Deputy Director of Estate Management

Join Us as Deputy Director of Estates at the Royal College of Art!

This is an exciting time to Join the RCA as we are currently delivering our new two-campus masterplan that reflects our commitment to providing a world-class environment, ensuring that the Royal College of Art remains at the forefront of higher education excellence and aligns our physical assets with our sustainability objectives. 

Are you ready to shape the future of one of the world’s most renowned art and design institutions? The Royal College of Art (RCA) is seeking a Deputy Director of Estates to play a pivotal leadership role, ensuring our vibrant campuses meet the highest standards of service and innovation.

As a senior manager, you will collaborate closely with the Director of Estates to drive strategic initiatives, enhance operational excellence, and champion a culture of professionalism & efficiency. This role is perfect for a leader with exceptional integrity, credibility, and a proven ability to inspire trust and confidence at all levels.

Key Priorities

• Service Excellence: Deliver a professional, efficient, & user-focused Estates service model.
• Strategic Workforce Planning: Develop a motivated and capable team to meet the RCA’s ambitions.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee Hard & Soft FM services, catering, housekeeping, security, & more.
• Sustainability Goals: Collaborate to implement RCA’s Net Zero Carbon strategy by 2035.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to health, safety, & environmental standards, championing a zero-tolerance safety culture.

What You’ll Bring

• Qualifications: A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, with professional memberships (e.g., MRICS, RIBA, MCIOB, MIWFM) and health & safety certifications (IOSH/NEBOSH).
• Leadership: Proven experience inspiring & leading teams in complex organisations, with strong skills in change management and performance improvement.
• Expertise: Extensive knowledge of NEC contract management, financial planning, and operational service delivery.
• Adaptability: A track record of navigating challenges with creativity and delivering against tight deadlines.
• Communication: Exceptional negotiation & influencing skills, fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.

Why Join RCA?

As Deputy Director of Estates, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and visitors. From managing iconic campuses to leading innovative sustainability projects, you’ll be at the heart of ensuring the RCA continues to inspire creativity and excellence.

Be Part of the Vision

This role offers a chance to shape the estates strategy of a globally respected institution while working in a collaborative and stimulating environment. With competitive benefits and the opportunity to lead transformative change, this is your moment to take your career to the next level.

Our Values

If our values of Integrity, Curiosity, Inclusion, and Collaboration align with yours, we invite you to apply now and bring your expertise, vision, and leadership to the Royal College of Art.

Please see the Information Pack for further details.

This role closes for applications at 11.59pm on 31 January 2025

1st stage interviews are likely to be held w/c 10 February 2025

RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

The Royal College of Art (RCA)  aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity & maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff & students and stakeholders are respected. 

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