Jobs

Head of Estates
£45,000 – £48,000
Background
Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) presents and internationally recognised programme of work from the world’s leading artists and ensembles from the fields of opera, theatre, dance, and music showcasing artistic excellence, internationalism, and innovative programme where virtuosity and diversity are recognised and celebrated.
The International Festival has a leading role in the development of creative practice and a history of presenting artworks in support of international relations. As such, the organisation sits at the heart of an international economic and cultural success story and is recognised as one of the UK’s most significant cultural assets.
EIF operates from three buildings: The Hub on CastleHill is the operational base of the Festival and home to its year-round education & rehearsal activities, as well as performances & other events during the August Festival period. In addition, it leases warehousing space in Leith, and manages a high-end rental property in the Quartermile area of Edinburgh.
The Head of Estates will play a critical leadership role in delivering operational excellence across the EIF estate. You will lead a number of projects to optimise the current estate and establish a future direction for the space occupied by the organisation. These include exploring whether relocation to alternative premises is feasible, establishing future warehouse requirements and sourcing suitable space and managing the refurbishment of existing office space in the Hub.
The Head of Estates is responsible for managing the Estate Operations Team and delivering all aspects of estate management. This includes ensuring Health & Safety obligations are met at all properties and managing the maintenance service programme. The post holder will act as a Responsible Person, liaising with relevant parties regarding use of the buildings, and will liaise with colleagues responsible for Health & Safety in delivering the Festival, to ensure a coherent organisation-wide approach.
Although based at the Hub, Castlehill some flexibility to work across the estate where required is needed. Occasional evening and weekend working is required in this role.
Job Purpose
To manage the EIF’s estate by:
• managing & maintaining an historic listed building, providing building support services to EIF within the Hub and other properties
• ensuring compliance with relevant Health, Safety & Environmental legislation, in adherence to relevant Government guidance relating to the coronavirus pandemic
• leading on all property related matters, and having strategic input on future estate considerations
• leading a review of existing warehouse space and seeking out a more cost-effective alternative
• managing the refurbishment of existing office space
• managing the maintenance programme and associated budget
• liaising with the property managers for the Quartermile property and ensuring it is kept in a good state of repair, and optimises the financial return for EIF

Person Specification

An experienced estates manager, with a proven track record in leading on strategic projects and creating and implementing plans for a business moving to a new space. Motivating a team to deliver high quality service standards. Excellent knowledge of health & safety legislation, and experience in a multi-use estate. Experience in managing budgets and seeking value for money. Candidates must have strong building & facilities management experience and be IOSH qualified.

Application Process

Eden Scott is retained and working exclusively with the Edinburgh International Festival. Please submit your CV online to iain.atkinson@edenscott.com or for a confidential discussion to hear more about the opportunity, then please contact Iain Atkinson, Associate Director on 07714 124 033.
Closing date for applications is Friday 21st January 2022.

Application Deadline: Friday 21/01/2022