At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estates and sustainability initiatives at a world-class botanical institution.
- Company: RBGE, a leading botanical institution focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership experience, and impactful work in sustainability.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence sustainability strategies and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental practices and estate management.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in estates or facilities management required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 72000 € per year.
The Head of Estates and Sustainability plays a critical role in ensuring that RBGE's estate and infrastructure support its position as a world-leading botanical institution and visitor attraction. Reporting directly to the Executive Team, and with responsibility for the Estates and Sustainability Department, the post provides strategic and operational leadership across estates and facilities. The role ensures that all RBGE sites are secure, resilient, compliant, and fully aligned with RBGE's environmental mission and sustainability objectives. This is a senior leadership position, requiring strong strategic capability alongside hands-on oversight of complex estates, capital programmes, and sustainability initiatives.
Sustainability
- Support the implementation of RBGE's Sustainability Strategy and Carbon Management Plan, embedding sustainable practice across the estate.
- Champion the integration of Nature-Based Solutions to climate change across all RBGE sites.
- Ensure sustainability principles are embedded within capital development, maintenance programmes, and operational delivery.
Main Duties
Leadership and Management
- Provide strategic leadership for the Estates function, ensuring high-quality, forward-looking operational services.
- Represent RBGE on estates-related matters across external networks and internal planning forums.
- Oversee major and minor capital works, including collaboration with external project managers to deliver the Edinburgh Biomes Programme, encompassing glasshouse restoration and replacement, development of a sustainable energy centre, and construction of plant quarantine facilities.
- Contribute as a senior leader to the delivery of the RBGE Corporate Strategy through effective cross-organisational collaboration.
Strategy, Finance and Planning
- Lead the development and implementation of the Asset Management Plan, Estates Strategy, and Estates Masterplan to enhance RBGE's property portfolio.
- Oversee operational planning, risk management, capital planning, and business case development, in line with organisational financial governance.
- Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensure clear communication around estates-related change programmes.
- Manage departmental budgets and procurement processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and value-for-money principles.
- Identify and secure external funding opportunities to support estate development, sustainability goals, and long-term resilience.
- Lead resilience planning, including capital programmes, business continuity, disaster recovery, and the implementation of audit recommendations.
Estates and Facilities Management
- Ensure all RBGE gardens deliver safe, clean, and high-quality facilities, meeting 5-star visitor grading standards.
- Develop and maintain an organisation-wide Estates Masterplan.
- Lead space optimisation initiatives to support organisational efficiency and meet the needs of staff, students, and volunteers.
- Take overall responsibility for maintenance, repairs, environmental controls, and building services, ensuring reliability, statutory compliance, and fitness for purpose.
- Manage contracts for cleaning, waste management, catering services, and a wide range of external suppliers, with a strong focus on quality, performance, and cost control.
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Oversee health and safety planning, reporting, and coordination, working closely with Health and Safety Advisors and the Head of People and Organisational Development.
- Ensure full legal and statutory compliance across the Estates function, embedding a strong culture of accountability.
- Manage compliance with lease agreements between the Scottish Ministers and RBGE.
Stakeholder Management and Team Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including neighbours, contractors, regulators, and funders.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the Estates team through clear work plans, effective performance management, and a coaching-based leadership approach.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required to support organisational needs.
Person Specification
Essential
- Demonstrable senior leadership and experience within estates, facilities, or a similar complex operational environment.
- Proven experience in strategic estates planning, asset management, and delivery of capital programmes.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget management, capital planning, and business case development.
- In-depth knowledge of health and safety, statutory compliance, and risk management frameworks.
- Experience embedding sustainability and carbon reduction principles within large or complex estates.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior and executive level.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and external partners in a complex, stakeholder-rich environment.
Desirable
- Experience within the public sector, cultural, scientific, or heritage environments.
- Knowledge of sustainability standards, environmental accreditation, or nature-based climate solutions.
- Track record of securing external funding for estate or sustainability projects.
Head Of Estates - Interim (6 Months) employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
RBGE is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead in the realms of estates and sustainability within a prestigious botanical institution. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and innovation, alongside competitive remuneration and the chance to make a meaningful impact on sustainability initiatives. Located in Edinburgh, RBGE provides a vibrant setting for those passionate about nature and conservation, fostering a sense of community among staff and stakeholders alike.
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Estates - Interim (6 Months)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their sustainability goals and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the role. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership in estates management and sustainability initiatives, so they see you as the perfect candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Estates - Interim (6 Months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Estates. We want to see how your skills in strategic leadership and sustainability can shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your past successes in estates management or sustainability initiatives. We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of Estates and Sustainability. Familiarise yourself with RBGE's Sustainability Strategy and Carbon Management Plan, as well as their current projects like the Edinburgh Biomes Programme. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior leadership experience in estates and facilities management. Think about times when you've successfully led teams or managed complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you can motivate and develop the Estates team at RBGE.
✨Be a Stakeholder Whisperer
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've built strong relationships with various stakeholders. Whether it's contractors, regulators, or internal teams, show how your communication skills have made a positive impact in previous roles.
✨Think Sustainability
Given the focus on sustainability, be ready to discuss your experience with embedding sustainable practices in estates management. Share specific initiatives you've led or been part of that align with RBGE's environmental mission, and how you can champion Nature-Based Solutions in their operations.
