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- Tasks: Manage and enhance Surrey's Historic Buildings service while leading a dedicated team.
- Company: Surrey County Council, committed to preserving heritage and supporting local communities.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on career growth and stakeholder engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in heritage conservation and engage with the community.
- Qualifications: Degree in heritage-related subject and extensive experience in historic building management.
The predicted salary is between 53713 - 53713 £ per year.
This role has a starting salary of £53,713 per annum based on a 36 hour working week. The office base for this Principal Historic Building Officer position is Woking. We support hybrid working and you will be required to attend the office for at least 2 days per 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 applications from candidates that 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.
Application Requirements
- 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.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and personal statement. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31/05/2026 with interviews planned to follow. We are a disability confident employer which means if you have a shared disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Principal Historic Buildings Officer in London employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Historic Buildings Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the heritage and conservation field. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others who share your passion for historic buildings. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work in heritage management and conservation projects. This will not only highlight your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to the field, making you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your experience with planning processes and stakeholder engagement, as these are key aspects of the Principal Historic Buildings Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s a straightforward process, and it ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to making a real difference in our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Historic Buildings Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Historic Buildings Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in heritage management and conservation, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of British architecture and planning processes.
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 your skills can contribute to the team. Be specific about your achievements and how you plan to develop the role further.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, make sure to include examples of your experience in this area. Whether it's working with the public or collaborating with professionals, show us how you can navigate these relationships effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Heritage
Brush up on your knowledge of British architecture and the specific historic buildings in Surrey. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can enhance the council's Historic Buildings service and share examples of your past work in conservation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share specific instances where you've successfully led projects or teams, especially in heritage management or planning contexts.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to navigate stakeholder engagement by preparing examples of how you've effectively communicated with various groups, from the public to professionals. Highlight any experience you have in managing public consultations or working with elected members.
✨Prepare Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is crucial. Tailor it to reflect your passion for the built historic environment and how you plan to develop the role further. Include specific ideas on expanding the service into new areas and attracting grant funding.