Head of Site & Facilities – St George’s Cathedral, SE1 Estate

Location: London, SE1
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Contract: Full-time, 2-year Fixed Term Contract

Working hours will typically be 35 per week and covering a 7-day operation inc some evening and weekend work where required

For over 175 years, St George’s Cathedral has stood as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Southwark, serving as a spiritual and cultural landmark in the heart of London. Our SE1 estate is home to several Grade II listed buildings, including Archbishop’s House, Cathedral House, and Bowen House, alongside the Amigo Hall - a hub for diocesan events and gatherings. This historic site combines heritage, worship, and community, making it one of the most significant Catholic estates in the UK.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Site & Facilities to take responsibility for the care, maintenance, and strategic development of this complex estate. This is a unique opportunity to safeguard our heritage while ensuring modern standards of safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.

The role requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, vendor management capabilities and a customer service approach, liaising between Clergy as managers of the buildings and all contractors on building operation matters.

The role will also involve overseeing the annual operating budget and capital expenditure programme with the Cathedral Architect and Diocesan officers, ensuring timely contracting of suppliers and/or service partners, ensuring due diligence and performance of suppliers to appropriate timescales and budget.

As Head of Site & Facilities, you will:

  • Oversee the day-to-day operation and maintenance of our historic buildings and grounds.

  • Lead on major improvement projects, ensuring compliance with building regulations, health & safety, and environmental standards.

  • Manage a small team of Facility Assistants and contractors, fostering a culture of professionalism and service.

  • Act as the key liaison for internal and external stakeholders, including architects, statutory authorities, and diocesan leadership.

  • Take ownership of health & safety practices, risk assessments, and emergency planning.

  • Manage budgets and contracts, ensuring cost efficiency without compromising quality.

About You:

  • Experience of working in a strategic capacity as a senior leader with both hard & soft facilities management services, including contract management, within not for profit and/or commercial organisations of a similar size and complexity (experience within the religious sector an advantage).

  • Excellent people management, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a diplomatic and collaborative approach.

  • Strong project management and vendor management skills.

  • Excellent knowledge of health & safety legislation and compliance.

  • Hands-on approach with leadership capability.

  • Financial acumen for managing budgets and contracts.

  • Flexible and willing to work evenings/weekends as required

  • Qualification in IOSH Managing Safely

  • Recognised Project Management qualification

  • Qualifications in NEBOSH

  • Membership of IWFM

  • Experience in delivering training

Safeguarding Commitment

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and complete safeguarding training.

Apply Now
If you have the skills and passion to help us preserve our heritage and deliver excellence in facilities management, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a covering letter to hr@rcaos.org.uk by the closing date of 5th December.

A full job description can be provided upon request.