At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic and operational management of Estates services at Wakehurst.
- Company: Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and heritage while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building or Facilities Management with proven leadership experience.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
We are currently seeking a Senior Estates Manager at Wakehurst to provide strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of Estates services, including PPM, asset management, and both hard and soft FM services across a complex and diverse site. Reporting to the Head of Estates Operations & Maintenance, the role will support capital projects, sustainability, compliance, facilities, and the Estates Helpdesk, while overseeing multidisciplinary teams and contracted suppliers.
The post holder will ensure high standards of health and safety, statutory compliance, and customer service, develop robust maintenance and sustainability strategies, support historic and heritage assets, and build strong stakeholder relationships to drive Estates excellence and long-term operational resilience.
The post holder will have a degree in Building or Facilities Management, or equivalent experience, with a proven track record of leading medium to large estates or maintenance operations. They will demonstrate strong expertise in managing building and engineering infrastructure, contractor performance, health and safety, and statutory compliance across complex estates. Experience in developing robust maintenance regimes, managing utilities and critical systems, and supporting historic or heritage buildings is essential.
A consultative leadership style, strategic operational thinking, and proven success in team development, customer-focused service delivery, and sustainability within estates maintenance operations are required.
This role is based at Wakehurst with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
About Us: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably.
Benefits: Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
Senior Estate Manager (Wakehurst) in East Grinstead employer: IWFM Regional/Special Interest Group
Contact Detail:
IWFM Regional/Special Interest Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Senior Estate Manager (Wakehurst) in East Grinstead
β¨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. We all know that sometimes itβs not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends to boost your confidence.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio or examples of your previous work that demonstrate your skills in estate management and sustainability. We want to see how youβve tackled challenges in the past and how you can bring that experience to our team.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. Itβs a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estate Manager (Wakehurst) in East Grinstead
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estates Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing estates, compliance, and sustainability strategies. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Wakehurst!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills can contribute to our goals. Donβt forget to mention your consultative leadership style and team development experience.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your relevant experience in managing building and engineering infrastructure. Weβre looking for someone with a proven track record, so donβt hold back on those achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss any important updates from us. Letβs get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at IWFM Regional/Special Interest Group
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of building and facilities management. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced in managing complex estates, especially in relation to sustainability and compliance. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the intricacies involved.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your consultative leadership style. Think about times when you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams or improved contractor performance. Be ready to discuss how you foster team development and ensure customer-focused service delivery.
β¨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think strategically about how you would approach the role. Be prepared to discuss your ideas for developing robust maintenance regimes and sustainability strategies. Showing that you can think ahead and plan for long-term operational resilience will impress the interviewers.
β¨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since building strong stakeholder relationships is key, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it's managing expectations or collaborating on projects, showing your interpersonal skills will be crucial.