Garden & Outdoors Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to lead our Gardens and Outdoors team at Wentworth Castle Gardens to deliver our vision for the Gardens and Parkland for people, nature and the planet. Opportunities to work in this strategic space, leading our vision in the outdoors come along rarely and it’s a great time to join the National Trust as we move into our new 10-year strategy period.

We’re offering a salary in the region of £36,600 to £38,000.

We’ll be hosting an assessment centre on Tuesday 17 December that will consist of a face to face interview, a financial analysis task and an opportunity to meet our Senior Gardener and Ranger.

You’ll work collaboratively with communities, partners and tenants to develop plans and ambitions to improve the condition of the gardens and the parkland. You’ll be supported by property and consultancy colleagues including, Farming and Land Use Advisor, Ecologist, Woodland and Water Advisors, along with an Estate Manager and Gardens and Parks Consultant.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you’ll be a key part of the Property Leadership Team, helping shape Wentworth Castle Gardens with our communities and partners for future generations to enjoy.

We’re open 7 days a week, so you’ll work weekends, bank holidays and occasional evening events.

As a hands-on leader, you’ll work with the Senior Gardener and Area Ranger to identify opportunities to help us achieve our vision.

You’ll work at a strategic level to lead and deliver our plans for the site whilst ensuring visitors, donors and community experiences of our place are exceptional.

Leading teams of Gardeners, Rangers and Volunteers to provide exceptional conservation, presentation and experiences in the outdoors, you’ll work at strategic level, creating, leading and delivering our plans to enhance the gardens and parkland landscape. You’ll deliver exceptional horticultural expertise whilst balancing the increasing demands from our supporters to access and enjoy this special place.

Our ambitious plans will drive us to deliver significant development across the property over the next 20 years, working with our formal partners and communities to co-create a place which meets the needs of people today and in the future.

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 is possible in this role. For this position we’re looking for someone who has:

• demonstratable ability to manage change and lead a team towards delivering results
• confidence in managing budgets and income generation
• proficiency in land management schemes and project management
• demonstratable experience of horticulture
• experience of land and access management
• knowledge in conservation of historic landscape
• an ability to communicate effectively at all levels and confidence working with contractors and suppliers
• knowledge of health and safety requirements and other compliance issues relating to gardens and parklands

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 

•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.