Head of Property and Facilities in London
Head of Property and Facilities

Head of Property and Facilities in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Royal Institution

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 influence heritage conservation and public engagement in science.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on values and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a lasting impact on one of the UK's most important cultural landmarks.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in property and facilities management, ideally in heritage or public environments.

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 via our website or to rob.cullum@mrgglobal.com. Closing date for applications is: 11:59pm on Sunday 31st May 2026.

Head of Property and Facilities in London employer: The Royal Institution

The Royal Institution offers a unique opportunity to work in a historic Grade I listed building, fostering a collaborative and values-driven culture that prioritises public engagement and education. As an employer, we are committed to the professional growth of our staff, providing meaningful roles that contribute to our mission of inspiring curiosity and discovery. Join us in a dynamic environment where your expertise will not only be valued but will also have a lasting impact on the cultural and scientific landscape of the UK.
The Royal Institution

Contact Detail:

The Royal Institution Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Property and Facilities in London

✨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. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or stakeholders, be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Highlight your leadership skills and any successful projects you've managed in similar environments.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Research organisations like The Royal Institution and reach out directly to express your interest in future roles. A well-timed email can set you apart from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application via our platform, as it streamlines the process and ensures your CV gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Property and Facilities in London

Strategic Leadership
Operational Oversight
Property and Facilities Management
Heritage Building Stewardship
Health and Safety Compliance
Fire Safety Management
Capital Project Management
Budget Management
Stakeholder Management
Team Leadership
Building Systems Knowledge
Procurement and Tendering
Sustainability Project Management
Relationship Building
Service-Focused Culture Promotion

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 your supporting statement to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be specific about your motivations and how you can contribute to the Ri's mission.

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. We want to see your ability to inspire and motivate others!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with us online.

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 cultural and scientific landscape of the UK. 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, and how you can bring that proactive culture to the Royal Institution.

✨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 approach to ensuring a safe environment for all stakeholders will be crucial in this role.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you would build effective relationships with various stakeholders, including tenants and contractors. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used in the past to manage competing priorities and ensure smooth operations across different teams.

Head of Property and Facilities in London
The Royal Institution
Location: London

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