Compensation and Working Hours
This role has a starting salary of £53,713 per annum based on a 36 hour working week. The office base is Woking, with hybrid working supported; you will be required to attend the office for at least two 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 five days of carer's leave and two paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependent leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Access to a learning and development hub with 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 in Woking, the 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 planning process, while managing a small team of dedicated buildings specialists.
The role requires an experienced conservation and buildings specialist with a strong track record of delivering timely, efficient, and pragmatic planning‑related services. Candidates should be familiar with Surrey’s architecture and architectural history, and have thorough knowledge of the investigation, assessment, 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 providing advice, guidance and expertise for a wide range of historic building types, conservation areas and designed landscapes.
We seek candidates who can demonstrate how they would develop this role further and expand the boundaries of the current service into new thematic and geographic areas, with experience of contract management and a talent for developing projects and attracting grant funding. They should also navigate effectively through significant stakeholder engagement, ranging from the general public to fellow professionals and elected members.
Qualifications
Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, with a passion for and developed experience in advising and managing various aspects of the built historic environment
Full membership of the IHBC
A broad and detailed knowledge of British architecture, designed landscapes, and archaeology, and a deep understanding of the planning process surrounding heritage management
Excellent IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office and GIS applicationsProvision of examples of service development
Willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role.
Employment Status
Newly appointed staff may be transferred in 2027 as part of local government reorganisation, ensuring continuity of terms and conditions.
Equal Opportunities
We are a disability‑confident employer. If you disclose a disability on your application and meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee an interview. We value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join our team.
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