At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering solutions and ensure top-notch maintenance at the iconic Royal Opera House.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a cultural landmark in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic institution and make a real impact in the arts.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent experience, with strong project management skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 63000 £ per year.
Permanent Contract
Full time; 40 Hours per week
circa £55,000 - £60,000 per annum dependent on experience
Based in: Covent Garden, London
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
The Royal Opera House describes the place we work, not who we are. The whole is always more than the sum of its parts – we may be a House, but three quarters of our audiences experience what we do outside this building. While our Covent Garden theatre is the nerve centre, the impact and influence of the organisation can be felt in every corner of the country, and around the world.
The role:
The Estates and Facilities team are responsible for the maintenance and security of our sites, with a strong focus on engineering solutions and innovation across all sites. The department is currently in a new period of change and growth, making this a very exciting time to join.
We are now seeking to recruit to the new role of Engineering Manager, working with the Head of Estates Engineering Services in the management of Estates team and service providers, to include engineering and Stage engineering support services and security, ensuring Health Safety and compliance duties are met and the highest level of customer experience provided.
What you’ll bring:
This role will suit a candidate who has an exceptional, extensive and proven track record in a similar role. You will be able to react quickly to situations, performing consistently under pressure and responding positively to changing circumstances. You will also be able to demonstrate:
- Degree qualified engineer/HNC/HND or proven competence through practical experience
- A detailed knowledge of the working practices and demands of a large complex public building and/or listed building.
- Good working knowledge of statutory compliance within a medium to large, diverse and complex estate.
- Previous knowledge and experience of maintaining buildings of historic, heritage importance.
- Strong project management skills and ability to deliver to budget and deadlines. Track record of taking and accepting responsibility for projects and initiatives.
- People management skills and experience, and the ability to support the team through training and coaching to achieve consistently high standards of performance.
We value the diversity new hires can bring to our workforce. A working knowledge of our repertoire is not essential, but the ability to learn quickly is.
To submit your application, please provide a supporting statement that outlines how your skills and experience match the essential criteria listed above. Your supporting statement will be reviewed by the shortlisting panel, so please do take the time to consider your response and use this to highlight your suitability for, and interest in, the role.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, Tuesday 20th January 2026.
Interviews will be held the week of 2nd February 2026.
To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.
We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Estates Engineering Manager - WC2E 9DD in Kent employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Engineering Manager - WC2E 9DD in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at the Royal Ballet and Opera. You never know who might give you a heads-up about an opportunity or refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and recent projects. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what they do. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the Estates Engineering Manager role. Confidence is key, so make sure you can articulate your strengths clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Royal Ballet and Opera.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Engineering Manager - WC2E 9DD in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you clearly outline how your skills and experience match the essential criteria. Use specific examples to show us why you're the perfect fit for the Estates Engineering Manager role.
Keep It Relevant: When writing your application, focus on the key aspects of the job description. Highlight your experience with large public buildings and project management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Proofread Like a Pro: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough proofread. Typos and errors can distract from your qualifications. A clean, polished application shows us you pay attention to detail, which is crucial in this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We recommend applying directly through our website for a smooth process. This way, you can ensure all your information is captured correctly, and it helps us keep everything organised during the recruitment process!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially regarding the maintenance of large and historic buildings. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges that come with managing estates like those at the Royal Opera House.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in detail, particularly any project management experiences. Highlight how you've successfully delivered projects on time and within budget, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate People Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've trained or coached team members to achieve high standards, as this is crucial for the Estates Engineering Manager position.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
Craft a compelling supporting statement that directly addresses the essential criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate how you meet these requirements, as this will help you stand out during the shortlisting process.