Property Operations Manager

If you’re looking for a new experience, and you’re used to leading varied teams, achieving high standards and running smooth operations, you could make a real difference by working for Europe’s largest conservation charity.

We’re looking for a Property Operations Manager within the Sissinghurst Portfolio, to be responsible for the daily operation across three much-loved National Trust sites, Lamb House, Smallhythe Place and Stoneacre, and for introducing improvements to make it as welcoming as possible for everyone.

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

Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll be joining a leadership team committed to looking after all the properties within the Sissinghurst Portfolio for the benefit of all. This is a thriving and fast-paced place to work, and you’ll be managing a large and varied team that includes around 6 staff and 100+ volunteers.

You’ll carry out duty management across all three properties and will be responsible for setting the rotas for both staff and volunteers. You’ll have a role in identifying and developing projects in each of the properties and will be flexible and adaptable with your approach as you prioritise development opportunities across the properties.

You’ll be working closely with regional consultants and Whole Trust delivery managers and lead a small team of staff and volunteers to deliver excellent visitor service and conservation standards throughout all three of the smaller properties.

Public transport connections to all three properties are limited, so you’ll need to consider how you’ll travel between properties at short notice.

You’ll work collaboratively with your colleagues – particularly those in visitor experience, programming and facilities – to run the visitor operations here. Together, you’ll be making sure that every visitor has what they need to have their best possible day, as well as the chance to discover the work of the Trust for themselves.

You’ll help your team with their priorities and the confidence to achieve their goals, providing them with the care, resources and direction they need to succeed.

You’ll also take a lead role in our approach to the management of volunteers and their experience across the portfolio.

 You’ll be involved in the strategic direction of the whole place. From time to time, you will stand in for the General Manager to run the place or attend external partner meetings in their absence. And you’ll be expected to work some weekends, Bank Hoildays and evenings, as required.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of 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. 

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• able to prioritise and manage conflicting demands
• organised and confident in managing fast-paced operations
• an inspiring leader and manager of people, adept at leading diverse professional teams
• a skilled collaborator and communicator, comfortable with taking decisions
• aware of the importance of excellent service, growing support for an important cause and high standards of presentation 
• up to date with health and safety, compliance and emergency procedures
• familiar with business planning, growing income and managing budgets
• committed to making sure experiences are truly for everyone, with practical knowledge of improving accessibility in a workplace or visitor attraction.

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.