Head of Operations and Estate

Head of Operations and Estate

London Full-Time 52000 - 78000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations and estate management at RADA, ensuring smooth facility and service delivery.
  • Company: Join RADA, a prestigious institution training world-class actors and technical specialists since 1904.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, inclusive culture, and the chance to shape the future of dramatic arts.
  • Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a creative environment while championing equity and sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in operations and estate management with strong financial oversight skills required.
  • Other info: This role is pivotal for RADA's new vision and strategy, focusing on growth and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.

Job Description

Head of Operations and Estate

Salary: £65,000 per annum

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours)

Contract type: Permanent

The role :

The Head of Operations and Estate is a pivotal leadership role at RADA, responsible for ensuring the smooth, compliant, and high-quality operation of our facilities and services. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in a creative and dynamic environment.

The post holder will lead and coordinate the Estates, Venues, Operations, and ICT teams, overseeing areas including Facilities, Events & Hires, Front of House, and Box Office. They will manage staffing and operating budgets, day-to-day buildings and facilities management, and commercial venue usage across RADA’s four central London buildings.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading long-term operational and estate planning aligned with RADA’s strategic goals and sustainability initiatives.
  • Ensuring statutory health and safety compliance and acting as RADA’s designated Responsible Person.
  • Overseeing capital projects, maintenance programmes, and supplier relationships.
  • Supporting anti-racism, equity, and mental health strategies, championing inclusive practices and fostering a collaborative team culture.

This role requires a strong leader with a proven track record in operations and estate management, excellent financial oversight, and a commitment to continuous improvement and inclusive leadership.

About us :

Founded in 1904, RADA has an unparalleled record of success in training some of the world’s most renowned actors and technical specialists.

Through our approach to teaching, learning and wider social engagement we foreground equitable and sustainable practice in a way that sets high standards and feeds expectations for fair and considerate behaviour both in RADA and beyond. Our access and participation programme aims to remove any barriers that students from underrepresented groups may encounter so they are able to access and succeed on our courses, and progress into the industry.

This is an exciting time to join us. We are developing a new vision and strategy for RADA, building on its existing successes to redefine training in the dramatic arts for the 21st century, focusing on key themes of training and student experience, growth, industry, and international dialogue and engagement.

In addition to our aims for our vocational training, we are working from our foundational strengths to grow our income streams through life-changing work, aligned with our core pedagogy and ethos. We aim to co-create with industry and other stakeholders to build on our reputation as a centre of excellence and innovation in our field.

How to apply

To apply, please click the apply button to continue your application on our careers website.

Closing date: 5pm on 06 August 2025

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art is dedicated to Equal Opportunities in employment and seeks to achieve diversity amongst its staff to reflect the community it serves.

Head of Operations and Estate employer: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

RADA is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth and development, RADA provides unique opportunities to lead impactful projects while supporting diversity and sustainability initiatives. Join us to be part of a prestigious institution that not only trains the next generation of artists but also fosters a supportive environment for its staff.
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Contact Detail:

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Operations and Estate

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with RADA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to equity, sustainability, and inclusive practices will help you align your leadership style with their goals during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the arts and operations sectors. Attend industry events or connect with current RADA employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into their culture and operational challenges.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of your past successes in operations and estate management. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams, managed budgets, and implemented sustainable practices in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends in facilities management and the performing arts sector. Demonstrating your knowledge of industry developments can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and forward-thinking.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations and Estate

Leadership Skills
Operational Management
Budget Management
Facilities Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Project Management
Strategic Planning
Supplier Relationship Management
Event Coordination
Team Collaboration
Financial Oversight
Continuous Improvement
Inclusive Leadership
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Head of Operations and Estate position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in operations and estate management.

Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles where you successfully managed teams or projects. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead diverse teams and foster a collaborative culture.

Showcase Financial Acumen: Since the role involves managing budgets, include details about your financial oversight experience. Mention any relevant achievements in budget management or cost-saving initiatives that align with RADA's goals.

Commitment to Inclusivity: RADA values diversity and inclusivity. In your application, discuss your commitment to these principles and provide examples of how you've championed inclusive practices in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

✨Understand RADA's Vision and Values

Before the interview, take some time to research RADA's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to equity, sustainability, and inclusivity. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate that you're a good cultural fit.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As the Head of Operations and Estate, you'll need to lead various teams. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, focusing on how you've successfully managed teams, budgets, and projects. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact and approach to inclusive leadership.

✨Prepare for Operational Challenges

Think about potential operational challenges RADA might face and how you would address them. This could include health and safety compliance or managing capital projects. Being able to articulate your problem-solving strategies will show your readiness for the role.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about RADA's future plans, particularly regarding their strategic goals and sustainability initiatives. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding the organisation.

Head of Operations and Estate
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Location: London
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