At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in the care and development of historic church buildings across the Diocese.
- Company: Join a supportive and professional team within the Church of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi-time, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving heritage while supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing historic buildings and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53664 - 53664 £ per year.
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.
Position: Church Buildings Team Leader
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.
About the Role
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 is a portfolio of exceptional historic, architectural and community value, presenting both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Reporting to the Property Director, you will lead a skilled professional team and provide high-quality advice on church buildings, churchyards, faculty processes, and (subject to experience and training) mission and pastoral reorganisation. You will act as Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), working closely with clergy, PCCs, archdeacons, external advisers and diocesan colleagues. The role will involve travel across the Diocese, with some evening and occasional weekend working (time off in lieu provided).
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, you will support mission and pastoral reorganisation and work relating to closed churches, with scope for training and phased responsibility of these aspects of the role
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
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.
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, ride to work scheme and development opportunities
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 Team Lead - Hybrid/Remote Heritage employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
The Diocese of Sussex is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for the Church Buildings Team Leader role. With a commitment to professional development, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for remote working. The organisation fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about heritage management and community service.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Church Buildings Team Lead - Hybrid/Remote Heritage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the church and heritage sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with others on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Church Buildings Team Leader role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Diocese and its church buildings. Understand their challenges and opportunities. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re the one who gets their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past where you’ve led teams or managed projects successfully. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that experience to the Church Buildings team and make a real impact.
✨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. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Church Buildings Team Lead - Hybrid/Remote Heritage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Heritage:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for historic and ecclesiastical buildings shine through. We want to see how your values align with the mission of the Church of England and how you can contribute to preserving these significant structures.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in heritage management or similar fields. We’re looking for someone who can provide expert guidance, so be specific about your past roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of this position.
Be Clear and Concise:Your written application should be easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, as we value excellent communication. Remember, we want to understand your qualifications without sifting through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the heritage legislation and permissions frameworks relevant to church buildings. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated these in past roles will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams, particularly in a collaborative environment. Think of specific instances where you successfully managed a project or resolved conflicts within a team, as this will highlight your leadership capabilities.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with clergy, PCCs, or other community groups, showcasing your communication skills and collaborative approach.
✨Align with the Mission
Understand the values and mission of the Church of England. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision of helping people know, love, and follow Jesus.
