At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of a historic building while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
- Company: The Royal Institution, a key cultural and scientific organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence heritage conservation and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strong leadership opportunities and a focus on sustainability.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission that inspires curiosity and discovery for over 200 years.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in property and facilities management, ideally in heritage or cultural settings.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Royal Institution is one of the UK’s most significant cultural and scientific organisations, bringing science to life through public engagement, education, events and exhibitions. Based in its iconic Grade I listed home on Albemarle Street, the Ri is both a historic landmark and a bustling, contemporary public and corporate venue. We are now seeking an experienced Head of Property and Facilities to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of our unique and complex estate. This is a pivotal senior role, combining stewardship of a nationally important heritage building with responsibility for ensuring a safe, compliant and welcoming environment for staff, visitors, tenants and commercial partners. This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in the stewardship of one of the UK’s most important scientific and cultural buildings, supporting a mission that has inspired curiosity and discovery for over two centuries.
Reporting to the Director of Finance and Resources, you will lead the Property and Facilities function, overseeing a team responsible for the day‑to‑day operation, maintenance and long‑term development of the building. You will balance conservation‑led decision‑making with modern operational demands, ensuring the building supports the Ri’s charitable mission, public programmes and commercial activities. This is a highly influential position, requiring strong leadership, sound technical knowledge and the confidence to operate across strategic planning, capital delivery, compliance and stakeholder management.
Key responsibilities
- Developing and delivering a long‑term property and facilities strategy, informed by condition surveys and the Conservation Management Plan
- Acting as custodian of the Grade I listed building, safeguarding its heritage while enabling an active, multi‑use environment
- Overseeing all facilities management services, including hard services, health and safety, fire safety and statutory compliance
- Leading capital works, refurbishment and sustainability projects, ensuring strong governance, value for money and timely delivery
- Managing property and facilities budgets, procurement, tenders and insurance
- Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders, tenants, consultants and contractors
- Leading, developing and motivating the Property and Facilities team, promoting a proactive and service‑focused culture
About you
You will bring significant senior‑level experience in property and facilities management, ideally within a heritage, cultural or public‑facing environment. You will be confident managing complex buildings, multiple stakeholders and competing priorities, and comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels. You will also bring a strong knowledge of building systems and statutory compliance, and a proven experience of financial management, capital projects and team leadership.
Head of Property and Facilities employer: MRG Global
The Royal Institution is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the stewardship of a historic Grade I listed building while fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for staff and visitors alike. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to contribute to a mission that has inspired scientific curiosity for over two centuries, this role promises meaningful and rewarding employment in a prestigious setting. Located in the heart of London, the Ri provides a dynamic workplace where innovation meets heritage, making it an attractive choice for professionals seeking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Property and Facilities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the property and facilities management sector, especially those who have experience with heritage buildings. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing complex buildings and your understanding of compliance. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully balanced operational demands with conservation needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening that excites you, don’t just wait for the application process. Reach out directly to the hiring manager or team to express your interest and ask insightful questions about the role. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform, as it helps us keep track of all candidates. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Property and Facilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Heritage:When writing your application, let your love for heritage and culture shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with the stewardship of a Grade I listed building and how you can contribute to our mission of inspiring curiosity and discovery.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Share specific examples of how you've managed complex buildings or led teams in property and facilities management. This helps us understand your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your skills in compliance, stakeholder management, and financial oversight. We’re looking for someone who can balance conservation with modern operational demands, so show us how you fit that bill!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MRG Global
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Institution's history and its significance in the UK’s cultural landscape. Understanding the balance between conservation and modern operational demands will show your commitment to preserving the Grade I listed building while ensuring it meets contemporary needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in property and facilities management. Highlight your experience in motivating staff and fostering a proactive culture, as this role requires strong leadership to manage a diverse team effectively.
✨Master the Technical Details
Brush up on your knowledge of building systems, health and safety regulations, and statutory compliance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated these areas in past roles, as technical expertise is crucial for overseeing the complex estate.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with various stakeholders in previous positions. Prepare to discuss your strategies for managing competing priorities and ensuring effective communication, as this role involves working closely with tenants, consultants, and contractors.
