Church Buildings and Estates Team Leader
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
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.
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.
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