At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to care for and develop historic church buildings across the Diocese.
- Company: Join a supportive and collaborative team within the Church of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi-time, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and remote working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving heritage while supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing historic buildings and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53664 - 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
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 bank holidays and two privilege days per year
- Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support
- Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities
Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy.
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape children’s and youth ministry, we would love to hear from you.
You may have experience in areas such as Buildings Team Leader, Buildings Manager, Facilities Manager, Site Manager, Historic Buildings Manager, Estates Manager, Estates Team Leader, Estates and Site Officer, Heritage Buildings Manager, Conservation Manager.
Church Buildings Team Leader in Hove employer: Not For Profit People
The Diocese offers a rewarding opportunity for the Church Buildings Team Leader to engage with a significant portfolio of historic church buildings while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while contributing to the community's spiritual and architectural heritage. The values of respect, professionalism, and support underpin the culture, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about heritage management and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Church Buildings Team Leader in Hove
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the church and heritage sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Diocese and its values. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Church Buildings Team Leader, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the role.
✨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 are proactive about their job search. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Church Buildings Team Leader in Hove
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 of Church Buildings Team Leader, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Show Off Your Leadership Skills:As a leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your management style and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated and guided others, as this will resonate well with us.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still being engaging.
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 role. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information there to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Not For Profit People
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the heritage legislation and permissions frameworks relevant to church buildings. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and understanding of the 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 and navigated challenges in similar environments.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your collaborative approach with clergy, PCCs, and other groups, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to convey complex information effectively.
