Director of Engineering & Operations

Advert Close date: 18th November 2026

Director of Engineering & Operations – Urban Real Estate at The Crown Estate

Purpose of Role

The Director of Engineering & Operations will provide strategic leadership for operational engineering across The Crown Estate’s Urban portfolio.

You will be the senior technical authority for engineering services, fire and life safety systems, specialist building systems and complex operational challenges. With end-to-end accountability for the technical operation of existing and future assets, you will establish a centre of technical excellence that delivers safe, compliant, resilient and sustainable outcomes.

Working as part of the Portfolio Operations Leadership Team, you will collaborate across the organisation to improve operational performance, customer experience and long-term value.

Context of Opportunity / Main Accountabilities

This is an opportunity to shape the future of engineering operations across a diverse portfolio of commercial office, retail, residential and heritage assets.

Predominantly focused on the London portfolio, with broader regional responsibilities, you will:

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Lead and develop a high-performing Operational Engineering function, creating clear accountability and a strong customer-focused culture.

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Oversee MEPH maintenance, Building Management Systems, vertical transportation and specialist technical services.

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Provide leadership for fire and life safety systems, statutory compliance, engineering assurance and operational risk.

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Ensure planned maintenance, inspections and remedial works are effectively governed and delivered.

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Develop robust asset registers, maintenance strategies and long-term capital and lifecycle plans.

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Provide engineering oversight for customer fit-outs, refurbishments and developments transitioning into operation.

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Lead engineering resource planning, budget management, cost control and commercial governance.

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Work with service partners, suppliers and consultants to improve performance, value and contractual outcomes.

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Optimise building systems and controls to support energy reduction, net zero and wider sustainability objectives.

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Set technical standards and engineering policies while promoting innovation, technology adoption and continuous improvement.

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Build technical capability through training, competency frameworks and professional development.

Most Important Skills Based Requirements

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

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Significant experience leading operational engineering teams and services across a complex, mixed-use property portfolio.

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Strong technical knowledge of MEPH services, Building Management Systems and fire and life safety systems.

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A relevant building services qualification or equivalent professional experience. Chartered Engineer status or CIBSE accreditation would be advantageous.

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Experience of managing engineering services across different asset classes, including heritage buildings.

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Strong leadership in health, safety, compliance, operational risk and critical incident response.

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The ability to develop long-term maintenance, lifecycle and capital investment strategies.

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Commercial and financial capability, including budget management, procurement, contract governance and service partner performance.

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The ability to translate complex technical information into clear, engaging advice for non-technical audiences.

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Strong influencing, negotiation and relationship-building skills across senior stakeholders, operational teams and external partners.

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A strategic and curious approach, with a commitment to innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.

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An inclusive and collaborative leadership style that promotes accountability, respect and high performance.

Our Offering / benefits:

As well as a competitive salary, pension and performance related bonus offering, we have a wealth of benefits available ranging from flexible working; market leading family policies and shopping discounts in the West End, to private healthcare; life and critical illness cover and 28 days holiday with the option to buy more. We value work life balance and your wellbeing highly, enabling you to be your best self to work.

Can I use AI to help with my application?

Yes. AI can be a useful tool for organising your thoughts, improving clarity, checking spelling and grammar, or helping you prepare for an interview.

What matters most is that your application is accurate, authentic and reflects your own skills, achievements and motivations. We want to get to know you, not an AI-generated version of you.

Disability Disclaimer:

We are a proud disability confident employer and operate the offer of interview scheme Disability Confident employer scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .

We are happy to offer alternative application methods or formats and can be flexible on our process to enable you to have the best opportunity.

If you have any questions about our recruitment process or would like to talk about adjustments, please contact us directly, or at careers@thecrownestate.co.uk

Please note that if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.