Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage maintenance and compliance for a stunning Grade II listed museum.
- Company: Join the Design Museum, a global leader in contemporary design with over a million visitors yearly.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, flexible working, and discounts at UK museums.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that champions design's transformative power.
- Qualifications: Experience in property or facilities management is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: Applications close on 17th August 2025; apply with your CV and a statement of motivation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
the Design Museum
Estates Manager
£42,430 per annum (plus excellent benefits)
The Design Museum is one of the world’s leading museums devoted to contemporary design in every form, from architecture and fashion to graphics, product, and industrial design. Founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1989, the museum has grown from a pioneering gallery in the basement of the V&A to a global cultural destination welcoming over a million visitors annually.
The Design Museum’s vision is bold: a world in which design enables this planet and its inhabitants to thrive. As a registered charity, they champion the transformative potential of design through exhibitions, learning programmes, and partnerships that inspire, challenge, and empower.
MRG are delighted to be partnering with the Design Museum to appoint an Estates Manager to play a central role in maintaining and enhancing their iconic Grade II listed building in Kensington. Reporting to the Head of Estates, this hands-on role oversees the delivery of hard services, minor works, and compliance across the museum, ensuring a safe, sustainable, and inspiring environment for staff and visitors.
Some key responsibilities will include:
- Managing mechanical, electrical, and building fabric maintenance through contracted service partners.
- Overseeing minor works and capital projects, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Monitoring health and safety practices, statutory inspections, and emergency planning.
- Supporting environmental and sustainability initiatives across the estate.
- Acting as a key liaison with internal teams and external partners, including managing bodies, service providers and contractors.
About you:
You’ll bring demonstrable experience in property, estates, or facilities management, with a good technical knowledge understanding and a proactive, detail-oriented approach. You will have experience of managing and working with external contractors to ensure operational excellence.You’ll be an excellent communicator, organised with a keen eye for detail, and a passion and commitment to high standards of safety and service. Experience and exposure of working within a high-footfall public space and/or cultural sector would be welcomed.
The Design Museum offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas Eve)
- Defined contribution pension scheme (8% total contributions)
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Season ticket and tenancy deposit loans
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free entry to UK museums and galleries
- Staff discounts and development opportunities
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Employee assistance programme
Application process:
For a confidential discussion please contact our advisors Rob Cullum and Connor Humpage of The Management Recruitment Group at rob.cullum@mrgglobal.com / connor.humpage@mrgglobal.com. The Management Recruitment Group has been exclusively retained for this campaign. All direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to them.
Applications should consist of a up-to-date CV and supporting statement outlining your suitability and motivations for applying for this position.
The further particulars can be viewed here.
Closing date for applications is: 11:59pm on Sunday 17th August 2025.
Estates Manager employer: the Design Museum
Contact Detail:
the Design Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Design Museum's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to design and sustainability will help you align your experience and passion with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the property and facilities management sectors, especially those who have experience in cultural institutions. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience managing contractors and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in sustainability within the museum sector. Being knowledgeable about innovative practices can set you apart and show your commitment to enhancing the museum's environmental initiatives.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Estates Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these aspects.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly outline your suitability for the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences in property, estates, or facilities management to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any experience you have in managing external contractors, health and safety practices, and working within high-footfall public spaces or the cultural sector. This will show that you understand the unique challenges of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the Estates Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at the Design Museum
✨Research the Design Museum
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the Design Museum's history, mission, and current exhibitions. Understanding their vision and values will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in an Estates Manager.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As the role requires a good technical understanding of property and facilities management, be prepared to discuss your experience with mechanical, electrical, and building fabric maintenance. Highlight specific projects where you ensured compliance and quality.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since the position involves liaising with internal teams and external contractors, demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships and resolved conflicts in previous roles.
✨Discuss Sustainability Initiatives
The Design Museum values environmental and sustainability initiatives. Be ready to talk about any relevant experience you have in promoting sustainability within estates management, and share ideas on how you could contribute to their goals in this area.
