At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead heritage projects, develop strategies, and mentor a new Trust Manager.
- Company: Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust, dedicated to preserving the city's heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working patterns, and impactful community work.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and networking within the heritage sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving Sheffield's historic buildings and engage with local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in heritage conservation and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € per year.
Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust is a new building preservation trust (BPT) for the city, registered as a charity in 2024. Its mission is to rescue heritage at risk. The Trust has been set up in response to Joined‑Up Heritage Sheffield (JUHS)’s Heritage Strategy for Sheffield 2021‑31, whose Action Plan called for a BPT to be established for the city. The Trust aims to acquire and repair vacant and neglected historic buildings and adapt them for viable new uses, for the benefit of the public.
Acting as a developer of last resort, its projects will typically involve sites which have a ‘conservation deficit’ (where the cost of repairs exceeds the market value of the asset once repaired). The Trust is committed to delivering projects that will meet the highest conservation standards and, where possible, promote conservation skills training and education. It intends to achieve its objectives by working in partnership with a range of local stakeholders, including Sheffield City Council and voluntary and community sector groups.
The Brief
The Trustees wish to appoint an experienced Heritage Consultant to lead on the development of Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust as an effective building preservation trust for the city, establishing the charity as a trusted partner for Sheffield City Council and other key stakeholders. This will involve working with SHBT Trustees to:
- Ensure the Trust is ready to employ a Trust Manager, having relevant policies and procedures in place and being compliant with relevant legislation
- Recruit and mentor a part‑time Trust Manager, who will be its first employee
- Identify and initiate the Trust’s first building conservation project, including seeking funding and working with external consultants to undertake viability appraisals
- Develop a fundraising strategy and outline business model
- Develop a stakeholder management plan
- Develop a communications and social media strategy, including commissioning and managing website designers
- Ensure Trustees have completed training on charity governance, financial and legislative requirements, where relevant – with appropriate training records kept
To fulfil the brief, the consultant will need to be a self‑motivated, highly organised individual, able to deliver high quality work without close supervision and to bring enthusiasm and energy to the role. It is expected that they will be able to demonstrate some knowledge of the economic and social context within which they are working – Sheffield and its wider region. They will also be required to attend monthly Trustee meetings (which take place in the evening) and other in‑person meetings and events in Sheffield when required.
By the end of the contract period, it is expected that the following will have been achieved:
- A Trust Manager established in post and ready to work independently, to lead on the development of a heritage conservation project
- A fundraising strategy is in place and being implemented, with grant income received for both running costs and capital projects
- The Trust is well connected to both city‑wide and national networks with a clear understanding of its partners and stakeholders
- The Trust has an excellent website and an active social media presence, guided by a clear communications strategy
Contract terms
We will offer a fixed fee of £400 per day, not including expenses and VAT. The appointment will be made by 30 June 2026. It is anticipated that the contract will run for approximately 58 days in total (equivalent to one to two days per week, taking into account holiday periods), to end by 30 June 2027. We can be flexible about working patterns and the contract end date – this will be subject to discussion and agreement with the chosen consultant.
Timeline
- 30/04/2026 – Brief for services issued
- 31/05/2026 – Completed tenders to be returned
- w/c 08/06/2026 – Interviews
- By 15/06/2026 – Contract awarded
Heritage Consultant employer: Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust
Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to preserving the city's heritage while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. As a newly established charity, we offer unique opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to lead impactful projects that benefit the community and enhance your skills in heritage conservation. Our flexible working arrangements and commitment to training ensure that you can thrive both personally and professionally in Sheffield's vibrant cultural landscape.
Contact Detail:
Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Heritage Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local heritage events and connect with people in the field. You never know who might have a lead on your next opportunity or can introduce you to key stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for heritage! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for conservation and how you can contribute to their mission. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the organisation. Ask questions about their projects and express your interest in being part of their journey. This shows initiative and genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your skills and experiences relevant to heritage consultancy. Share articles or insights about conservation to position yourself as a knowledgeable candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Heritage Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Heritage:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for heritage conservation shine through. We want to see how much you care about preserving Sheffield's historic buildings and how your experience aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Heritage Consultant role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that demonstrate your ability to lead projects and engage with stakeholders effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 with Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with Sheffield's heritage and the specific challenges it faces. Research the Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust and its mission to rescue heritage at risk. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare Your Strategy
Think about how you would approach developing a fundraising strategy or initiating a building conservation project. Be ready to discuss your ideas and how they align with the Trust's objectives. Having a clear plan will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As the role requires high levels of organisation, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed projects or teams. Highlight your ability to work independently and deliver quality results without close supervision.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your understanding of stakeholder management by discussing how you would build relationships with local councils and community groups. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles.
