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 collaborative and values-driven environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Play a pivotal role in preserving heritage while supporting public engagement and discovery.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in property and facilities management, ideally in a heritage or cultural setting.
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.
The candidate briefing pack for the role can be viewed at this link.
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 via our website.
Closing date for applications is: 11:59pm on Sunday 31st May 2026.
Head of Property and Facilities employer: The Royal Institution
The Royal Institution offers a unique opportunity to work in a historic Grade I listed building, where your leadership in property and facilities management will directly contribute to the preservation of a national treasure while fostering a vibrant public engagement environment. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative, values-driven culture, you will find meaningful growth opportunities and the chance to make a lasting impact in one of the UK's most significant cultural organisations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Property and Facilities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the property and facilities management field, especially those who have experience with heritage buildings. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those involving complex buildings or heritage sites. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations like The Royal Institution and express your interest in potential roles. Sometimes, they might have opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation. So, don’t hesitate – get your CV and supporting statement ready!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Property and Facilities
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 at the Royal Institution.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement:This is your chance to shine! Use the supporting statement to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Property and Facilities, strong leadership is key. Make sure to include examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects. This will demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop others while achieving strategic goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people at The Management Recruitment Group. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Institution
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Institution's history and its significance in the UK’s cultural landscape. Understanding the heritage of the Grade I listed building will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your commitment to preserving its legacy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in property and facilities management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, and navigated stakeholder relationships in previous roles.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety
Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations, fire safety, and statutory compliance relevant to heritage buildings. Being able to articulate your understanding of these areas will reassure the interviewers of your capability to manage their unique estate.
✨Prepare Your Strategic Vision
Think about how you would develop a long-term property and facilities strategy for the Royal Institution. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on balancing conservation with modern operational demands, and how you would ensure the building supports their charitable mission.
