Location
Home-based with travel across the UK as required, including visits to the Church’s offices in Manchester and London.
Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)
Salary
£50,000 per year
About the Role
The Methodist Church’s listed buildings make a significant contribution to the heritage and life of our urban and rural landscapes. To remain sustainable and continue serving their local communities, these historic churches may need to adapt to changing worship and missional needs. As Connexional Conservation Officer, you will play a key role in protecting, enhancing, and supporting the sustainable use of some of the UK's most significant and valued historic church buildings. You will act as the Church's specialist adviser on heritage, conservation, and the Ecclesiastical Exemption process. Working closely with managing trustees, heritage bodies, committees, and colleagues across the Connexional Team, you will ensure that historic buildings continue to support worship, mission, and community engagement while preserving their architectural and historic significance. This is a unique opportunity to combine professional conservation expertise with meaningful work that supports the mission and witness of the Methodist Church. Please note that applications from Methodist Ministers (Presbyters and Deacons) cannot be considered for this role.
Our Culture, Values and Benefits
We are an inclusive and welcoming team that values employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Benefits include generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), flexi-leave and/or TOIL where applicable, access to an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service, and a generous occupational pension scheme with employer contributions up to 16%. The Methodist Church is committed to encouraging applications from all backgrounds and fostering an inclusive workplace.
Experience
Proven experience as a conservation professional with knowledge of heritage and listed building conservation. Experience in administering Ecclesiastical Exemption arrangements and working with heritage bodies is highly desirable.
About you
You are a knowledgeable and proactive conservation professional with strong technical expertise and excellent relationship-building and influencing skills. You can lead the administration of heritage processes, support committees, assess repair and development proposals, and work collaboratively with trustees and external stakeholders to achieve positive conservation outcomes. You are committed to promoting compliance with heritage legislation and supporting the sustainable adaptation of historic buildings in line with mission, inclusion, accessibility, and Net Zero Carbon objectives.
Qualifications
Relevant professional qualifications in conservation or heritage management are expected. Transferable skills and experience will also be considered.
