At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Church Buildings team and support parishes in managing historic church buildings.
- Company: Join a supportive Diocese committed to community and heritage.
- Benefits: Flexi time, 28 days leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving and enhancing significant church buildings.
- Qualifications: Experience in heritage management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53664 - 53664 £ per year.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Church Buildings Team Leader to lead the Church Buildings team and play a key role in supporting parishes, clergy and diocesan governance structures in the care, repair and development of the Diocese's significant church buildings estate. The Diocese is responsible for around 450 church buildings, of which 181 are Grade I listed, 93 are Grade II, and 99 are Grade II. This portfolio of exceptional historic, architectural and community value presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges.
Position Details
- Location: Hove/Hybrid
- Salary: £53,664 per annum (£48,297 during training period if Mission & Pastoral responsibilities are phased in)
- Hours: 37.5 hour per week (flexi time available)
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing Date: Midnight on 7th June 2026
- Interview Date: Hove on Friday 26th June 2026
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Church Buildings team, including performance management and budgeting.
- Support and advise the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches.
- Provide expert guidance to parishes and clergy on the care, repair and improvement of church buildings and their contents.
- Oversee faculty applications and permissions processes.
- Build strong, constructive relationships with stakeholders across the Diocese and beyond.
- Contribute to training events, communications and wider diocesan initiatives.
- Depending on your experience, support mission and pastoral reorganisation and work relating to closed churches, with scope for training and phased responsibility.
About You
You will bring substantial experience in the care or management of historic or ecclesiastical buildings, along with strong leadership skills and a collaborative approach. You will also have:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as heritage management, architecture, surveying or building conservation.
- Strong understanding of heritage legislation, permissions frameworks and national policy relating to church buildings.
- Experience working with clergy, PCCs, volunteers or comparable stakeholder groups.
- Proven line management experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- An ability to interpret legislation and provide clear, practical advice.
- Affiliate membership (or above) of the IHBC and familiarity with the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules are desirable, as is experience of presentation and training delivery.
- Sympathy with the values and mission of the Church of England and committed to collaborative, professional working.
What is on Offer
- Flexi time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF's remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
- 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
- Membership of the Church Worker's Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support.
- Free parking, the ride-to-work scheme and development opportunities.
About the Organisation
The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England. As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive. Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy.
Church Buildings and Estates Leader. Job in Hove LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
The Diocese of Sussex offers a unique opportunity for the Church Buildings and Estates Team Leader to engage with a rich portfolio of historic church buildings while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow within their roles. The organisation's values of respect, professionalism, flexibility, and support create a fulfilling workplace for those dedicated to the mission of the Church of England.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Church Buildings and Estates Leader. Job in Hove LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to church buildings and estates. Attend local events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Diocese and its values. Understand their mission and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and committed!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves advising and guiding others, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Consider mock interviews or speaking with friends to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Church Buildings and Estates Leader. Job in Hove LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with historic or ecclesiastical buildings. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Show Off Your Leadership Skills:As a Church Buildings Team Leader, strong leadership is key. Use your written application to demonstrate your management experience and how you've successfully led teams in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and support!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for the role shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Heritage
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of heritage legislation and permissions frameworks. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the complexities of managing historic church buildings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in performance management and budgeting, as these are key responsibilities for the role. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration within a team.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your experience working with clergy, PCCs, and volunteers, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to convey complex information effectively.
