Design and Heritage Officer

Protect what makes us iconic - and help shape what comes next.

As a Design and Heritage Officer, you'll help make sure our past is protected - and our future thoughtfully shaped. You'll be part of a supportive team working with purpose, care and creativity in one of the country's most unique urban environments.

Working Style:

You'll be working in the Borough, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you're working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you'll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents' lives.

What you'll be doing:

Our team is expanding and with us, you'll get stuck into the detail of some of the most architecturally significant places in the UK. From listed buildings and conservation areas to hidden corners and high-profile landmarks, you'll assess proposals, visit sites, and give expert advice to make sure every change fits its context - and adds to the story of the borough.

You'll focus on conservation, yes - but this isn't about freezing things in time. It's about working collaboratively to find thoughtful, sustainable ways to retrofit historic buildings, enable quality design, and balance heritage with progress. That might mean reviewing a plan to upgrade a 19th-century home with green technology, or helping shape a development that sits beside a national landmark.

You'll write reports, provide advice, and contribute to planning decisions that will have a lasting impact. No two days are the same - and every day, your work will help protect the character that makes Kensington and Chelsea so distinctive.

For further details, click here to review the Job Description and Person Specification.

What you'll bring:

You'll bring a degree in conservation, planning, architecture, or urban design - along with a passion for heritage, a good understanding of design, and a strong sense of how to work sensitively within a historic urban context.

Maybe you've already had some experience in a local authority or conservation setting. Maybe you've studied listed buildings and planning policy and are ready to apply that knowledge in practice. Either way, you'll be someone who's confident communicating your ideas, enjoys problem-solving, and can balance the details with the bigger picture.

We're looking for someone who's collaborative, curious and ready to learn. You'll care deeply about sustainability and place, and want to make a real contribution to a borough that's rich in history - and full of potential.

Why join us:

At RBKC, we're all in - investing in our people, our communities and our future.

You'll join a welcoming, experienced group of colleagues who support each other and value your contribution. This is a chance to work on some of the UK's most recognisable buildings and townscapes, in a role where you'll grow fast, be trusted early, and see the impact of your work every day.

You'll also be supported with professional development, training and learning opportunities - whether that's expanding your knowledge, building your networks, or exploring where your career could go next.

Interview Details:

Interviews will be held week commencing 28th July 2025. There will be a short assessment as part of the selection process, and all necessary details will be provided ahead of the interview if required.

About us:

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.

As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.

In this role, you'll help us do conservation differently. You'll work closely with applicants, architects and planners - not just to apply policy, but to find the best possible outcome for the places and people involved. You'll be joining a borough that doesn't shy away from complexity, but meets it with collaboration, care and a willingness to get stuck in.

Ready to join us?

We're all in - are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description. We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.