Estates & IT Director

Lead the strategic direction of estates, facilities and IT, creating a culture of exceptional service delivery focused on enhancing the visitor experience.

At Somerset House we’ve reimagined an historic building for the future, with a powerful juxtaposition of inspirational architecture and a contemporary arts destination. We have developed an original approach to addressing key contemporary issues and trends with eclectic and thought-provoking programming that challenges conventions and offers alternative perspectives. Nestled between the Strand and the River Thames in central London, once the location of a Tudor palace owned by the Duke of Somerset, Somerset House is a grand neoclassical 6.5 acre building complex.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Estates & IT Director will ensure we conserve and animate our beautiful heritage building as a central part of our charitable purpose. You will translate Somerset House's ambition as the Home of Cultural Innovators into a comprehensive estates and IT strategy, to guide the evolution of the site and its physical and digital infrastructure, then lead on its delivery. You'll be recognised as a collaborative and energising leader who can bring together teams to truly contribute to the success of the Trust.

We are seeking an individual with a proven track record in estates leadership across a similar diverse, technically complex and high public-footfall estate portfolio. You will possess experience of leading and successfully delivering building upgrade projects. You will also understand the challenges of driving high-quality in-house estates and facilities management services in conjunction with an outsourced supply chain. The role calls for an individual that is highly enthusiastic with the ability to operate at both a strategic and operational level. You will have the courage to challenge established thinking and ways of working, with the ability to set goals and direction and the skills to communicate effectively at all levels. You'll also be someone who is known for delivering to promise in a relatively small and developing organisation.

For the full briefing particulars and/or a confidential discussion, please contact our retained advisors Michael Hewlett and Ben Duffill of The Management Recruitment Group. Applications, consisting of a comprehensive CV and supporting cover letter outlining a rationale for applying for the post.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 25th May 2025.