Property Operations Manager

If you have experience managing operations and are passionate about sharing heritage, nature and beauty through inclusive, engaging experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

We're looking for a motivated, people-focused leader to guide staff and volunteers in delivering high-quality visitor operations across the Flatford and North Essex properties. This is a varied role offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to how people experience our places.

What it's like to work here

You'll lead teams working across a diverse cluster of properties, supported by portfolio colleagues, volunteers and specialist teams. Managing multiple sites brings variety and challenge, and you'll be supported to work in ways that help you and your team thrive.

We're committed to creating places that are welcoming, inclusive and supportive for everyone who visits, works or volunteers with us. You'll help foster a positive, inclusive culture where people feel valued and able to do their best work. As public transport options between some sites are limited, we welcome conversations about travel and any support or adjustments that might help.

Each property has its own distinct character and stories to share. Flatford lies in the heart of the Dedham Vale and inspired many of John Constable's most famous works. Paycockes explores the wealth of East Anglia's 16th-century cloth trade. Grange Barn, one of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings, reflects the legacy of Coggeshall Abbey, while Bourne Mill is a historic landmark at the heart of Colchester. Across the portfolio, we're committed to increasing access to nature, beauty and history for as wide and diverse an audience as possible.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead the day-to-day operations of the Flatford and North Essex cluster, including Flatford, Paycockes, Grange Barn and Bourne Mill, ensuring our places are welcoming, inclusive, safe and well run.

You'll line manage on-site teams covering Visitor Experience and Welcome, as well as Conservation teams working with gardens and collections. Working with colleagues across Countryside, Commercial, Facilities and Business Services, and Participation & Engagement, you'll deliver positive visitor experiences while maintaining strong health and safety and operational standards.

As a member of the Essex Portfolio Leadership Team, you'll work with the General Manager and colleagues to contribute to estate-wide strategy, long-term planning and financial sustainability. You'll also help shape how our places respond to change, including evolving visitor needs, conservation priorities, climate adaptation and access.

Partnership working will be an important part of the role, including representing the organisation at external meetings and building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Some weekend and bank holiday working is required. We're happy to discuss working patterns that support individual needs.

Who we're looking for

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

• practised 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

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

• experience managing day-to-day operations in a busy environment.
• ability to lead and support a team effectively.
• strong communication skills and confidence in making decisions.
• awareness of health and safety requirements and compliance processes.
• basic understanding of budgeting and financial management.
• commitment to creating inclusive experiences for everyone, with some practical knowledge of accessibility.

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.

• 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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• 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