At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of a historic building while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
- Company: The Royal Institution, a key cultural and scientific organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a lasting impact in a prestigious heritage setting.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on values and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission that inspires curiosity and discovery for over 200 years.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in property and facilities management, ideally in heritage or public-facing roles.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Royal Institution is one of the UK’s most significant cultural and scientific organisations, bringing science to life through public engagement, education, events and exhibitions. Based in its iconic Grade I listed home on Albemarle Street, the Ri is both a historic landmark and a bustling, contemporary public and corporate venue.
We are now seeking an experienced Head of Property and Facilities to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of our unique and complex estate. This is a pivotal senior role, combining stewardship of a nationally important heritage building with responsibility for ensuring a safe, compliant and welcoming environment for staff, visitors, tenants and commercial partners. This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in the stewardship of one of the UK’s most important scientific and cultural buildings, supporting a mission that has inspired curiosity and discovery for over two centuries. You’ll work in a collaborative, values-driven organisation where your expertise will have real and lasting impact.
Reporting to the Director of Finance and Resources, you will lead the Property and Facilities function, overseeing a team responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance and long-term development of the building. You will balance conservation-led decision-making with modern operational demands, ensuring the building supports the Ri’s charitable mission, public programmes and commercial activities.
This is a highly influential position, requiring strong leadership, sound technical knowledge and the confidence to operate across strategic planning, capital delivery, compliance and stakeholder management.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing and delivering a long-term property and facilities strategy, informed by condition surveys and the Conservation Management Plan
- Acting as custodian of the Grade I listed building, safeguarding its heritage while enabling an active, multi-use environment
- Overseeing all facilities management services, including hard services, health and safety, fire safety and statutory compliance
- Leading capital works, refurbishment and sustainability projects, ensuring strong governance, value for money and timely delivery
- Managing property and facilities budgets, procurement, tenders and insurance
- Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders, tenants, consultants and contractors
- Leading, developing and motivating the Property and Facilities team, promoting a proactive and service-focused culture
About you
You will bring significant senior-level experience in property and facilities management, ideally within a heritage, cultural or public-facing environment. You will be confident managing complex buildings, multiple stakeholders and competing priorities, and comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels. You will also bring a strong knowledge of building systems and statutory compliance, and a proven experience of financial management, capital projects and team leadership.
Application process
The Management Recruitment Group has been exclusively retained for this appointment. All direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to them. Applications should include an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivations and suitability for the role. Please send applications to Rob Cullum at The Management Recruitment Group. Closing date for applications is: 11:59pm on Sunday 31st May 2026.
Head of Property and Facilities in London employer: The Management Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
The Management Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Property and Facilities in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the property and facilities management sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with heritage buildings and compliance. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Research the Royal Institution, its mission, and recent projects. Think about how your skills align with their needs. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too – it shows you're genuinely interested and engaged!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Property and Facilities in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in property and facilities management, especially in heritage or cultural settings. Tailor it to showcase how your skills align with the role's requirements.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use the supporting statement to express your motivations for applying and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and managed complex projects, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and stands out in the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Management Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Institution's history and its significance in the UK’s cultural and scientific landscape. Understanding the heritage of the Grade I listed building will show your commitment to preserving its legacy while managing modern operational demands.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams in previous roles, especially in a property and facilities context, to create a proactive and service-focused culture.
✨Master the Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of building systems, health and safety regulations, and statutory compliance. Being able to speak confidently about these areas will demonstrate your technical expertise and readiness to oversee the facilities management services.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built effective relationships with various stakeholders in past roles. Prepare to discuss strategies for managing competing priorities and ensuring all parties are aligned, as this is crucial for the collaborative environment at the Royal Institution.