The role also includes responsibility for church closure schemes and closed churches, working with a wide range of stakeholders to secure sustainable futures for historic church buildings no longer required for worship.

This is a high-profile leadership role requiring strategic vision, excellent people management skills and a passion for conserving and sustaining some of England's most important heritage assets. It will require someone comfortable working autonomously and to bring their own ideas and enthusiasm to the transformation work, successfully put in train by the previous post-holder. It provides a fantastic opportunity for a senior leader to influence and mould the future operating model of the Church Buildings’ Team.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring leader with a strong background in historic building conservation, heritage management, property, architecture or a related field.

You will have:

• Experience of managing complex projects, leading professional teams and working with multiple stakeholders in often sensitive and politically nuanced environments.
• Experience of operating at both strategic and operational levels, with excellent communication skills and the ability to influence, negotiate and build effective partnerships.
• A deep understanding of conservation principles and the management of historic buildings, together with the ability to balance heritage considerations with the mission, worship and community needs of today's churches.
• Significant experience of leading and developing professional staff and teams.
• Experience of strategic planning and delivering programmes that support the care and sustainability of historic buildings.
• Strong project, governance and budget management skills.
• The ability to work confidently with senior leaders, committees and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of reports and presentations.
• An understanding of, and sympathy with, the mission and work of the Church of England.

Knowledge of the Church of England's faculty jurisdiction, ecclesiastical legislation and church closure processes would be advantageous, although applications are welcome from professionals with transferable experience from related sectors.

You do not need to be a practising Christian to work with us. Around half of our staff are not practising Christians, but all are comfortable working within the Christian ethos and values that underpin our work.

The successful candidate must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you do not hear from us, your application has not been successful. We are particularly keen to receive applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority heritage and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented.

Our client is committed to the safeguarding, care, and nurture of everyone within the church community. They follow and are committed to their Safeguarding Policies and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance, "Working together" to ensure the welfare of children and young people is paramount.

You may have experience in other areas such as Facilities, Heritage, Conservation, Buildings, Estate, Historic Buildings, Property, Head of Facilities, Head of Heritage and Conservation, Head of Buildings, Head of Estate, Head of Historic Buildings, Head of Property.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP