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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 experience in historic building management required.
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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the heritage and conservation field, attend relevant events, and connect with people 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
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for historic buildings and conservation. Share your ideas on how you could develop the role further and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Surrey's architectural history and current projects. Being knowledgeable about local heritage will impress interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the community.
✨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 take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Historic Buildings Officer
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 the planning process.
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 our 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, we want to see how you navigate these relationships.
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, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!
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 aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the conservation efforts.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage historic buildings and engage with stakeholders. Highlight any successful projects or grant funding you've secured, as this will show your capability in expanding services.
✨Understand the Planning Process
Familiarise yourself with the planning process related to heritage management. Be prepared to discuss how you would navigate stakeholder engagement and provide effective advice within this context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the Historic Environment Planning Team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can make a real difference in the community.