Buildings Project Officer (Church Building Support)

Church of England; Penwortham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent faith organization is looking for a Buildings Project Officer to oversee the maintenance and improvement of church buildings. The role involves supporting parishes, managing grants, and ensuring compliance with regulatory practices. Candidates should have experience in project management and a strong understanding of building regulations. The position requires travel across the Diocese and may include occasional weekend work.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing building maintenance and development projects.
• Strong links with church communities and stakeholders.
• Understanding of funding mechanisms for building projects.

Responsibilities

• Support parishes in planning repair and development projects.
• Manage grant schemes related to church building improvements.
• Advise on compliance with building best practices and legislation.

Skills

Project management

Knowledge of building regulations

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Job Summary

This role is a key part of the Buildings Team and the postholder will lead on ensuring our church and other buildings are well maintained, have access to improvement opportunities and are fit for the future. The postholder will be part of a dynamic local team and part of a national network as well as working on own initiative to make the best use of the assets across the Diocese.

This is a post funded by the Church Commissioners of the Church of England through their Buildings for Mission programme. The initial funding runs until June 2026 and the Commissioners have confirmed intent for funding for a further three years, which is expected to be finalised at the start of 2026.

The Buildings Project Officer is a member of the Right Buildings team, based at St James' House in Liverpool, and supports parishes across the Diocese in caring for their church buildings and halls.

Main Purpose

This post will report to the Head of Buildings Project Management who leads the Right Buildings team, working across all church buildings in the Diocese.

Duties will include:

• Support parishes in caring for their church buildings and planning repair and development projects.
• Advise on the development of churches to be fit for mission for the future. This will include the introduction of new facilities, improved access, and compliance with building best practice and legislation.
• Prepare the ground for strategic Right Buildings reviews within the Fit for Mission programme.

Key responsibilities

• Develop strong links between Diocese and parishes.
• Manage the Minor Repairs and Improvements grant scheme, Net Zero Quick Wins grant scheme and other similar schemes.
• Ensure that items identified on quinquennial inspections are being strategically addressed and liaise with the DAC to ensure approvals are in place for works as necessary.
• Work alongside the Net Zero 2030 Lead to deliver a range of related works across the Diocese.
• Work with colleagues to assess, scope and develop plans for improving buildings for mission. Where parish resources are lacking the postholder will project manage minor works.
• Assist in the delivery of the Church Buildings Management Partnership Pilot in each delivery area.
• Signpost parishes to colleagues for assistance with permissions, fundraising and finance and governance issues.
• Advise and assist on buildings best practice and compliance with current legislation.
• Provide information on conservation and historic environment management, and signpost to relevant colleagues, organisations, published guidance and training opportunities as appropriate.
• Liaise with the national Cathedrals and Church Buildings Training and Support Officer.
• Support the ethos, aims and objectives of Christianity, the Church of England and the Diocese.
• Engage in training and continuous professional development activities, keeping up to date with developments in their area of work.

The post holder will travel around the Diocese to meet with people, hear their plans and see their amazing spaces, whether it is a church in Liverpool City Centre or a small rural parish. The post holder may occasionally be required to work outside normal office hours including occasional weekend working, subject to time off in lieu.

Beyond the Diocese the postholder will be included in a wider network of Church Building Support Officers across England, gaining access to regular meetings, information, meet ups and a national conference, allowing for the sharing of best practice and shared experiences in the role.