Countryside Manager, National TRUST

Overview

Important notice
:
In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from National Trust employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

We’re looking for a forward-thinking Countryside Manager to lead our nature recovery work across the Lincolnshire Coast, including Gunby Estate, Tattershall Castle, and our new coastal nature reserve at Sandilands.

This is an exciting time to join the National Trust as we deliver our strategy, People and Places Thriving, with a focus on restoring nature, improving access, and inspiring communities. The Lincolnshire Coast is a key area for this work.

You’ll lead a team of Rangers and Gardeners, working closely with internal specialists to deliver meaningful outcomes for nature. You’ll also build strong partnerships to support ambitious plans for nature recovery both on and beyond our land. Alongside this, you’ll help create high-quality outdoor experiences that connect people with nature.

You’ll be part of a collaborative and creative leadership team, working with the General Manager and colleagues across the portfolio. Gunby is a historic estate with gardens, parkland, and tenanted farms, where you’ll lead partnership work to enhance its nature value. Sandilands is a developing wetland reserve on the East Coast Flyway, due to open fully in 2026. You’ll oversee its progress, ensuring it becomes a standout destination for wildlife and visitors.

You’ll lead your teams in day-to-day site management and strategic planning to improve access and deliver nature conservation projects. You’ll work with regional and national colleagues to shape and deliver a locally ambitious plan that supports national goals.

You’ll manage a team of 4 Rangers, a Senior Gardener and their team of 4, and around 50 volunteers. You’ll help secure funding from a mix of public and private sources to support high-quality nature outcomes. Some weekend, bank holiday and duty management work is required.

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

• knowledge of nature conservation and outdoor site management
• experience in partnership working and stakeholder engagement
• ability to lead and support a team
• skills in project and budget management
• understanding of land use change and coastal nature restoration
• confidence in managing compliance and working with contractors

Criteria for all other applicants are:

• sound knowledge and experience of nature conservation and outdoors site management
• experience and ability in partnership working and stakeholder engagement with ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships.
• ability to lead and support team, setting long-term strategic direction for nature and climate
• skilled in Project Management and budget management
• detailed understanding land use change, coastal nature restoration and coastal adaptation
• confidence in managing resources, compliance and working with contractors

The National Trust motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ sits 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
• 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