Head of Estates and Sustainability - 6 Month Interim (£65-72k)The Role
The Head of Estates and Sustainability plays a critical role in ensuring that RBGE's estate and infrastructure support its position as a world‑leading botanical institution and visitor attraction.Reporting directly to the Executive Team, and with responsibility for the Estates and Sustainability Department, the post provides strategic and operational leadership across estates and facilities. The role ensures that all RBGE sites are secure, resilient, compliant, and fully aligned with RBGE's environmental mission and sustainability objectives.This is a senior leadership position, requiring strong strategic capability alongside hands-on oversight of complex estates, capital programmes, and sustainability initiatives.Sustainability
Support the implementation of RBGE's Sustainability Strategy and Carbon Management Plan, embedding sustainable practice across the estate.
Champion the integration of Nature‑Based Solutions to climate change across all RBGE sites.
Ensure sustainability principles are embedded within capital development, maintenance programmes, and operational delivery.Main DutiesLeadership and Management
Provide strategic leadership for the Estates function, ensuring high‑quality, forward‑looking operational services.
Represent RBGE on estates‑related matters across external networks and internal planning forums.
Oversee major and minor capital works, including collaboration with external project managers to deliver the Edinburgh Biomes Programme, encompassing glasshouse restoration and replacement, development of a sustainable energy centre, and construction of plant quarantine facilities.
Contribute as a senior leader to the delivery of the RBGE Corporate Strategy through effective cross‑organisational collaboration.Strategy, Finance and Planning
Lead the development and implementation of the Asset Management Plan, Estates Strategy, and Estates Masterplan to enhance RBGE's property portfolio.
Oversee operational planning, risk management, capital planning, and business case development, in line with organisational financial governance.
Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensure clear communication around estates‑related change programmes.
Manage departmental budgets and procurement processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and value‑for‑money principles.
Identify and secure external funding opportunities to support estate development, sustainability goals, and long‑term resilience.
Lead resilience planning, including capital programmes, business continuity, disaster recovery, and the implementation of audit recommendations.Estates and Facilities Management
Ensure all RBGE gardens deliver safe, clean, and high‑quality facilities, meeting 5‑star visitor grading standards.
Develop and maintain an organisation‑wide Estates Masterplan.
Lead space optimisation initiatives to support organisational efficiency and meet the needs of staff, students, and volunteers.
Take overall responsibility for maintenance, repairs, environmental controls, and building services, ensuring reliability, statutory compliance, and fitness for purpose.
Manage contracts for cleaning, waste management, catering services, and a wide range of external suppliers, with a strong focus on quality, performance, and cost control.Health, Safety and Compliance
Oversee health and safety planning, reporting, and coordination, working closely with Health and Safety Advisors and the Head of People and Organisational Development.
Ensure full legal and statutory compliance across the Estates function, embedding a strong culture of accountability.
Manage compliance with lease agreements between the Scottish Ministers and RBGE.Stakeholder Management and Team Development
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including neighbours, contractors, regulators, and funders.
Lead, motivate, and develop the Estates team through clear work plans, effective performance management, and a coaching‑based leadership approach.
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required to support organisational needs.Person SpecificationEssential
Demonstrable senior leadership and anticomplement experience within estates, facilities, or a similar complex operational environment.
Proven experience in strategic estates planning, asset management, and delivery of capital programmes.
Strong financial acumen, including budget management, capital planning, and business case development.
In‑depth knowledge of health and safety, statutory compliance, and risk management frameworks.
Experience embedding sustainability and carbon reduction principles within large or complex estates.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior and executive level.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and external partners in a complex, stakeholder‑rich environment.Desirable
Experience within the public sector, cultural, scientific, or heritage environments.
Knowledge of sustainability standards, environmental accreditation, or nature‑based climate solutions.
Track record of securing external funding for estate or sustainability projects.Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)