National Trust
Newtownards, County Down
Summary We're looking for a Gardens & Outdoors Manager to join the team here at Mount Stewart. This exciting and impactful role is an opportunity to help the National Trust develop its longer term plan for Mount Stewart gardens and wider estate which together form one of the most exceptional sites of cultural and built heritage in our care. What it's like to work here Mount Stewart is a place that has been touched by the various generations who have loved it. Whilst always respecting the past and finding inspiration from its history, Mount Stewart has been unafraid of change throughout the generations, endeavouring to remain inspiring and relevant in modern times. The gardens at Mount Stewart, the creation of Edith, Lady Londonderry, are renowned for their innovation and uniqueness. The Formal Gardens are intimate, evoking themes of personal identity and triumphs, blending whimsical Classical and Gaelic mythology with exotic plants sourced from around the globe. Mount Stewart is also an exceptional example of the Irish demesne, intended to be both beautiful and productive, with woodland, orchards and farmland. Fine buildings, including the neo-classical House, the Temple of the Winds, Stable Block, Farmyard with Dovecote and the Walled Garden, are architectural gems in their own right. Last year we welcomed over 210,000 visitors and have ambitions to grow our appeal further. Click here for more information about Mount Stewart. As part of the wider County Down Property Group, which includes Castle Ward and Rowallane Garden, we are supported by over 150 staff members and 350 volunteers who have a shared sense of purpose in caring for these wonderful places together, providing a wide range of public benefit to our visitors and local communities. This is a significant time for all National Trust gardens and parkland as we champion and deliver a thoughtful, horticulturally sound and ecological approach that works for nature and people guided by our Conservation Principles and our 10 year People and Nature Thriving strategy. What you'll be doing Thinking long term As a member of the Property Leadership Team, you will work closely with the General Manager, Head of Gardens and Parks and national specialists to plan to enhance the heritage, nature and people benefits of Mount Stewart across the gardens and wider demesne. There will be a strong focus on the team and understanding Mount Stewart's priorities and future potential alongside the wider strategic ambitions of National Trust. You will ensure that the team, skills and processes are in place ready to contribute to a future long-term plan for Mount Stewart. The 12 month period will be a time to review, understand and to rationalise the garden settings and plant collections, focussing resource where it is most needed. This will include championing and delivering our Conservation Principles, adapting horticultural practices and working to our sustainability ambitions. Within the wider demesne, the priority will be to determine the next steps to build resilience in our woodlands to meet challenging climate impacts. We have started this journey and during this period there are opportunities to continue some existing workstreams and to deliver agreed actions from the garden management plan, woodland management plans and property business plans as well as identify what the next steps will be. You will support colleagues to identify the longer-term opportunities to progress and develop the garden's future alongside creating engaging and relevant experiences for current, new and more diverse audiences. You'll be part of a team to create long lasting relationships with emerging audiences and communities alongside safeguarding and promoting the incredible plant collection and unique gardening heritage at Mount Stewart. Leading teams You will lead the garden and ranger team to develop working practices that reflect priorities across Mount Stewart that deliver the National Trust's strategic ambitions and environmental principles. On a day-to-day basis, working with the Assistant Head Gardener, the Area Ranger and their teams, you will provide support and leadership to a team of 11 staff, managing work programmes and ensuring compliance in environmental standards, health and safety and machinery compliance. Key to your role will be recognising the current and future skills needs. You will identify CPD needs for yourself and your team and lead regular team and 1 to 1 meetings, acting as coach and mentor. This is a strategic role, working as part of the Senior Leadership Team to deliver the short and longer-term objectives and advocating for the needs of the gardens and parkland within wider plans Mount Stewart's success Visitor Experience You will work in collaboration with other members of the Property Leadership Team, including the Property Curator and the Visitor Operations Manager and Visitor Experience Manager, to ensure we provide a cohesive and inspiring visitor experience. As a senior member of staff with shared duty management responsibilities, you'll build positive working relationships across the entire site and support your team to do the same. Who we're looking for • Experience of working collaboratively with specialist teams to deliver conservation principles, environmental horticulture practices and the management of living collections • Experience of contributing to historic and public landscape management reviews and planning within a team setting • Strong communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders • A passion for gardens and gardening, with a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility • An understanding of the changing needs, aesthetics and management challenges of 21st century gardens, including climate change • Enthusiasm for developing a holistic approach that integrates garden and parkland management • Ability to build effective relationships with internal colleagues, external partners and visitors • Commitment to inclusive engagement, helping people and communities connect with stories, gardens and landscape The package The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyo
Summary We're looking for a Gardens & Outdoors Manager to join the team here at Mount Stewart. This exciting and impactful role is an opportunity to help the National Trust develop its longer term plan for Mount Stewart gardens and wider estate which together form one of the most exceptional sites of cultural and built heritage in our care. What it's like to work here Mount Stewart is a place that has been touched by the various generations who have loved it. Whilst always respecting the past and finding inspiration from its history, Mount Stewart has been unafraid of change throughout the generations, endeavouring to remain inspiring and relevant in modern times. The gardens at Mount Stewart, the creation of Edith, Lady Londonderry, are renowned for their innovation and uniqueness. The Formal Gardens are intimate, evoking themes of personal identity and triumphs, blending whimsical Classical and Gaelic mythology with exotic plants sourced from around the globe. Mount Stewart is also an exceptional example of the Irish demesne, intended to be both beautiful and productive, with woodland, orchards and farmland. Fine buildings, including the neo-classical House, the Temple of the Winds, Stable Block, Farmyard with Dovecote and the Walled Garden, are architectural gems in their own right. Last year we welcomed over 210,000 visitors and have ambitions to grow our appeal further. Click here for more information about Mount Stewart. As part of the wider County Down Property Group, which includes Castle Ward and Rowallane Garden, we are supported by over 150 staff members and 350 volunteers who have a shared sense of purpose in caring for these wonderful places together, providing a wide range of public benefit to our visitors and local communities. This is a significant time for all National Trust gardens and parkland as we champion and deliver a thoughtful, horticulturally sound and ecological approach that works for nature and people guided by our Conservation Principles and our 10 year People and Nature Thriving strategy. What you'll be doing Thinking long term As a member of the Property Leadership Team, you will work closely with the General Manager, Head of Gardens and Parks and national specialists to plan to enhance the heritage, nature and people benefits of Mount Stewart across the gardens and wider demesne. There will be a strong focus on the team and understanding Mount Stewart's priorities and future potential alongside the wider strategic ambitions of National Trust. You will ensure that the team, skills and processes are in place ready to contribute to a future long-term plan for Mount Stewart. The 12 month period will be a time to review, understand and to rationalise the garden settings and plant collections, focussing resource where it is most needed. This will include championing and delivering our Conservation Principles, adapting horticultural practices and working to our sustainability ambitions. Within the wider demesne, the priority will be to determine the next steps to build resilience in our woodlands to meet challenging climate impacts. We have started this journey and during this period there are opportunities to continue some existing workstreams and to deliver agreed actions from the garden management plan, woodland management plans and property business plans as well as identify what the next steps will be. You will support colleagues to identify the longer-term opportunities to progress and develop the garden's future alongside creating engaging and relevant experiences for current, new and more diverse audiences. You'll be part of a team to create long lasting relationships with emerging audiences and communities alongside safeguarding and promoting the incredible plant collection and unique gardening heritage at Mount Stewart. Leading teams You will lead the garden and ranger team to develop working practices that reflect priorities across Mount Stewart that deliver the National Trust's strategic ambitions and environmental principles. On a day-to-day basis, working with the Assistant Head Gardener, the Area Ranger and their teams, you will provide support and leadership to a team of 11 staff, managing work programmes and ensuring compliance in environmental standards, health and safety and machinery compliance. Key to your role will be recognising the current and future skills needs. You will identify CPD needs for yourself and your team and lead regular team and 1 to 1 meetings, acting as coach and mentor. This is a strategic role, working as part of the Senior Leadership Team to deliver the short and longer-term objectives and advocating for the needs of the gardens and parkland within wider plans Mount Stewart's success Visitor Experience You will work in collaboration with other members of the Property Leadership Team, including the Property Curator and the Visitor Operations Manager and Visitor Experience Manager, to ensure we provide a cohesive and inspiring visitor experience. As a senior member of staff with shared duty management responsibilities, you'll build positive working relationships across the entire site and support your team to do the same. Who we're looking for • Experience of working collaboratively with specialist teams to deliver conservation principles, environmental horticulture practices and the management of living collections • Experience of contributing to historic and public landscape management reviews and planning within a team setting • Strong communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders • A passion for gardens and gardening, with a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility • An understanding of the changing needs, aesthetics and management challenges of 21st century gardens, including climate change • Enthusiasm for developing a holistic approach that integrates garden and parkland management • Ability to build effective relationships with internal colleagues, external partners and visitors • Commitment to inclusive engagement, helping people and communities connect with stories, gardens and landscape The package The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyo
National Trust
Bushmills, County Antrim
Summary Are you ready to embrace change? Are you an aspiring leader? Are you seeking to develop and deliver exceptional visitor experiences at unique places? If so, we're looking for a results-driven leader to take our visitor experiences to the next level across the North Coast Property Group, which includes globally recognised attractions such as the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Mussenden Temple at Downhill Demesne. This role will be diverse, fast paced and rewarding. You'll drive visitor satisfaction, deepen connection to place through enhanced interpretation and storytelling, deliver innovative and engaging experiences and lead a dynamic team that strives for excellence. This is a leadership role that will create inclusive and memorable experiences for over 600,000 visitors from around the world. If you thrive in working in partnership, thinking creatively, leading and collaborating to achieve results, then this could be the next role for you What it's like to work here Flanked by the wild north Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant's Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate, and captured the imagination of all who visit. Northern Ireland's North Coast is one of the largest and stunning portfolios within the National Trust, welcoming visitors from all over the world, who come to explore the iconic coastline. Working in the North Coast Property Group means contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Giant's Causeway, Downhill Demesne and Carrick-a-Rede Rope-bridge. Your efforts will help ensure that these special places are protected for future generations, while providing visitors with memorable experiences. The sense of purpose and fulfilment that comes from knowing that your work makes a difference is a significant part of what makes working here special. This is an operational role based primarily at the Giant's Causeway, with a property group team of approximately 100 passionate and enthusiastic staff and volunteers, working hard to provide exceptional and well cared for visitor services and life-long memories for our visitors. What you'll be doing You will have a deep understanding and relevant expertise to know what makes a great visitor experience. You will shape the end-to-end visitor journey, in collaboration with other colleagues, ensuring it is welcoming and memorable. You will work with all teams to ensure consistency and quality of service and access. You will use visitor feedback, audience insights and evaluation to shape and deliver a dynamic, inspiring and relevant visitor experience that connects with local and international audiences. You'll be continually looking for ways to enhance interpretation at our sites (indoors and outdoors) and will have the opportunity to create refreshed, inclusive and inspiring interpretation that brings our stories to life and deepens connection to our special places. You will collaborate with the marketing team and Business Development Manager to develop and execute appropriate marketing activity. You will also ensure that all promotional activities align with the National Trust's brand and values, maintaining a consistent and positive image of our places. You'll be leading a small team, creating a positive, confident and collaborative working culture. You will be skilled in building relationships and will work in partnership to co-create experiences that will appeal to specific key audiences. Key to your role will be working closely with colleagues to develop and deliver a joined-up property plan to share the history and significance of our properties. You'll be part of the Property Leadership Team, and the duty manager team, which means you'll have direct delegated budget management and compliance task responsibilities, as well as occasionally acting as duty manager or representing the General Manager. The National Trust is committed to the professional development of its employees. Whether through on-the-job training, workshops, or opportunities for advancement, you'll have access to resources that will help and support your professional development. Who we're looking for •knowledge of storytelling, interpretive planning, and curatorial practices that bring heritage to life. •ability to develop medium to long-term audience-led plans that align with organisational goals and audience needs •experience in managing visitor services or public engagement in a tourism, heritage, museum, or cultural setting •proven ability to use data and feedback to shape inclusive and relevant visitor experiences •led and developed staff and/or volunteers to deliver high-quality service •designed or co-created engaging interpretation and public programmes •ability to build effective relationships with internal teams and external partners to co-create experiences The package The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too. •Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary •Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18) •Rental deposit loan scheme •Season ticket loan •EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria) •Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts •Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria. •Flexible working whenever possible •Employee assistance programme •Free parking at most Trust places Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Summary Are you ready to embrace change? Are you an aspiring leader? Are you seeking to develop and deliver exceptional visitor experiences at unique places? If so, we're looking for a results-driven leader to take our visitor experiences to the next level across the North Coast Property Group, which includes globally recognised attractions such as the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Mussenden Temple at Downhill Demesne. This role will be diverse, fast paced and rewarding. You'll drive visitor satisfaction, deepen connection to place through enhanced interpretation and storytelling, deliver innovative and engaging experiences and lead a dynamic team that strives for excellence. This is a leadership role that will create inclusive and memorable experiences for over 600,000 visitors from around the world. If you thrive in working in partnership, thinking creatively, leading and collaborating to achieve results, then this could be the next role for you What it's like to work here Flanked by the wild north Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant's Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate, and captured the imagination of all who visit. Northern Ireland's North Coast is one of the largest and stunning portfolios within the National Trust, welcoming visitors from all over the world, who come to explore the iconic coastline. Working in the North Coast Property Group means contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Giant's Causeway, Downhill Demesne and Carrick-a-Rede Rope-bridge. Your efforts will help ensure that these special places are protected for future generations, while providing visitors with memorable experiences. The sense of purpose and fulfilment that comes from knowing that your work makes a difference is a significant part of what makes working here special. This is an operational role based primarily at the Giant's Causeway, with a property group team of approximately 100 passionate and enthusiastic staff and volunteers, working hard to provide exceptional and well cared for visitor services and life-long memories for our visitors. What you'll be doing You will have a deep understanding and relevant expertise to know what makes a great visitor experience. You will shape the end-to-end visitor journey, in collaboration with other colleagues, ensuring it is welcoming and memorable. You will work with all teams to ensure consistency and quality of service and access. You will use visitor feedback, audience insights and evaluation to shape and deliver a dynamic, inspiring and relevant visitor experience that connects with local and international audiences. You'll be continually looking for ways to enhance interpretation at our sites (indoors and outdoors) and will have the opportunity to create refreshed, inclusive and inspiring interpretation that brings our stories to life and deepens connection to our special places. You will collaborate with the marketing team and Business Development Manager to develop and execute appropriate marketing activity. You will also ensure that all promotional activities align with the National Trust's brand and values, maintaining a consistent and positive image of our places. You'll be leading a small team, creating a positive, confident and collaborative working culture. You will be skilled in building relationships and will work in partnership to co-create experiences that will appeal to specific key audiences. Key to your role will be working closely with colleagues to develop and deliver a joined-up property plan to share the history and significance of our properties. You'll be part of the Property Leadership Team, and the duty manager team, which means you'll have direct delegated budget management and compliance task responsibilities, as well as occasionally acting as duty manager or representing the General Manager. The National Trust is committed to the professional development of its employees. Whether through on-the-job training, workshops, or opportunities for advancement, you'll have access to resources that will help and support your professional development. Who we're looking for •knowledge of storytelling, interpretive planning, and curatorial practices that bring heritage to life. •ability to develop medium to long-term audience-led plans that align with organisational goals and audience needs •experience in managing visitor services or public engagement in a tourism, heritage, museum, or cultural setting •proven ability to use data and feedback to shape inclusive and relevant visitor experiences •led and developed staff and/or volunteers to deliver high-quality service •designed or co-created engaging interpretation and public programmes •ability to build effective relationships with internal teams and external partners to co-create experiences The package The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too. •Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary •Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18) •Rental deposit loan scheme •Season ticket loan •EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria) •Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts •Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria. •Flexible working whenever possible •Employee assistance programme •Free parking at most Trust places Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
