Leeds City Council: Principal Heritage Officer

The Institute Of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC); Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council is seeking an experienced Principal Heritage Officer to assess and manage the impacts of the Mass Transit system on the historic environment. This role, offering flexible hybrid working, includes contributing to planning processes and providing specialist guidance on conservation measures. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and have experience in collaboration and understanding of heritage legislation. Salary ranges from £46,142 to £49,282.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays

Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Flexible working arrangements

Career pathway and professional development opportunities

Staff benefits for wellbeing

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification or specialist degree in heritage or a related field.
• Detailed understanding of the relevant specialism, legislation and practice.
• Experience of working effectively with others to deliver cross‑project initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to statutory and regulatory processes, including the preparation of TWAOs.
• Review heritage statements, planning applications and technical reports related to heritage impacts.
• Provide specialist guidance on heritage conservation measures.

Skills

Relevant qualification or specialist degree in heritage

Understanding of relevant specialism, legislation and practice

Experience of effective collaboration

Job description

Principal Heritage Officer, Leeds City Council

Salary: £46,142 – £49,282 (PO4)

Full time (37 hours/week, permanent)

Location: City Development, Merrion House, Leeds City Centre; flexible hybrid working with some work in Bradford at Britannia House.

Leeds City Council is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Principal Heritage Officer to shape the historic environment response to the West Yorkshire Mass Transit scheme. The role offers a unique opportunity to support heritage and conservation matters related to this major infrastructure programme, ensuring that the city’s historic assets are appropriately considered and protected.

As a cross‑boundary resource for both Leeds City Council and Bradford Council, you will contribute to heritage impact strategies, advise on planning and design, and play a key role in statutory processes, including the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and representation at public inquiries.

About You

• A relevant qualification or specialist degree in heritage or a related field.
• Detailed understanding of the relevant specialism, legislation and practice.
• Experience of working effectively with others to deliver cross‑project initiatives.

About the Role

The Principal Heritage Officer will assess, manage and advise on the impacts of the Mass Transit system on the historic environment. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring that assets are appropriately considered throughout the planning, construction and operational phases of the scheme, and will help shape city‑wide policy and provide specialist guidance on planning and conservation matters.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to statutory and regulatory processes, including the preparation of TWAOs and representing the organisation in formal proceedings such as public inquiries.
• Review heritage statements, planning applications and technical reports related to heritage impacts.
• Provide specialist guidance on heritage conservation measures throughout design and construction stages, including drafting robust planning conditions.

What We Offer You

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial wellbeing

How To Apply

Complete the online application form and read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

Closing date

11 December 2025 (invites for interview to be issued in January 2026).