Summary

We are looking for a Property Operations Manager to join us here at our beautiful Sissinghurt portfolio. 

As Property Operations Manager, you'll be accountable for the day-to-day management, visitor operations and compliance for Smallhythe Place, Lamb House and Stoneacre, all within the Sissinghurst Portfolio.

Working in partnership with the General Manager and other colleagues, you'll set the longer-term vision and Property Business plans for all three properties, linking into the Trust’s strategic objectives and all within the significance of our spirit of place.

You'll be a key member of the Property Leadership Team within the GM portfolio and in line with the common leadership responsibilities, will contribute to the overall portfolio plan, linking the smaller properties to Sissinghurst Castle Garden.

This is a permanent, full time opportunity and comes with wonderful accommodation at Yew Tree Cottage. The cottage is two bedroomed and has a wonderful garden and off-road parking situated in a beautiful location just opposite Smallhythe Place. The accommodation comes with the responsibility of being a key representative, carrying out of hours cover for our properties within an agreed rota. Please see additional staff duties list and property boundary map.

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

What it's like to work here

The Sissinghurst portfolio consists of four properties and gardens open to visitors.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a highly personal garden planned by two people, Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, whose artistry was matched by their plant knowledge and who had an individual point of view.  Sissinghurst has international significance and is considered as being one of the finest gardens open to visitors attracting circa 200,000 visitors each year.

Lamb House in Rye came back into the management of the National Trust in 2018 and has since started to build a fantastic offer in the heart of Rye in East Sussex. Lamb House has strong literary associations and has previously been occupied by Henry James, E.F Benson and Rumer Godden. Lamb House is a beautiful Georgian House with a large walled garden.

Smallhythe Place in Tenterden, Kent, was the home of Ellen Terry, an actress from the Victorian age. It is a wonderful early 16th century house with a cottage garden and its own Barn Theatre set within beautiful surroundings.

Stoneacre is situated near Maidstone in Kent, the property is a half-timbered yeoman farmer's house dating from the 15th century, together with a wonderful garden, orchard, and meadows.

Combined the total number of visitors is around 270,000 and the opportunity to grow further at the smaller properties is there with careful management over a phased period.

Click here for more information about this location

What you'll be doing

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.

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 an inspirational manager and enthuse others to help deliver your plans, looking for fundraising opportunities to help engage with new Partnerships and local communities.

Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

Who we're looking for

We’d like to hear from you, if you have the following skills and experience:

• Strong leadership and people management/ development experience with the ability to influence and engage people at all levels
• Flexible approach to leadership, managing a small team of staff and volunteers across a 7-day operation across different sites
• Strong budget and financial management experience
• Experience in leading for change
• Excellent understanding of audience engagement and customer service
• Drive, enthusiasm and determination
• Understanding of how to get the best out of people working in multi-disciplinary teams
• Enjoy problem solving and developing solutions with teams.

The package

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.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary