At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and enhance historic buildings while leading a dedicated team.
- Company: Surrey County Council, committed to preserving heritage and community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in heritage conservation and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Degree in heritage-related subject and experience in historic building management.
The predicted salary is between 53713 - 53713 £ per year.
The office base for this Principal Historic Buildings Officer position is Woking. We support hybrid working and you will be required to attend the office for at least 2 days per week. The role offers a starting salary of £53,713 per annum for a 36‑hour working week.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary‑related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
Surrey County Council is looking for a Principal Historic Buildings Officer to manage, promote and enhance its Historic Buildings service. Based within the Council's Historic Environment Planning Team at Woking, this role offers an exciting opportunity for a qualified heritage specialist to develop, grow and put into practice their skills in the assessment, understanding and management of historic buildings and conservation areas within the context of the planning process, whilst managing a small team of dedicated buildings specialists.
Surrey County Council is a County Planning Authority responsible for dealing with planning applications for minerals and waste development, and for the County Council's own development proposals, which include Education and Highways Management. The Historic Environment Planning Team is part of the Environment, Transport and Infrastructure directorate and provides advice, guidance and heritage‑related planning advice to a number of organisations, as well as to the general public.
The successful candidate will be an experienced conservation and buildings specialist with a strong track record in delivering timely, efficient and pragmatic planning‑related services. You will be familiar with the architecture and architectural history of Surrey in particular, and the UK in general, and have thorough knowledge of the investigation, assessment, understanding, conservation and management of historic buildings and conservation areas.
A degree in a suitable heritage‑related subject (History, architectural studies, historic building conservation, archaeology) is required, as is extensive experience in the provision of advice, guidance and expertise in the management of a wide range of historic buildings types, as well as conservation areas and designed landscapes.
We are particularly looking for applicants who can demonstrate how they would develop this role further and expand the boundaries of the current service into new thematic and geographic areas, together with experience of contract management and a talent for developing projects and attracting grant funding. They would also be required to navigate effectively a significant degree of stakeholder engagement, ranging from the general public, through to fellow professionals and elected Members.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, with a passion for and a developed level of experience in advising and managing various aspects of the built historic environment.
- Full membership of the IHBC.
- A broad and detailed knowledge of British Architecture, Designed Landscapes and Archaeology, and a deep and extensive understanding of the planning process surrounding heritage management.
- Excellent IT skills and be confident at using Microsoft Office and GIS applications.
- Provision of examples of service development.
You will need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours. To apply, you should submit a CV and personal statement.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Tony Howe, Historic Environment Planning Manager via email.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31/05/2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Position Type: Permanent Knaphill, Woking, UK. This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Principal Historic Buildings Officer in Woking employer: Local Government Chronicle
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits such as 26 days of holiday, a local government pension, and opportunities for career growth within the Historic Environment Planning Team, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment in Woking.
Contact Details:
Local Government Chronicle Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Historic Buildings Officer in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the heritage and conservation field, attend local events, and join relevant online forums. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for historic buildings! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and projects that highlight your skills in conservation and management. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Surrey's architectural history and current conservation challenges. Being knowledgeable about local issues will impress interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Historic Buildings Officer in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in heritage management and conservation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about historic buildings and how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your experiences and ideas for the role.
Showcase Your Knowledge:We’re looking for someone with a solid understanding of British architecture and the planning process. Make sure to include examples that demonstrate your expertise and familiarity with Surrey’s historic environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Know Your Heritage
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of British architecture and the specific historic buildings in Surrey. Being able to discuss local examples and their significance will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage historic buildings and conservation areas. Highlight any successful projects, especially those involving stakeholder engagement or grant funding.
✨Understand the Planning Process
Familiarise yourself with the planning process related to heritage management. Be ready to discuss how you would navigate this process effectively and provide practical solutions to potential challenges.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach engaging with various stakeholders, from the public to elected members. Prepare some strategies for effective communication and collaboration, as this will be key in your role.
