At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead heritage projects and provide expert conservation advice for urban development.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a progressive and inclusive local authority.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage and community development in a vibrant borough.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning, conservation, or architecture; membership of a professional body required.
The predicted salary is between 55353 - 59574 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
An exciting opportunity for a Principal Design and Conservation Officer to play a key role in one of London’s most progressive and exciting boroughs. Lewisham is undergoing huge transformation with unparalleled levels of inclusive and sustainable growth. With major developments in Catford, Lewisham, Deptford, New Cross and other areas across the borough, award‑winning schemes, parks and regeneration projects, Creative Enterprise Zone Status and key transport projects such as Lewisham Station, East London Line upgrade and the future Bakerloo Line extension, the transformation is well underway.
At the heart of the borough’s inclusive and sustainable strategy is recognition of the importance of our heritage assets and the value these can add to existing and future residents, businesses and visitors. Heritage is a fundamental component of achieving good growth and an intrinsic part of successful change in the borough. Lewisham contains a significant number of historic assets including 27 diverse conservation areas such as Blackheath, Deptford High Street, Forest Hill and Brookley, and over 540 statutory listed buildings and 600 locally listed buildings. We have an excellent track record in delivering heritage‑led regeneration schemes such as Beckenham Place Park, the Fellowship Inn, Catford Broadway Theatre and Catford House.
The Principal Design & Conservation Officer will lead heritage input into the place‑making, plan‑making and development management functions of the service. The successful candidate will work within our multi‑disciplinary Strategic Planning team to guide change within the borough. They will lead on the provision of specialist building conservation and design advice and properly consider the borough’s heritage in the delivery of its development management function and other activities. They will provide specialist conservation advice and professional input to planning policies in respect of the historic environment. They will lead on proactive conservation projects, manage the preparation of conservation SPDs, and contribute to other urban design and regeneration projects in the borough. Additionally, they will provide technical guidance, mentoring, day‑to‑day supervision and line‑management of more junior officers, promoting consistent, high‑quality policy work, advice and constructive engagement with applicants, stakeholders and the community.
What’s in it for you?
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
We are looking for a Principal Design and Conservation Officer who brings a forward‑thinking and progressive approach to the stewardship of heritage in a practical, modern way. The right person will understand traditional conservation but also be open to new ideas, using technology, fresh thinking and sustainable approaches. They should be confident in working with communities and partners, making heritage more inclusive and relevant to a wide range of people. They will balance caring for the past with supporting positive change, helping heritage play an active role in shaping vibrant, resilient places for the future.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Relevant fully trained degree or postgraduate town planning and/or historic building conservation or architecture qualification is needed. Membership of a recognised professional body (IHBC, RIBA, RTPI) is also required.
Salary: £55,353-£59,574 per annum (PO5‑PO6 Career Grade). All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants and those with health conditions throughout the recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
Principal Design and Conservation Officer (Career Grade) employer: Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the vibrant and diverse communities of Lewisham. With a strong commitment to inclusive growth and heritage conservation, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that fosters professional development and community engagement. Join us in shaping a sustainable future while enjoying a range of perks, including local discounts and a robust pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design and Conservation Officer (Career Grade)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the design and conservation field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for heritage! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on how to make heritage more inclusive and relevant. This will not only showcase your knowledge but also your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Lewisham’s recent projects and conservation efforts. Being able to discuss specific examples will demonstrate your commitment to the borough's vision and your understanding of its unique challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design and Conservation Officer (Career Grade)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Heritage:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for heritage and conservation shine through. We want to see how you connect with Lewisham's rich history and how you envision contributing to its vibrant future.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in design and conservation. We’re looking for someone who understands both traditional methods and modern approaches, so be specific about how your background aligns with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the role’s requirements. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion comes across without overwhelming us with too much information.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with Lewisham's rich history and its diverse conservation areas. Be prepared to discuss how your understanding of heritage can influence modern design and conservation practices, showing that you can balance tradition with innovation.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement Skills
Highlight any previous experience working with communities or stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups to promote inclusive heritage practices, as this role requires strong collaboration with various partners.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Brush up on your knowledge of building conservation and urban design principles. Be ready to provide specific examples of past projects where you offered specialist advice or led conservation initiatives, showcasing your technical skills and leadership abilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific challenges related to heritage conservation in a rapidly changing urban environment. Think through potential scenarios and formulate thoughtful responses that reflect your problem-solving skills and forward-thinking approach.
