General Manager, National TRUST

Important notice

We’re seeking an inspiring leader to guide two extraordinary National Trust properties;
Ightham Mote and Knole, as they come together to form a new property group. This is a rare opportunity to shape a shared vision, build a unified leadership team, and empower staff and volunteers across both sites. As General Manager, you’ll bring people together, champion excellence, and oversee a wide range of operations that protect, enhance and celebrate these remarkable places.

You’ll report to the regionally based Assistant Director of Operations and work closely with national and regional specialists who support everything from conservation to visitor experience. This role offers real autonomy, you’ll translate our national strategy into local plans that respond to the unique character, challenges and opportunities of both properties.

You’ll also be part of a vibrant General Manager community across Kent and East Sussex, united by a commitment to connecting people with nature, beauty and history. Collaboration is central to the role and you’ll work with leaders across the culture and arts sector and contribute to the National Trust’s pioneering work in storytelling, conservation, and growing our supporter base.

Ightham Mote is a beautiful 700-year-old moated manor house, surrounded by stunning gardens and over 500 acres of freely accessible estate. Knole houses historic showrooms with a world-class collection of paintings and furniture, sprawling courtyards, gatehouse tower and conservation studio.

You’ll lead a talented team of departmental heads whose expertise spans gardens, facilities, visitor experience, curatorship, and the care of precious collections. You’ll also work with regional colleagues responsible for commercial operations and the let estate, as well as the Trust’s flexible pool of specialist support.

Your leadership will help teams thrive, deliver exceptional experiences, and generate the resources needed to reinvest in conservation and improvement projects. You’ll shape long‑term plans for both properties, ensuring they remain relevant, resilient and inspiring for future generations.

You’ll champion high standards in conservation, visitor experience, and operational delivery. You’ll manage risk and compliance with confidence, and you’ll motivate staff and volunteers to create welcoming, inclusive experiences for everyone who visits.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Applications from redeployed employees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• experience leading and managing multi‑disciplinary teams, including volunteers and specialists
• proven success in developing and delivering long‑term plans aligned to organisational goals and priorities
• understands how to manage budgets, generate income, and deliver financial targets
• demonstrable ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• understands and applies health & safety, compliance, and risk management practices
• experience leading change and delivering projects that improve performance or outcomes
• demonstrates a commitment to inclusion and creating relevant, accessible experiences for diverse audiences

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

• forward‑thinking in your approach to balancing the needs of heritage, nature and people
• someone who understands the expectations of people who visit places, and how to give them consistently excellent service
• a skilled communicator, who can build strong relationships within diverse teams, both internally and externally

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an…