conservation Projects to ensure new projects are based on accurate monument condition data.
  • Collaborate with the Head of Health and Safety to ensure safety issues are addressed in work programmes.
  • Oversee the deployment of Conservation Design and Project Manager and Historic Monuments Ground Manager within the team.
  • Recruit effectively to minimise vacancies and manage people-related issues efficiently.
  • Directly procure, or support procurement of, external consultants or contractors for maintenance and remedial conservation projects, ensuring best value and quality.
  • Develop and maintain a trainee programme for masons and joiners.
  • Maintain relationships with comparable posts in other UK heritage organisations to share best practice.

Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will be educated to degree level or hold a postgraduate qualification in a discipline related to historic building conservation and be a full member or eligible to be a full member of a relevant professional body (ARB, CIOB, RICS or IHBC).

CV emphasis: Experience on significant historic buildings and qualifications in historic building conservation, plus membership in relevant professional organisations. CVs will be used for understanding experience; they will not be scored.

Other information

All Welsh Government staff are Civil Service members with associated benefits (e.g., annual leave, training, Cycle2Work, Smart Working, Green Car Scheme).

Status

This opportunity is closed to applications.

Head of Monument Conservation employer: Job Search Place Limited

Cadw is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team in the conservation of Wales' historic monuments. With a strong commitment to employee development, including robust training programmes and a supportive work culture, Cadw fosters an environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on heritage preservation. Located in the heart of Wales, employees benefit from a range of Civil Service perks, including generous annual leave and flexible working options, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance.

Job Search Place Limited

Contact Details:

Job Search Place Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Monument Conservation

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the heritage conservation field, especially those connected to Cadw. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your passion for historic buildings! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and ideas about monument conservation. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to preserving history.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching Cadw's current projects and challenges. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit for their team.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job in conservation. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities as they come up.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Monument Conservation

Team Leadership
Training and Development
Project Management
Budget Management
Condition Monitoring
Procurement
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Conservation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for historic building conservation shine through. We want to see how much you care about preserving our heritage and making it accessible for everyone!

Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with significant historic buildings and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing teams and projects in conservation.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the role!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited

Know Your Monuments

Before the interview, dive deep into Cadw's historic monuments. Familiarise yourself with their significance, current conservation status, and any recent projects. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you engage in meaningful discussions about their preservation.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Monument Conservation, you'll be leading a team of skilled masons and joiners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on training, development, and inspiring others. Highlight your ability to set clear priorities and monitor progress effectively.

Understand Budget Management

Be ready to discuss your experience with budget management, especially in relation to conservation projects. Think of specific instances where you've managed resources efficiently or collaborated with external consultants to ensure best value. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the financial aspects of the role.

Emphasise Collaboration

Collaboration is key in this role, so prepare to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders, such as health and safety teams or other heritage organisations. Share examples of how you've built relationships and shared best practices to enhance conservation efforts.