At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Estates team to ensure our iconic buildings are safe, compliant, and innovative.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a leading arts organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Be part of a creative environment that values diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and development in a dynamic arts setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of cultural heritage and arts infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Professional engineering qualifications or proven experience in estate management required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
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 Estate of the Royal Ballet & Opera comprises three buildings: the main site in Covent Garden includes a 2,200+ seat theatre dating from 1858, and redeveloped stage and newly developed rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, workshops offices and ancillary spaces dating from a large-scale capital project completed in 1999, and a second theatre and refreshed front of house spaces delivered via the Open Up project in 2018. The RBO's Production Workshop and Costume Centre are located in Thurrock, Essex and a 14,000m2 store in Aberdare, Wales. Together the facilities enable the organisation to deliver a complex and busy production schedule and support the work of our staff, artists and creatives to stage opera and ballet to exacting standards.
We are now seeking an Estates Director to provide technical expertise and insight into the organisation's Masterplan for the next 8-10 years - supporting the transition to new infrastructure & technology. They will also effectively lead the department responsible for ensuring our buildings are maintained, safe, compliant and safeguard RBO's demanding operation. As a member of the Executive team the post holder is expected to ensure day-to-day management of the Estate whilst contributing to the strategic development and resilience of the organisation in collaboration with other Executive team members. Therefore, the successful candidate will need to be collaborative, strategic and hold an influential approach with staff, artists, Trustees, contractors and statutory bodies.
Skills
- Excellent active listening, communication, negotiation and advocacy skills.
- Confidence in producing reports and papers for a range of stakeholders.
- Empathy for the demands of an Estate which is both a workplace for staff and artists and a public Grade 1 listed building.
- A professionally qualified engineer/building professional, or able to demonstrate proven competence through practical experience.
- Practical understanding of MEP infrastructure and technology.
- Experience of managing and developing an estate with the ability to drive innovation and identify opportunities alongside an understanding of their practical implementation within a demanding daily operation.
- Commitment to the sustainability agenda in relation to building operations and energy efficiency.
- Numerate with strong budgetary understanding and control.
- Experience in a leadership role in a large or multi-site organisation with an ability to drive performance and innovation.
- Confident people management skills to ensure the team has the requisite skills and knowledge and are competent and supported through training and coaching to achieve consistently high standards of performance.
- Able to manage a wide portfolio of concurrent tasks and projects with demonstrable experience of translating strategic objectives into estate operations and development.
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.
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.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, Thursday 5th March 2026. To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances. Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Estates Director in London employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in creativity and collaboration at its iconic Covent Garden location. Employees benefit from a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth, alongside the opportunity to contribute to world-class productions in a historic setting. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the organisation fosters an environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Director in London
✨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. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role of Estates Director by discussing how your skills can contribute to their Masterplan.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the estate and how you plan to drive innovation. We want to hear how you’ll tackle challenges and make a real impact on the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Royal Ballet and Opera.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Application Guide:Before diving into your application, make sure to check out the application guide. It’s packed with useful info that’ll help you understand what we’re looking for and how to present yourself best.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your experience and skills that match the Estates Director role. Show us how your background aligns with our needs and the exciting challenges ahead.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects, especially in complex environments like ours.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Estate Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the Royal Ballet and Opera's estate. Familiarise yourself with the history, the buildings, and the recent projects like the Open Up project. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how your expertise can contribute to their Masterplan.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in managing large estates or multi-site organisations. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance and innovation in past roles, as this is crucial for the Estates Director position.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since the role requires working closely with various stakeholders, think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with teams, artists, or contractors. Highlight your active listening and negotiation skills, as these will be key in ensuring smooth operations.
✨Align with Their Values
The Royal Ballet and Opera values diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding sustainability in building operations. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role but also for their organisational culture.
