the Design Museum

Estates Manager

£42,430 per annum

The Design Museum is one of the world’s leading museums devoted to contemporary design in every form, from architecture and fashion to graphics, product, and industrial design. Founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1989, the museum has grown from a pioneering gallery in the basement of the V&A to a global cultural destination welcoming over a million visitors annually.

The Design Museum’s vision is bold: a world in which design enables this planet and its inhabitants to thrive. As a registered charity, they champion the transformative potential of design through exhibitions, learning programmes, and partnerships that inspire, challenge, and empower.

MRG are delighted to be partnering with the Design Museum to appoint an Estates Manager to play a central role in maintaining and enhancing their iconic Grade II listed building in Kensington. Reporting to the Head of Estates, this hands-on role oversees the delivery of hard services, minor works, and compliance across the museum, ensuring a safe, sustainable, and inspiring environment for staff and visitors.

Some key responsibilities will include:

• Managing mechanical, electrical, and building fabric maintenance through contracted service partners.
• Overseeing minor works and capital projects, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Monitoring health and safety practices, statutory inspections, and emergency planning.
• Supporting environmental and sustainability initiatives across the estate.
• Acting as a key liaison with internal teams and external partners, including managing bodies, service providers and contractors.

About you:

You’ll bring demonstrable experience in property, estates, or facilities management, with a good technical knowledge understanding and a proactive, detail-oriented approach. You will have experience of managing and working with external contractors to ensure operational excellence.You’ll be an excellent communicator, organised with a keen eye for detail, and a passion and commitment to high standards of safety and service. Experience and exposure of working within a high-footfall public space and/or cultural sector would be welcomed.

The Design Museum offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas Eve)
• Defined contribution pension scheme (8% total contributions)
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket and tenancy deposit loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free entry to UK museums and galleries
• Staff discounts and development opportunities
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Employee assistance programme

Application process:

For a confidential discussion please contact our advisors Rob Cullum and Connor Humpage of The Management Recruitment Group. The Management Recruitment Group has been exclusively retained for this campaign. All direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to them.

Applications should consist of a up-to-date CV and supporting statement outlining your suitability and motivations for applying for this position.

Closing date for applications is: 11:59pm on Sunday 17th August 2025.