DHET is an independent charity dedicated to conserving and promoting Dundee’s historic environment. Through building conservation, traditional skills training, community heritage grants and public engagement, we connect people with their heritage while supporting regeneration, placemaking and community wellbeing. The Trust has recently been awarded funding to March 2031, and we are seeking to engage a Conservation Manager to lead on our building repair grant programme.

Could you lead ambitious conservation projects that make a visible difference to Dundee’s buildings, communities and local economy?

Dundee Historic Environment Trust (DHET) is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Conservation Manager to join our team at an exciting time of development and growth.

This is a rare opportunity to combine heritage expertise, project leadership and partnership working in a role where your work will have a tangible, lasting impact on the city.

The opportunity

As Conservation Manager, you will lead DHET’s building repair grant programme, developing and delivering a strategy for priority areas across Dundee. You will also participate in community-based projects that increase awareness of the city, its built heritage environment and history.

You will work with property owners, businesses, public bodies, communities, funders, as well as planning and property professionals to identify opportunities, develop projects and support them from initial enquiry through to completion.

• You will also play a key role in developing DHET’s wider conservation work. Specifically, you will;
• Lead the development and delivery of building repair grant projects.
• Build relationships with property owners, businesses, community organisations, strategic partners and other City Heritage Trusts.
• Support applicants and oversee funded projects through to completion.
• Support the development and diversification of DHET’s income.
• Advise on climate change and sustainability within building repair projects.
• Develop strong and sustainable partnerships with organisations including Historic Environment Scotland and Dundee City Council.
• Promote and increase the availability of traditional building skills and materials.
• Work with the Trust Manager, Trustees, funders and other stakeholders to shape programmes, priorities and funding.
• Promote DHET’s work and engage with communities and the wider public to raise awareness of the aims of the trust.
• Deputise for the Trust Manager when required.
• Prepare regular reports and updates to the Trust Manager, the Board and HES as required

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion for the historic environment and the experience, confidence and relationship-building skills to turn ideas into successful projects.

You will have:

• A relevant degree or diploma, such as Architecture, Building Conservation, Planning, Surveying or Urban Design, or significant demonstrable relevant experience in the heritage/built environment sector.
• Experience of historic building projects and an understanding of building conservation.
• Knowledge of traditional building skills, materials and practices.
• An understanding of the heritage sector.
• Strong communication, organisational and stakeholder-management skills.
• The ability to develop effective partnerships and work collaboratively across organisations.
• A knowledge of funding sources and a creative and innovative approach to funding projects
• Membership of, or progress towards accreditation with, a relevant professional body such as IHBC, RIAS/RIBA, RICS, CIOB or RTPI is desirable.
• A full driving licence is desirable but not essential.

Why DHET?

At DHET, you won’t simply be managing conservation projects — you’ll be helping shape the future of Dundee’s historic environment.

You’ll join a supportive and collaborative team and have the opportunity to:

Make a difference

Lead projects that benefit historic buildings, communities, the environment and Dundee’s local economy.

Build influence

Work with partners, funders, professionals and organisations across the local, regional and national heritage sector.

Develop your career

Join a respected heritage organisation at an exciting stage of development and help shape its future direction.

Be part of something meaningful

Help ensure Dundee’s distinctive historic environment continues to contribute to vibrant communities and a thriving city.

Ready to make your mark?

If you have the expertise, enthusiasm and ambition to help protect Dundee’s historic environment and deliver projects that make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary: £45,000 per annum or pro rata if four days.

Location: Dundee Historic Environment Trust, 29 Exchange St, Dundee DD1 3DJ

Reporting to: DHET Trust Manager

Annual leave: 35 days,

Pension: Auto-enrolment pension scheme