Senior Historic Buildings Officer

Overview

Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT) is seeking a skilled and passionate Senior Historic Buildings Officer to lead its historic building conservation programmes, support traditional skills development, and engage communities with the region's heritage. This senior, strategic, and hands-on role is central to the Trust's mission to preserve and promote Scotland's built heritage.

About Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust

PKHT is an independent charity dedicated to conserving and promoting the historic environment of Perth and Kinross. Through innovative projects in archaeology, historic building conservation, traditional skills training and public engagement, the Trust connects people with their heritage while supporting regeneration, placemaking and community wellbeing.

Over the past three decades, PKHT has established itself as a trusted expert and advocate for heritage, delivering high-quality projects in partnership with local authorities, funders, community groups and national bodies. With a reputation for impact and innovation, the Trust is entering a new phase of development and is looking for their new Senior Historic Buildings Officer who can combine vision with practical knowledge to build on this success.

What will you do as the Senior Historic Buildings Officer?

As Senior Historic Buildings Officer, you will play a pivotal role in leading PKHT's conservation and heritage programmes. You will manage high-profile projects, oversee grant schemes, support traditional skills development, and engage communities across Perth and Kinross, ensuring that all work is delivered to the highest professional standards while contributing to the Trust's strategic objectives. You will be responsible for:

Key Responsibilities

• Perth City Heritage Fund (PCHF): Lead delivery of the PCHF, manage grants, oversee projects, and support training events, ensuring high-quality outcomes and compliance with funder requirements.
• Community Heritage Grant Scheme: Deliver area-wide heritage grant programmes, supporting applicants, monitoring progress, and reporting outcomes to Trustees.
• Outreach and Skills Development: Deliver public engagement programmes such as Doors Open Days, training workshops, and educational activities, helping communities connect with their heritage.
• Project Leadership: Oversee conservation projects from planning to completion, including design teams, contractors, and stakeholders, ensuring budgets, quality, and timelines are achieved.
• Leadership and Organisational Contribution: Co-manage the Outreach and Skills Officer, provide guidance and development support, contribute to strategic planning, and deputise for the CEO when required.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with property owners, contractors, statutory bodies, and community partners to deliver effective and collaborative projects.
• Reporting and Compliance: Maintain accurate records, monitor project outcomes, and ensure compliance with funding and statutory requirements.

What does Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust need from you

1. Experience: Accreditation or working towards membership with a professional body (e.g., IHBC, RIAS/RIBA, RICS, CIOB, RTPI). (Desirable)
2. A degree or postgraduate qualification in historic building conservation, architecture, heritage management, town planning, or a closely related discipline—or equivalent professional experience.
3. Demonstrable experience managing conservation projects and heritage grant programmes.
4. Proven ability to manage budgets, resources, and multiple projects to deadlines.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Sound understanding of best practice in historic buildings conservation.
• Awareness of the role of heritage in supporting regeneration, economic development, and community wellbeing.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, including the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004, Health and Safety, and grant funding compliance.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and project evaluation.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise professional judgement.
• Competence in IT, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to manage projects and reporting.

What is in it for you?

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a respected heritage charity at a time of exciting change and development. As a Senior Historic Buildings Officer, you will:

• Work in a supportive and collaborative team committed to protecting and promoting heritage.
• Lead high-profile projects with tangible outcomes for communities, the environment, and local economies.
• Engage with partners, funders, and stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels.
• Receive 32 days annual leave (+1 day per year up to 5 years).
• Be auto enrolled into our pension scheme.
• Be entitled to flexible working arrangements.

This is your chance to be part of a heritage organisation making a lasting difference in the communities and built environment of Perth and Kinross.

Closing Date: Midnight on Friday 10th October

Interview Dates: TBC

Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

This search is being conducted for Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust by BTA. Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.

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