Buildings Manager

Department: Estates

Reporting to:Head of Estates

Salary Option 1:£29,500

Salary Option 2: £19,500 + Onsite Accommodation & Utilities (excl. Council Tax) with additional on call and events cover responsibilities to those referenced below.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week Weekdays and Weekends + Evenings

Holiday:25 days holiday plus 8 days public holidays

American Museum & Gardens

The mission of the American Museum & Gardens (AM&G) is to educate, stimulate, and inspire its visitors to further the understanding of American history and culture. The Museum carries out this mission through the presentation of its historic rooms, its decorative art and folk-art collections, and its special exhibitions, learning programmes, and gardens. Our organisation is the only one of its kind outside the boundaries of the United States. We welcomed over 65,000 visitors last year, most of them British.

It is an exciting time to join the AM&G as we are going through a significant period of growth – with increased visitor numbers, revenue, and deeper engagement with our audiences. We are looking to continue to grow in the coming years and this role will play an important part in helping to achieve our goals.

About the role

The Buildings Manager role is an important part of the Estates team, helping to take care of a Grade I-listed Georgian manor house and ancillary buildings. Through your work you will be responsible for the safe and secure daily operation of the Museum and take responsibility for the maintenance of the property, including fire and security alarms, heating systems, and lighting. You will undertake regular checks and inspections to ensure site compliance and assist in site wide health and safety management. You will manage the opening and closing of the museum including ensuring out of hours events are appropriately covered whilst also providing vital frontline support in the event of emergencies. In addition, responsibilities involve, but are not limited to, several key activities as outlined below:

Team Leadership

· Lead and manage the Facilities team, setting rotas for daily operations, out-of-hours events, and on-call cover.

· Provide support during staff absence and ensure consistent service standards.

· Foster a proactive, safety-focused, and collaborative team culture.

Buildings, Fire & Security

· Ensure all fire, intruder, and security systems are maintained, tested, and fully operational in line with contracts and current regulations.

· Act as key holder and participate in the on-call rota, leading responses to out-of-hours alarms or emergencies.

· Conduct regular site inspections to maintain safety, security, and compliance standards.

· Manage contractors on site, ensuring adherence to health, safety, and security protocols.

· Act as Evacuation Controller and lead during emergencies.

Conservation, Displays & Maintenance

· Support the curatorial team with the safe movement, installation, and care of objects and displays including the changeover of our bi-annual temporary exhibitions.

· Coordinate with the Head of Estates on planned maintenance, including the annual winter deep-cleaning programme.

· Oversee pest management and implement conservation-friendly building practices.

· Provide technical advice on maintaining the integrity of the Grade I-listed building.

Compliance & Operations

· Ensure all statutory and non-statutory compliance checks are completed and properly documented, including PAT testing.

· Maintain accurate records for maintenance, testing, and inspection regimes.

· Manage budgets related to building operations, maintenance, and supplies.

· Oversee cleaning and presentation standards across the museum and ancillary buildings.

· Liaise with on-site residents to ensure appropriate cover for events and emergencies.

Events & Collaboration

· Work with the Events Manager and catering partners to ensure smooth setup and delivery of events, including weddings and private hires.

· Support site operations for public programmes, ensuring minimal disruption and high standards of presentation.

· Participate in staffing events where required.

· Collaborate with all departments to ensure the Museum operates efficiently and safely.

Other

Promote and support the charitable aims of the Museum.

• Take positive action to promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in all aspects of the Museum.
• Abide by organisational policies such as health and safety, and safeguarding.
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects.
• Be flexible and undertake any other reasonable responsibilities appropriate to this role.

Benefits for working at the American Museum include:

20% discount on purchases in our café and 10% discount in our shop.

• Free parking.
• Free entry to the Museum for you and your immediate family, and 6 guest passes.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Wellbeing programme (free weekly yoga classes).
• Pension Scheme 8% (4% museum, 3% personal contribution and 1% from government).
• First Bus Commuter Travel Club.
• Healthshield Membership.
• Additional benefits through local partners.

Personal specification

Essential:

· Proven experience in building or site management, ideally in a heritage or visitor-based environment.

· Strong organisational and problem-solving skills; adaptable and calm under pressure.

· Understanding of historic buildings and maintenance requirements.

· Competence with Microsoft Office and Teams.

· Confident working at height and with good practical skills.

· Strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

· Valid driving licence.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of heating and plumbing systems.

· Collections handling experience.

· Health & Safety qualification - IOSH.

· Experience managing contractors and volunteers.

· Heritage conservation knowledge.

· PAT testing or basic plumbing skills.

Other information

The American Museum & Gardens is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff members to share this commitment. This role may be subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If called for interview, you will be asked to disclose details of any convictions which are not yet spent. The American Museum & Gardens is an equal opportunities employer.

To apply

To apply please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet requirements of the role, together with a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to or by post to The American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. Closing date for applications: Thursday 30th October, 12 noon. Interviews to take place week commencing 3rd November.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £29,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/10/2025