Collections & House Manager

Killerton is embarking on an exciting time for the property.  Close to a growing and expanding regional city, we are re-thinking how we can remain relevant to a growing and changing audience and ensure we can best serve the needs of our local communities.  Our visitor experience at Killerton House & Garden is key to this, the stories we tell, our approach to conservation and programming, and how we engage with our audiences. We're looking for someone with substantial experience in collections management and documentation planning to take on a leading role in preparing the House and Collection for this work.

The normal working pattern for this role is Tuesday to Saturday with occasional days outside this to cover absence and annual leave.

Accommodation is provided to the postholder for the proper or better performance of their duties in accordance with Trust criteria and HMRC rules.

Fashion-famous and full of colour, at 6,400 acres, Killerton is one of the National Trust’s largest special places. Located close to the vibrant city of Exeter, the 18th century house, garden, parkland and wider estate welcomes in excess of 500.000 visitors a year. Its size and scale makes Killerton a truly wonderful place to work; within the formal visitor experience area sits Killerton House, grade II* listed Georgian mansion and former home to the Acland family.  Close by is the grade I Chapel of the Holy Evangelists and the grade II Stable Block, all set within the grade II* Registered Park & Garden.  Killerton House is an accredited museum, which houses a nationally significant collection of fashion, as well as nationally important landscape paintings and portraits.  With such a wide range of objects and interests, it’s the perfect place for Collections & House specialists to grow their career.  

For more information about our property please visit https://killerton

You'll be managing the strategic planning and day to day care of the key buildings and collections of Killerton House.  You’ll work collaboratively with our internal colleagues and specialists, such as Curators and Conservators to ensure the highest standards of conservation, care and presentation of the collections and interiors to deliver an engaging visitor experience.  

You'll manage the Collections Management Systems and Museum Accreditation requirements. Successful day-to-day care and operation of the house is core to the role and you will be a key member of the Property Leadership Team. This will include being on the Duty Manager rota and working regular weekends. This role is also Key Representative, which means you will have duties and responsibilities outside of working hours.  Please see the additional requirements of this role.  

To fulfil the requirements of this role you will be provided staff housing free of charge.  This will include the payment of Council Tax but you will be responsible for your own occupancy costs and utility costs.

We'd love to hear from you if you have: 

•Collections management experience in a museum or historic property environment including inventory database and cataloguing.

•Understanding of Museum Accreditation (Spectrum) standards, collections care and conservation. 

•Strong understanding and good practice of preventive conservation and its application in diverse scenarios.

•Practical and successful experience of operations and delivering visitor experience in a museum, historic house or visitor attraction.

•Leadership skills including coaching, team development, motivation and communication.

•Experience of working with volunteers, with good understanding of the different approaches to reward, recognise and motivate volunteers 

•Experienced in the management of relevant compliance, health and safety and emergency procedures.

•Proven track record of managing budgets, finances, small projects and contracts.

•Good written and verbal communication skills including public presentation, influencing and negotiating.

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.