At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of a historic building while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Institution, a key player in UK culture and science.
- Benefits: Be part of a mission-driven team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on one of the UK's most important cultural landmarks.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in property and facilities management, ideally in heritage or cultural settings.
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 R.I. 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 pivotal senior role combines stewardship of a nationally important heritage building with responsibility for ensuring a safe, compliant and welcoming environment for staff, visitors, tenants and commercial partners. You will 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 will 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 R.I.’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.
Head Of Property And Facilities in Surrey employer: The Management Recruitment Group
The Royal Institution is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the stewardship of a historic Grade I listed building while fostering a collaborative and values-driven work culture. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, with opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that inspire curiosity and discovery. Located in the heart of London, the R.I. provides a vibrant workplace where your contributions will have a lasting impact on both the organisation and the wider community.
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 Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property and facilities management sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet people who can help you land that Head of Property and Facilities role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, especially those involving heritage buildings or complex estates. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out directly to organisations like The Royal Institution. Express your interest and share how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow news related to property management, sustainability, and heritage conservation. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also show your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Property And Facilities in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Heritage:When writing your application, let your love for heritage and culture shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission of bringing science to life and maintaining our iconic building.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about specific projects you’ve led or challenges you’ve overcome in property and facilities management. We’re looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your expertise and leadership skills.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills directly to what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Royal Institution!
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 landscape. Understanding the balance between conservation and modern operational demands will show your commitment to the role and help you articulate how you can contribute to preserving this iconic building.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in property and facilities management. Highlight your experience in motivating staff and fostering a proactive culture, as this is crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Master the Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of building systems, health and safety regulations, and statutory compliance. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach managing these aspects within a heritage context, as well as any relevant projects you've led that demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build effective relationships with various stakeholders, including tenants, contractors, and internal teams. Prepare to share strategies you've used in the past to manage competing priorities and ensure all voices are heard, as collaboration is key in this role.
