Head of Maintenance & Facilities
We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share. To find out more, please visit our strategy page found here Our strategy | Historic Royal Palaces
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Maintenance & Facilities to join our Maintenance & Facilities team at Historic Royal Palaces.
The role will involve providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of the maintenance and facilities function at Historic Royal Palaces sites across London and Northern Ireland. The postholder will own the plan for the function, leading the team to deliver a varied portfolio of projects and maintenance works across our estate, helping maximise the public benefit we deliver through them.
The postholder will lead development of the function over the next decade, helping us address the challenges presented by climate change and achieve a smooth transition to green energy, capitalising on opportunities that new technology and AI present us with, and upskilling the team as we embrace the changes. He/she will be a guardian of our heritage, ensuring that at every step we are sensitive to the world class heritage we hold for future generations.
The ideal candidate will hold a Degree or equivalent in Facilities/Estates Management, Building Services, Engineering, or related field and have Chartered membership of relevant professional body, e.g. IWFM, RICS, IEE, IMechE or CIOB. You will have strong experience in senior estates/facilities management, ideally within heritage or complex multi-site environments and be able to demonstrable ability of managing and coordinating complex activities including building related projects within limited time constraints and to work under pressure with successful outcomes.
With strong technical knowledge of building maintenance, conservation, and compliance, you will also possess experience of leading and developing large multidisciplinary teams and of working in a matrix structure together with experience of tender processes, contract management and performance management. Good financial acumen and experience managing significant budgets is also a requirement.
You will hold both excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire multi-disciplinary teams and be competent in build strong working relationships with senior staff. You should have a strong commitment to customer service in a complex organisation and will be a key team player who can command respect from a wide range of senior level stakeholders both within and outside the organisation. Possession of a clear understanding of sustainability issues in the Heritage Environment sector will be essential.
Benefits include:
Closing date: 31st January 2026
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Maintenance & Facilities to join our Maintenance & Facilities team at Historic Royal Palaces.
The role will involve providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of the maintenance and facilities function at Historic Royal Palaces sites across London and Northern Ireland. The postholder will own the plan for the function, leading the team to deliver a varied portfolio of projects and maintenance works across our estate, helping maximise the public benefit we deliver through them.
The postholder will lead development of the function over the next decade, helping us address the challenges presented by climate change and achieve a smooth transition to green energy, capitalising on opportunities that new technology and AI present us with, and upskilling the team as we embrace the changes. He/she will be a guardian of our heritage, ensuring that at every step we are sensitive to the world class heritage we hold for future generations.
The ideal candidate will hold a Degree or equivalent in Facilities/Estates Management, Building Services, Engineering, or related field and have Chartered membership of relevant professional body, e.g. IWFM, RICS, IEE, IMechE or CIOB. You will have strong experience in senior estates/facilities management, ideally within heritage or complex multi-site environments and be able to demonstrable ability of managing and coordinating complex activities including building related projects within limited time constraints and to work under pressure with successful outcomes.
With strong technical knowledge of building maintenance, conservation, and compliance, you will also possess experience of leading and developing large multidisciplinary teams and of working in a matrix structure together with experience of tender processes, contract management and performance management. Good financial acumen and experience managing significant budgets is also a requirement.
You will hold both excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire multi-disciplinary teams and be competent in build strong working relationships with senior staff. You should have a strong commitment to customer service in a complex organisation and will be a key team player who can command respect from a wide range of senior level stakeholders both within and outside the organisation. Possession of a clear understanding of sustainability issues in the Heritage Environment sector will be essential.
Benefits include:
- Enhanced holiday entitlement
- Generous Employers Pension Contributions (up to 11%)
- Annual Pay reviews & Bonuses
- Critical Illness Cover & Life Assurance
- Family friendly policies and benefits
- Staff discounts and membership to all palaces
Closing date: 31st January 2026