Head Virger – Canterbury Cathedral (£35,000 per annum)
Canterbury Cathedral, the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Virger to lead and manage the Cathedral’s Virger Team. This pivotal role offers a rare opportunity to be at the heart of a vibrant worshipping community, overseeing the coordination of services, pastoral care, safeguarding, and operational support for worship and events. The successful candidate will be an inspirational leader with a deep understanding of Anglican liturgy and the ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, in a physically demanding environment.
As a key member of the Cathedral’s life and ministry, the Head Virger will play an essential role in ensuring Canterbury Cathedral remains a place of sanctuary and welcome for all. This full-time role and requires the post-holder to live onsite. If you are passionate about church life, heritage, and offering excellent care and support to worshippers and visitors alike, we warmly invite you to apply.
5. Job Description + Other Requirements (e.g. DBS Check)
Summary: Team leader role, overseeing the Virger team and supporting worship, pastoral care, and events in the Cathedral.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage and supervise Virgers and volunteers (Chaplains, Stewards, Holy Stitchers, Flower Arrangers, Linen Laundry Team)
Curate and support worship and services.
Provide pastoral care and safeguarding oversight.
Operational leadership including Health and Safety and emergency response.
Liaise with cleaning and security teams.
Maintain Cathedral infrastructure and AV equipment.
Budget management for the Virger team.
DBS Check Requirement: While not explicitly stated, safeguarding responsibilities and work with vulnerable adults strongly imply an enhanced DBS check is essential.
Other Notable Requirements:
Live onsite.
Participate in professional development and network of Cathedral Virgers.
Be physically fit and able to work at height, with stairs and uneven surfaces.
Work flexibly including evenings and weekends.
First Aid trained (or willing to train).
Salary
Salary: £31,000 plus house on site
Job Description and Application Process
The Recruitment Pack may be downloaded here.
Application can be made via the link here.
Please email the following to Vicki.Wesley@canterbury-cathedral.org
Closing 31st May, with in person first round interviews on 9th June , with potential second round on 16th June.
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