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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 salary, 26-31 days holiday, pension, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid working, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving historic buildings and engaging with the community.
- Qualifications: Degree in heritage-related subject and extensive conservation experience required.
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.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our values.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Tony Howe, Historic Environment Planning Manager via email.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31/05/2026 with interviews planned to follow. This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Principal Historic Buildings Officer in Woking 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 Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the heritage and conservation field, especially those connected to Surrey County Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about enhancing historic buildings and have ideas on how to expand their services into new areas.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with historic buildings and conservation areas. We want to hear how your skills align with the role and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Surrey County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Historic Buildings Officer in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Principal Historic Buildings Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and enhance our Historic Buildings service.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of historic buildings and conservation areas. We’re looking for someone with a strong track record, so share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your expertise in this field.
Engage with Stakeholders: Since stakeholder engagement is key in this role, include any relevant experiences where you've successfully navigated relationships with various stakeholders. We want to know how you can effectively communicate and collaborate with others.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember 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. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Heritage
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Surrey's architectural history and the specific historic buildings in the area. Being able to discuss local examples during your interview will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
As a Principal Historic Buildings Officer, you'll be managing a small team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to stakeholder engagement and project management.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to conservation and planning. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, especially in terms of balancing public interest with regulatory requirements.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
The role requires someone who can expand the current service into new areas. Be ready to share your ideas on how you would develop the Historic Buildings service further, including potential projects or funding opportunities you could pursue.