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- Tasks: Lead a team managing historic church buildings and support parishes in their care and development.
- Company: Join a supportive Diocese committed to community and heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi-time, remote work options, and 28 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving architectural heritage and supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing historic buildings and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 53664 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Church Buildings Team Leader to lead the Church Buildings team and play a key role in supporting parishes, clergy and diocesan governance structures in the care, repair and development of the Diocese’s significant church buildings estate.
Position: Church Buildings Team Leader
Location: Hove/Hybrid
Salary: £53,664 per annum (£48,297 during training period if Mission & Pastoral responsibilities are phased in)
Hours: 37.5 hour per week (flexi time available)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Midnight on 7th June 2026.
Interview Date: Hove on Friday 26th June 2026.
About the Role
The Diocese is responsible for around 450 church buildings, of which 181 are Grade I listed, 93 are Grade II*, and 99 are Grade II. This is a portfolio of exceptional historic, architectural and community value, presenting both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Reporting to the Property Director, you will lead a skilled professional team and provide high-quality advice on church buildings, churchyards, faculty processes, and (subject to experience and training) mission and pastoral reorganisation. You will act as Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), working closely with clergy, PCCs, archdeacons, external advisers and diocesan colleagues. The role will involve travel across the Diocese, with some evening and occasional weekend working (time off in lieu provided).
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Church Buildings team, including performance management and budgeting
- Support and advise the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches
- Provide expert guidance to parishes and clergy on the care, repair and improvement of church buildings and their contents
- Oversee faculty applications and permissions processes
- Build strong, constructive relationships with stakeholders across the Diocese and beyond
- Contribute to training events, communications and wider diocesan initiatives
- Depending on your experience, you will support mission and pastoral reorganisation and work relating to closed churches, with scope for training and phased responsibility of these aspects of the role
About You
You will bring substantial experience in the care or management of historic or ecclesiastical buildings, along with strong leadership skills and a collaborative approach. You will also have:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as heritage management, architecture, surveying or building conservation
- Strong understanding of heritage legislation, permissions frameworks and national policy relating to church buildings
- Experience working with clergy, PCCs, volunteers or comparable stakeholder groups
- Proven line management experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- An ability to interpret legislation and provide clear, practical advice
- Affiliate membership (or above) of the IHBC and familiarity with the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules are desirable, as is experience of presentation and training delivery.
- Sympathy with the values and mission of the Church of England and committed to collaborative, professional working.
You can view full details of the job description and person specification when you apply.
About the Organisation
The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England. As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
What is on offer:
- Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
- 28 days of annual leave, plus
Church Buildings and Estates Team Leader employer: Not For Profit People
Contact Detail:
Not For Profit People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Church Buildings and Estates Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the church community and related fields. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Diocese and its values thoroughly. Think about how your experience with historic buildings aligns with their mission. Practise answering common interview questions and prepare some thoughtful questions to ask them too.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve led teams or managed projects in the past. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Don’t forget to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Church Buildings and Estates Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with historic or ecclesiastical buildings. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Church Buildings Team Leader, strong leadership is key. Use your written application to demonstrate your management experience and how you've successfully led teams in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and support!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is crucial. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for the role shines through!
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 Not For Profit People
✨Know Your Heritage
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of heritage legislation and permissions frameworks. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the complexities of managing church buildings and can provide the expert guidance needed for this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your previous leadership experiences, especially in managing teams or projects related to historic buildings. Highlight how you've successfully led a team, managed budgets, or navigated complex stakeholder relationships, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you would approach building strong relationships with clergy, PCCs, and other stakeholders. Be ready to share your strategies for effective communication and collaboration, as this will be crucial in supporting parishes and diocesan governance structures.
✨Align with the Values
Familiarise yourself with the ethos and mission of the Church of England. During the interview, express your commitment to these values and how they resonate with your own professional philosophy. This alignment will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your dedication to the organisation's objectives.