At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead heritage conservation efforts and shape planning policies in Tameside.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to preserving Tameside's rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and strong professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on wellbeing, creativity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Tameside's future while protecting its historical treasures.
- Qualifications: Degree in conservation or related field with significant heritage experience.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 50269 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade I. Scale 35 - £46,142 to Scale 39 - £50,269 with a professional bar at Scale 37 - £48,226
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Tameside One
Assessment Date: To be arranged
The Role
Be part of something exceptional. Shape the future by protecting the past. Tameside is on an exciting journey. Recently selected by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as one of the UK’s new “Heritage Places” and the first in Greater Manchester we are securing long‑term investment to unlock the full potential of our historic environment.
We are now seeking a Principal Conservation Officer to play a pivotal role in delivering this ambitious vision: protecting and enhancing our rich heritage while supporting regeneration, growth and high‑quality placemaking across the borough.
As our Principal Conservation Officer, you will lead on heritage and conservation matters across Tameside, ensuring that development respects local character and contributes positively to our places and communities.
Responsibilities
- Provide specialist heritage advice on planning applications, listed buildings and conservation areas
- Shape planning policy and develop strategies that safeguard and enhance the historic environment
- Lead a multidisciplinary team including urban design, landscape and arboriculture specialists
- Support major regeneration projects, ensuring heritage is central to sustainable growth
- Champion innovative reuse of heritage assets and address buildings at risk
- Represent Tameside in regional partnerships, including the Greater Manchester Conservation Officers Group
- Manage key initiatives such as conservation area programmes and shopfront improvement grants
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and benefits including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- The chance to work on major mixed‑use regeneration and heritage projects
- Strong commitment to professional development and career progression
- A supportive, innovative and forward‑thinking culture
- Opportunities to shape the borough for future generations
- A workplace that values wellbeing, creativity and inclusion
About You
We’re looking for a motivated and experienced heritage professional who can bring expertise, leadership and creativity to the role.
Essential Requirements
- A degree in conservation, planning, architecture, archaeology or a related field
- Significant experience providing heritage advice within planning and regeneration contexts
- Strong understanding of heritage legislation, policy and best practice
- Proven ability to assess historic buildings and advise on repair, design and impact
- Experience developing heritage strategies and delivering conservation‑led outcomes
- Excellent communication skills able to influence colleagues, stakeholders and communities
- Experience working collaboratively across disciplines and with external partners
Desirable (but not essential)
- Professional accreditation (IHBC, RTPI, RIBA, CIfA)
- Experience in local authority or city‑region environments
- Knowledge of Greater Manchester heritage networks
- Experience managing staff or projects and delivering grant programmes
- Familiarity with tools such as GIS or CAD
Make a Difference
This is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to protect Tameside’s heritage while helping drive its future. If you are passionate about conservation and want to make a tangible impact on places and communities, we’d love to hear from you.
This post is a politically restricted post. This post is a designated customer‑facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English. If you have completed the GM Elevate programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application. Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.
For further information about this role please contact the recruiting manager Graham Holland.
Principal Conservation Officer in Denton employer: Tameside Council
Join Tameside Council as a Principal Conservation Officer and be part of an innovative team dedicated to preserving our rich heritage while driving sustainable growth. With a competitive salary, membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a strong commitment to professional development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Tameside's historic environment. Our supportive and inclusive work culture values creativity and wellbeing, making it an exceptional place for passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful impact.
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