Estate & Facilities Manager in Watford

Location: Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Perry Green, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire SG10 6EE.

Salary: £36,000- £39,000 plus: 12.5% employer's pension contribution

Job type: Full time (35 hours/week)

The Henry Moore Foundation was founded by the artist in 1977 to encourage public appreciation of the visual arts and is the largest artist-endowed grant-giving foundation in Europe. We hold the principal collection of artworks by Moore, some 20,000 objects, including monumental bronzes, carvings, works on paper and tapestries. Works from the collection are displayed at the artist's home in the tranquil hamlet of Perry Green as well as touring in national and international exhibitions.

This is a unique opportunity to bring your knowledge of buildings and facilities management to the beautiful countryside location where world-famous sculptor, Henry Moore, lived and created his great works - and in an engaging, varied role where no two days are the same!

Reporting to the Head of Visitor Engagement & Operations, this vital role oversees the care, maintenance and efficient running of historical and new buildings, their associated plant and equipment, a small portfolio of let cottages, and the effective management of the gardens and 72-acre rural estate. With responsibility for the safety and security of employees, visitors and the collections, the postholder also supports the Foundation's sustainability agenda, while driving operational efficiency, managing tendering and procurement processes, and working to budgets.

The Candidate:

• Significant experience of working in a supervisory capacity in buildings, facilities, estate or operations management, ideally in a rural, historic or cultural setting
• Proven track record in managing a team of people (paid employees and/or volunteers)
• Excellent knowledge of general building maintenance
• Familiarity with building management systems, including HVAC, to the level of identification and reporting of faults to a specialist contractor
• An understanding of the principles and practices of rural estate/land management and/or professional garden management
• Good knowledge of the legal requirements to create a safe work environment, and an understanding of the employer and employee responsibilities; and ideally a qualification in health and safety (NEBOSH, IOSH or NVQ), COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), Fire Safety and/or First Aid
• Experience of tendering and negotiating contracts, and managing contractors, including RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement)
• High awareness of security protocols and familiarity with security systems
• Knowledge of the conditions required for the care of archival or museum artefacts
• An appreciation of the sensitivities required when undertaking any works in a listed, historical or museum environment
• Basic knowledge of landlord property regulations
• Self-starter with a flair for problem-solving, motivated to make improvements
• Ability to plan and manage projects
• Numerate, with proven ability to draw up and control budgets
• Tact and diplomacy, combined with excellent negotiation and communication skills

Additionally, we expect all employees at HMS&G to share and work to our core values:

• Generous & Inclusive: work together, share across teams, nurture relationships and enable others.
• Respect & Value: be ethical, respect differences, listen to others and acknowledge effort.
• Visionary & Creative: forward thinking, enthusiastic, keep learning, inspire and engage others.

Benefits:

• We support you on your development at work and your career goals
• If appropriate for the job role, a proportion of homeworking may be considered
• Time off for family emergencies (unpaid) and compassionate leave (paid)
• Free access to our 24-hour confidential personal assistance and counselling scheme
• Company sick pay (includes SSP) on the completion of 6 months' service
• Vouchers for a free eyesight test for DSE (Display Screen Equipment) users
• Interest-free loan of up to £1,000 to assist with the purchase of annual travel tickets, a car or bicycle.
• 10% discount in the HMF book/gift shops and café

Interviews will take place for shortlisted candidates in Perry Green, Hertfordshire on Monday 2 February 2026. Applications must be submitted by 9:00 am on Tuesday 27 January 2026.

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of; Facilities Advisor, Facilities Coordinator, Facilities Consultant, Facilities Manager, Facilities Assistant, Facilities Management Coordinator, Estates Manager, Facilities Manager, Estates Assistant, Maintenance Assistant, Grounds person, Grounds Keeper, Caretaker, Carpentry, Carpenter, Trades, Tradesperson may also be considered for this role.