Head of Property and Facilities in London

Head of Property and Facilities in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
MRG Global

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the management and development of a historic Grade I listed building.
  • Company: The Royal Institution, a key cultural and scientific organisation in the UK.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to influence heritage conservation and public engagement.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with strong leadership and team development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission that inspires curiosity and discovery for over 200 years.
  • Qualifications: Senior-level 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 in London 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 curiosity for over two centuries, this role promises meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of London's cultural landscape.

MRG Global

Contact Details:

MRG Global Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Property and Facilities in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property and facilities management sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those involving heritage buildings or complex estates. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to appear. Reach out directly to organisations like The Royal Institution and express your interest in potential roles. Sometimes, they might have positions that aren’t advertised yet.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to inspire curiosity and discovery.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Property and Facilities in London

Strategic Leadership
Operational Oversight
Property and Facilities Management
Heritage Building Stewardship
Health and Safety Compliance
Fire Safety Management
Capital Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in property and facilities management, especially in heritage or cultural settings. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the Royal Institution!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading a team and managing complex projects. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've overseen. We love seeing examples of how you've motivated teams and delivered results.

Highlight Your Technical Knowledge:Don’t forget to mention your understanding of building systems, compliance, and health and safety regulations. We’re looking for someone who can balance conservation with modern operational needs, so make sure to showcase your technical expertise!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Royal Institution. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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 importance of the Grade I listed building will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission and values.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight instances where you’ve balanced operational demands with strategic planning, especially in complex environments.

Be Ready for Technical Questions

Brush up on your knowledge of building systems, health and safety regulations, and compliance standards. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach capital projects and sustainability initiatives within a heritage context.

Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you would build relationships with various stakeholders, from internal teams to external contractors. Prepare to discuss your strategies for effective communication and collaboration, as this role requires balancing multiple priorities.