Head of Maintenance & Facilities

Head of Maintenance & Facilities - Historic Royal Palaces

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Maintenance & Facilities to join our Maintenance & Facilities team at Historic Royal Palaces.

As head of maintenance & facilities, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the maintenance and facilities function at Historic Royal Palaces sites across London and Northern Ireland. You will own the plan for the function, lead the team to deliver a varied portfolio of projects and maintenance works across our estate, and maximise the public benefit we deliver.

You will lead development of the function over the next decade, addressing challenges presented by climate change and achieving 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.

You 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.

• Degree or equivalent in Facilities/Estates Management, Building Services, Engineering, or related field and Chartered membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IWFM, RICS, IEE, IMechE, CIOB).
• Strong experience in senior estates/facilities management, ideally within heritage or complex multi‑site environments, with demonstrable ability to manage and coordinate complex activities including building‑related projects within limited time constraints and under pressure.
• Technical knowledge of building maintenance, conservation, and compliance; experience leading and developing large multidisciplinary teams; experience in matrix structures, tender processes, contract management, and performance management.
• Good financial acumen and experience managing significant budgets.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, ability to inspire multi‑disciplinary teams, build strong working relationships with senior staff, and command respect from a wide range of senior level stakeholders within and outside the organization.
• Strong commitment to customer service in a complex organization.
• Clear understanding of sustainability issues in the heritage environment sector.

• 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

Please view the job profile and person specification for further information about the role.