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About the Role
We're looking for an inspiring leader to shape the future of Lanhydrock, one of Cornwall's most important historic places and among the National Trust's finest Victorian country house estates.
As General Manager, you'll lead a diverse team of staff and volunteers, balancing the needs of heritage, nature, visitors and community. You'll bring people together around a shared vision, creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong, whether they work here, volunteer here, visit regularly, or are discovering Lanhydrock for the first time.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of an exceptional place, ensuring it remains relevant, sustainable and accessible for generations to come.
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Operations, you'll have the autonomy to translate the National Trust's strategic ambitions into local priorities that reflect the opportunities and challenges of Lanhydrock.
You'll be supported by regional and national specialists, while also becoming part of a collaborative community of General Managers across the Trust. Together, you'll help provide access to nature, beauty and history while contributing to the Trust's wider work in conservation, engagement and storytelling.
You'll also build relationships across Cornwall's cultural, heritage and community sectors, helping broaden access, deepen engagement and strengthen support for this remarkable place.
What you'll be doing
As General Manager, you'll lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for areas including visitor experience, gardens, curatorship, nature conservation, facilities management and the care of nationally important collections.
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You'll:
- Provide visible, inspirational leadership for staff and volunteers, creating a culture where people can thrive and perform at their best.
- Deliver an exceptional visitor experience that encourages repeat visits and attracts new audiences.
- Develop and deliver long-term plans that secure Lanhydrock's future and maximise its contribution to people, nature and heritage.
- Champion conservation, ensuring the appropriate standards of care for landscapes, buildings and collections.
- Oversee operational performance, risk management and statutory compliance.
- Lead financial planning, income generation and commercial performance to ensure investment in conservation and visitor experience.
- Work closely with local communities, partners and stakeholders to increase relevance, accessibility and impact. Collaborate with specialist National Trust teams to deliver projects and strategic priorities.
As an expert generalist, you'll bring together people, resources and ideas to achieve ambitious outcomes across a wide-ranging and complex operation.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for a confident and inclusive leader who can inspire people, build partnerships and drive performance while remaining focused on the long-term needs of the place.
You'll bring:
- Experience of leading complex operational teams and creating a positive, inclusive culture.
- A strategic mindset, with a track record of developing and delivering long-term plans aligned to organisational priorities.
- Success in growing visitor engagement, particularly through indoor and outdoor experiences, events, interpretation and creative programming.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget management, income generation and delivery against financial targets.
- Experience of managing operational risk and ensuring compliance within a complex environment.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence a wide range of audiences.
- A commitment to inclusion and a proven ability to create environments where diverse people feel welcome and valued.
- Experience of working with communities and partners to broaden access and engage under-represented audiences.
- The ability to balance the needs of people, nature and heritage, taking a thoughtful and future-focused approach to decision-making.
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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
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