Director of Fabric & Estates

Lincoln Cathedral; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic religious site is seeking a Director of Fabric & Estates to oversee the stewardship and sustainability of its significant estate. The successful candidate will manage conservation and strategic development while ensuring operational efficiency. Strong candidates will have a track record in heritage management and the ability to lead productive teams. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of Europe's most important buildings, contributing to its mission and future.

Qualifications

• Experienced heritage professional with a track record of senior leadership.
• Ability to manage operational delivery effectively.
• Commitment to leading collaborative and productive teams.

Responsibilities

• Steward long-term care of Lincoln Cathedral and its estate.
• Lead conservation efforts and strategic estate development.
• Ensure sustainability and compliance with statutory requirements.

Skills

Strong strategic acumen

Experience managing complex estates

Leadership of high-performing teams

Relationship building skills

Job description

Salary: £60,000-70,000 pa

Location: Lincoln

Closing Date: 17:00 on Monday 2nd February 2026

Lincoln Cathedral has stood as a symbol of faith, craftsmanship, and human endeavour for over 950 years. It is a place of worship, pilgrimage, and welcome, while also representing an internationally significant heritage asset entrusted to our care and a visitor destination welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This is an exciting time to join the Cathedral with a new Dean and Chief Operating Officer both now established and a strong sense of unity in delivering our vision to be a beacon of hope for all.

In this context, we now seek a Director of Fabric & Estates, responsible for the long-term stewardship, development, and sustainability of Lincoln Cathedral and its historic estate, ensuring it is protected, cared for, and handed on to future generations. The care of the Cathedral fabric is a continuous commitment supported by our own on-site Works Department, a centre of excellence for heritage skills and craft. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the postholder will provide senior leadership for both the conservation of the Cathedral fabric and the strategic development of the wider estate, including estate masterplanning, town planning, statutory consents, and long-term sustainability. Beyond the Cathedral itself, the wider estate includes over 80 historic buildings and structures, including residential and commercial properties, walls, and monuments within the Close. Stewardship of this complex estate requires long-term strategic leadership alongside sound operational judgement.

You will be an experienced heritage professional with a track record of success as a senior leader managing complex and multi-faceted estates and assets. You will bring strong strategic acumen with the ability to effectively manage operational delivery, marked by a commitment to leading collaborative, productive and high performing teams of experts. You will bring energy, vision and capable relationship building skills to this role, demonstrating how the skills you have developed managing other heritage sites will enable you to support the ongoing care and development of Lincoln Cathedral.

This role offers a rare opportunity to make a lasting contribution to one of the most significant buildings in Europe, and to the life, mission, and future of Lincoln Cathedral. For more details about the role, an informal conversation to explore your suitability, and to apply, please click the 'Apply now' button.