Organisation: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Salary: £65,964 to £72,658, plus civil service pension, generous holiday entitlement and other benefits
Location: Edinburgh
Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the world’s leading botanical institutions. Home to four nationally significant gardens, internationally important living collections and ambitious capital projects, RBGE is driven by a vision of a positive future for plants, people and the planet. In this influential leadership role, you will help ensure our estate is sustainable, resilient and fit for the future.
Reporting to the Executive team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across more than 270 acres of estate, 130 buildings and four gardens located across Scotland. From leading major capital programmes, including the Edinburgh Biomes project and renewable energy initiatives, to developing a long-term Estates Masterplan, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering world-class facilities that support science, horticulture, learning and visitor experience.
We’re looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader with significant estates, facilities or asset management experience gained in a complex, multi-site environment. You’ll bring strong commercial acumen, expertise in managing projects and budgets, a commitment to health, safety and compliance, and a genuine passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Closing date: Midday (GMT) on Friday, 13 November 2026
Interview date: Friday, 27 November 2026
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Head of Estates & Sustainability employer: ASVA
The National Trust for Scotland offers an exceptional work environment at The Mackintosh Tearooms, where you can lead a passionate kitchen team dedicated to delivering high-quality dining experiences. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to sustainability, this role provides opportunities for growth in a vibrant cultural setting in Glasgow. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values creativity, teamwork, and the preservation of Scotland's heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates & Sustainability
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like ASVA.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like ASVA? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit ASVA's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Head of Estates & Sustainability role at ASVA, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASVA
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where ASVA operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to ASVA. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at ASVA.
