At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the engineering team to enhance visitor experiences at a world-renowned botanical site.
- Company: Join RBG Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to plant conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness support including gym discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a committed team in a beautiful 330-acre environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving biodiversity while working in stunning gardens.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in building services and experience managing external partners.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Join an innovative and committed team, who are creating a culture of exceptional service delivery focused on enhancing the visitor experience.
RBG Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, leading visitor attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, internationally respected for its outstanding living collection of plants and its world-class herbarium.
Set in 330 acres, the Kew Gardens site is a beautiful place to work, and employs committed staff who are working to achieve Kew's mission to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
RBG Kew has a second UK site at Wakehurst, West Sussex.
The estates consist of over 380 buildings and structures, 40 plus listed buildings, which are used for visitors, scientific research, storage of national collections and administration.
To deliver RBG Kew's mission, the Chief Engineer is responsible for providing technical guidance and management, to enable the development and implementation of the overall management strategy for RBG Kew.
Working closely with the Head of Estates Operations and Maintenance, you will ensure the standards and service levels being commensurate with a World Heritage Site of major significance and a centre of excellence for botanical science are upheld.
The Chief Engineer is responsible for all aspects of the delivery of building maintenance, services maintenance and facilities hard services management for Kew.
These services are delivered through both direct technical labour and contracted services.
The successful candidate will ideally have spent considerable time in a comparable client-side leadership role with extensive experience in the management of external partners and building effective frameworks.
It will suit building services leaders who have a strong track record in forward planning, lifecycle works and strategic maintenance delivered across a similarly complex and diverse estate.
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 access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our retained advisors Michael Hewlett or Connor Humpage of The Management Recruitment Group (MRG).
Applications, consisting of a CV and supporting cover statement outlining a rationale for applying for the post, should be emailed to connor. humpage@mrgglobal. com
The candidate pack can be viewed at Chief Engineer
Closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 20th September 2026.
Chief Engineer in Brent employer: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
RBG Kew is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the understanding and protection of plants and fungi. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a generous benefits package, and a culture that prioritises well-being and work-life balance, you will be part of a passionate team striving for excellence in service delivery and visitor experience. The beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens and Wakehurst provide an inspiring backdrop for your career as Chief Engineer, where your contributions will directly impact the future of botanical science.
Contact Details:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer in Brent
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Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Chief Engineer role you’re after at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer in Brent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Chief Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
