Westminster Abbey is a living church, a treasured part of Britain’s heritage and an architectural masterpiece at the heart of a World Heritage Site. The Abbey occupies a central place in the celebration of great events for the nation, most recently hosting the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and it attracts over 1.5 million worshippers and visitors each year. Maintaining, conserving and restoring this unique place is a key priority for the Dean and Chapter. The Abbey buildings have been continuously developed over 1000 years, and following the success of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries opened in 2018, we now have ambitious plans to continue that tradition with an exciting new building on the site and foundations of the Great Sacristy.
The Deputy Clerk of the Works is a key role at the heart of the Abbey’s busy Works Department. Working with and occasionally deputising for Ian Bartlett, the Clerk of the Works (CotW), the postholder will ensure that the fabric, plant, precincts and overall environment of the Abbey are maintained to the highest possible standards of quality and sustainability and will take responsibility for some of our most significant restoration and development projects. This requires both disciplined programme and process management and the creative flair to shape the future of a site of such outstanding national and international importance.
We are seeking to appoint an experienced and qualified professional, renowned for their expertise in the maintenance, conservation and development of highly complex listed buildings. You will have extensive knowledge of the key trades and building methodologies, coupled with a profound grasp of current best practice, systems and standards. You will be an able and practical operational manager with the people management and communication skills to ensure that effective relationships are maintained within the Works team, across the Abbey and with key external partners.
For further details please refer to the application pack.
Salary
The salary will be between £75,000 per annum, dependent on experience, and is paid on the last Friday of each month. Salary is reviewed annually.
Working Hours
These are 40 hours per week. The normal arrangement of working hours is 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday; however, the postholder will be required to work hours that suit the needs of the organisation.
Annual Holidays
The full-time holiday entitlement is 33 days per annum, including recognised public holidays.
Training
On-site training will be provided in all aspects of the job. Any further training needs will be assessed through the probation period and in annual appraisals.
Pension Scheme and Life Assurance
All employees can join a Group Personal Pension plan, where the minimum employee contribution is 3% and the maximum employer contribution is 9% (as determined by the level of the employee contribution). You will be auto-enrolled into our qualifying workplace pension scheme after 3 months, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
All employees are covered by death-in-service life assurance, whether or not they choose to join the pension scheme.
Staff Discount
All employees receive a 20% discount on purchases from the Westminster Abbey shop and a 30% discount on purchases from the Benugo outlets, which serve refreshments.
Season Ticket Loan
A season ticket loan is offered after satisfactory completion of a probationary period, repayable over 10 months.
Medical Insurance
The Abbey will pay 50% of premiums to join a nominated medical insurance scheme after one year’s employment.
Uniform
If a uniform and/or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided, this must be worn at all times.