Head of Facilities

Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is one of the world's leading independent policy institutes with a reputation for tackling the hardest problems of international relations that stretches back more than a century. Based in London with a global outreach, we aim to help build a secure, sustainable, prosperous and just world.

We pursue our mission through convening meetings and speakers, private dialogue, world leading analysis and solutions-based ideas, and look to help the next generation as well in building a better world. Our research programmes and initiatives deliver world-class research and convening on the critical issues in international affairs, including democracy, multilateralism and international law, the environment, global economic trends, peace and security.

We are looking for a Head of Facilities to oversee our facilitates services and management of our buildings. Chatham House currently operate across two buildings: an 18th Century house and a more modern adjacent, Ames House. Our historic grade I listed building was designed in part by the renowned architect Henry Flitcroft and has been home to three Prime Ministers, including William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. Both buildings create a multifunctional space, serving as an office for over 170 staff, and hosts dozens of conferences and hundreds of events per year.

Managing a small team and contractors, this role will ensure that our facilities services across both buildings run efficiently and effectively from managing our reception, health and safety to maintenance. We are looking for someone who has knowledge of managing listed buildings, with a calm and systematic approach to work, but also agile to respond to needs as they arise.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch at

Key responsibilities

To oversee and manage Chatham House's buildings (Chatham House and Ames House) ensuring a safe, cost-effective, compliant, comfortable and well-functioning environment for staff, members and visitors to work, meet, convene, dine and attend events.

Delivery

• Lead and oversee existing and new capital works projects from conception through completion, ensuring delivery on time, on budget and to required quality standards.
• Lead health and safety for Chatham House, ensuring policy statements, RAMS etc are reviewed and up to date.
• Agree and oversee the facilities budget, ensuring funds are managed efficiently and responsibly.
• Oversee and ensure the safe practical running of the buildings.
• Monitor presentation of the office environment, ensuring that its appearance is kept to standards.
• Develop and implement comprehensive security, emergency planning and safety protocols for Chatham House's extensive events program and building use, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments for events and implement appropriate control measures to protect staff, visitors, and the building.
• Liaise with external security providers, emergency services, and relevant authorities to ensure coordinated safety planning.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of security threats, safety regulations, and crowd management best practices.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the post as may be required from time to time, including attendance at promotional events, both internally and externally.
• Represent Chatham House at St James Square Trust.

Strategy

• Provide an annual Facilities action plan in line with Chatham Houses Strategy.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and development, together with the introduction of new ideas to improve the scope and quality of service delivery.
• Cultivate and negotiate contracts with third parties, ensuring the best price and quality service.
• Support the COO in managing risk, with particular focus on Health and Safety and Security
• Actively contribute to Chatham House's EDI Strategy

People

• Lead, develop and manage the facilities team, including the Deputy Head of Facilities , security personnel, front of house staff, cleaners and maintenance contractors. Build team capability, identifying training needs to ensure a high-performing, autonomous facilities function.Partner with operational and research teams to ensure practices are understood and followed.
• Provide expertise to the research and events teams as needed, ensuring compliance.
• Manage and lead on relationships with contractors, ensuring compliance with internal policies.
• Create a working environment where all staff are protected from mistreatment, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, and humiliation. Staff across levels should feel able to express their experiences, opinions, and concerns authentically and without fear of retaliation.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience managing capital works projects in listed buildings or heritage properties, including navigating conservation requirements and listed building consent processes.
• Extensive knowledge of core legislation (Planning, Building Control, Fire Risk, and Health & Safety) for the management and adaptation of tenanted buildings and in particular, Grade I listed buildings.
• Track record of implementing event security and safety protocols in historic buildings with constraints such as limited access.
• Experience conducting risk assessments and safety operations in listed buildings, balancing preservation requirements with modern safety standards and accessibility needs.
• Ability to work on-site. Due to the nature of this role, we require someone to be in the building 5 days a week.
• Experienced facilities professional.
• Proven experience of managing budgets, planning and delivery of cost improvements.
• A team player with enthusiasm, a desire to learn, and work collaboratively.
• A problem-solver with the ability to show initiative.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of partners and navigate cross-cultural sensitivities.
• Ability to take ownership and balance multiple tasks, prioritise accordingly, and work calmly under pressure.
• Demonstrable experience in working in a customer focused environment, ideally including events.

Essential Qualifications:

• Relevant facilities management, construction/project management, or heritage property qualification.
• Recognised Health and Safety qualification (e.g., A NEBOSH Certificate, IOSH Managing Safety) with an understanding of application in listed buildings.
• Relevant qualifications in engineering, facilities management, or a related field.
• Trained Fire Warden.
• Trained Fist Aider (3-day First Aid at Work).

Desirable Qualifications:

• Professional membership (e.g. IOSH, IWFM, RICS or IHBC).
• Training in other areas such as Legionella, Emergency planning and asbestos.
• A food hygiene qualification.

Please note, due to the nature of this role at times work out of hours to respond to issues/problems that arise when the building is closed is required and flexibility is a key criterion for the role.

Benefits

Benefits include approximately 37 days' annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working, and other benefits designed to suit your personal lifestyle. All of this in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

Salary: £70,000 per year.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent.

Location: St James's Square, London.

Application closing date: Tuesday 25 November 2025 (Midnight, UK time). First

Interviews: First stage interviews will be held during the week commencing 8th December, followed by second stage interviews on the 15th and 16th of December. Both stages will be held in Chatham House.

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The job description as outlined above will not be available once the closing date has passed. Please ensure you keep a copy for your records.