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- Tasks: Lead strategic and operational management of Estates services at Wakehurst.
- Company: Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and heritage while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Building or Facilities Management with proven leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous learning and access to beautiful gardens.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking a Senior Estates Manager at Wakehurst to provide strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of Estates services, including PPM, asset management, and both hard and soft FM services across a complex and diverse site. Reporting to the Head of Estates Operations & Maintenance, the role will support capital projects, sustainability, compliance, facilities, and the Estates Helpdesk, while overseeing multidisciplinary teams and contracted suppliers.
The post holder will ensure high standards of health and safety, statutory compliance, and customer service, develop robust maintenance and sustainability strategies, support historic and heritage assets, and build strong stakeholder relationships to drive Estates excellence and long-term operational resilience.
The post holder will have a degree in Building or Facilities Management, or equivalent experience, with a proven track record of leading medium to large estates or maintenance operations. They will demonstrate strong expertise in managing building and engineering infrastructure, contractor performance, health and safety, and statutory compliance across complex estates. Experience in developing robust maintenance regimes, managing utilities and critical systems, and supporting historic or heritage buildings is essential.
A consultative leadership style, strategic operational thinking, and proven success in team development, customer-focused service delivery, and sustainability within estates maintenance operations are required.
This role is based at Wakehurst with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
About Us: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably.
Benefits: Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
Senior Estate Manager (Wakehurst) employer: ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estate Manager (Wakehurst)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Estate Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission to protect plants and fungi, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for Wakehurst!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your experience in managing estates and leading teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at RBG Kew. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estate Manager (Wakehurst)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estates Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing estates, compliance, and sustainability strategies. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Wakehurst!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills can contribute to our goals. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for what we do at RBG Kew.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, make sure to highlight your leadership style and any successful team development experiences. We value consultative leaders who can inspire and drive excellence!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing benefits package there.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of building and facilities management. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced in managing complex estates like Wakehurst, including sustainability practices and compliance regulations. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the intricacies involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your consultative leadership style and how it has positively impacted your previous teams. Think of specific examples where you've developed team members or improved service delivery. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead multidisciplinary teams effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience in building strong stakeholder relationships. Consider how you’ve navigated complex situations in the past and how you’ve ensured high standards of customer service. This will highlight your ability to drive Estates excellence and operational resilience.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions prepared for your interviewers. Ask about their current sustainability strategies or how they manage the balance between heritage preservation and modern facilities management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values.
