Job Description:

Job Title: Heritage Consultant

Location: Bourne End.

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established Town Planning and Heritage Consultancy with a strong track record of supporting clients and landowners in successfully obtaining planning permission and delivering a wide range of development projects.

The work focuses primarily on commercial and residential planning, with clients including hotel, restaurant and coffee shop operators, housebuilders, land promoters, breweries, banks, sports and leisure organisations, retailers, property developers, private healthcare providers, and housing associations.

Role Overview

We are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Heritage Consultant to support the continued growth of our heritage consultancy services. The successful candidate will provide expert advice on heritage and archaeological matters, working closely with planning colleagues, architects, developers, and local authorities.

You will play a key role in ensuring development proposals comply with heritage legislation, national planning policy, and best practice guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on heritage and archaeology matters to clients, ensuring compliance with relevant planning policies and legislation.
• Prepare Heritage Statements, Archaeological Desk-Based Assessments, Heritage Impact Assessments, and supporting documentation for planning and listed building consent applications.
• Assess the significance of historic buildings, sites, and landscapes, and advise on how best to preserve, enhance, or mitigate impacts on heritage assets.
• Liaise with local planning authorities, Historic England, and other stakeholders to negotiate heritage-related planning matters.
• Undertake site visits and heritage appraisals to assess the impact of proposed developments.
• Advise on conservation best practice, including materials and repair approaches for heritage assets.
• Stay up to date with heritage legislation, planning policy, and industry best practice.
• Support clients through all stages of the planning process, from pre-application to post-consent conditions.
• Delegate appropriate work to junior team members to support their development and ensure efficient delivery.
• Proactively contribute to business development by identifying and securing new work opportunities, including engaging with new and existing clients.
• Attend networking events and industry functions to promote the consultancy and generate leads.
• Contribute to marketing activities, including creating LinkedIn content showcasing projects and achievements.
• Maintain accurate time recording and assist with fee forecasting and WIP reporting.

Key Skills & Experience

• Degree in Archaeology, Architecture, Planning, or a related discipline.
• Experience within a heritage consultancy, planning consultancy, or similar environment.
• Experience preparing heritage reports and appeal statements, and attending hearings.
• Strong knowledge of UK heritage legislation, including the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex heritage issues clearly.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively within a team.
• Membership of CIfA or IHBC is desirable.

Why Join?

• Join a supportive and experienced team of planning and heritage professionals.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• A collaborative working environment with exposure to a wide variety of interesting projects.
• The chance to make a meaningful contribution to heritage-led development projects across the UK.

The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)