At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing and preserving historic church buildings across the Diocese.
- Company: Join a supportive and professional team within the Church of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi-time, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community heritage while working with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in heritage management or related fields is essential.
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.
Church Buildings and Estates Team Leader in Preston employer: Not For Profit People
The Diocese of Sussex offers a rewarding opportunity for the Church Buildings and Estates Team Leader to lead a dedicated team in the stewardship of a remarkable portfolio of historic church buildings. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while contributing to the community's spiritual and architectural heritage. The organisation values respect, professionalism, and collaboration, 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 and Estates Team Leader in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to church buildings and estates. Attend local events or online webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Diocese and its values. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is crucial. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery.
✨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 Church Buildings and Estates Team Leader in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for church buildings and heritage shine through. We want to see how much you care about preserving these significant structures and supporting the community.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing historic or ecclesiastical buildings. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to work with various stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read.
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.
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 improved processes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your collaborative approach, particularly with clergy, PCCs, and volunteers, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Align with the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of the Church of England. Be ready to express your sympathy with these values during the interview, as it’s important for them to see that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely committed to their ethos.
