• Robust, strategic and collaborative leader with experience of balancing people, nature, and heritage priorities. • Visible, inclusive and supportive, able to lead through others. • Calm and effective under operational and strategic pressures. • Skilled at focusing resources where they deliver greatest benefit. • Passionate about consistently high-quality visitor experience. • Exceptionally strong communicators able to influence internally and externally. • Committed to fostering inclusive and welcoming teams. General ManagerReporting to the Assistant Director of Operations, you will be the senior operational lead and external figurehead for the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire property group. You’ll work closely with partners, specialists and communities, guiding long-term planning across significant, highly designated countryside sites and nationally important cultural places. This property group requires confident leadership across conservation, access, commercial operations and stakeholder engagement. This will be a challenging but also hugely rewarding opportunity to lead teams and influence stakeholders, joining at an exciting point as detailed designs are forming for our two proposed new visitor gateways at Ashridge, plus a tantalizingly close ‘acquisition’ of Pitstone Quarry – another proposed visitor hub, with a commercial landscape to be restored for nature and designed for people to enjoy. You’ll lead the strategic and operational delivery of Ashridge Estate, Dunstable Downs and Shaw’s Corner, working with a skilled Property Group Leadership Team and a wide network of specialists to turn our ambitions for people and nature into everyday practice. You’ll drive landscape‑scale nature recovery, guiding long‑term, innovative plans that protect highly designated places while enabling responsible access and enjoyment. Through strong partnerships and confident leadership, you’ll help secure significant investment and ensure the portfolio becomes a leading example of the Trust’s Restoring Nature ambition. Championing excellent visitor experience will be central to your role. You’ll balance conservation, access and commercial activity across varied places, ensuring welcoming, inclusive and high‑quality experiences that reflect the character and significance of each site. You’ll be a visible and supportive leader, helping teams to focus on the right priorities, build confidence and deliver with clarity across conservation, access and commercial goals. Strong compliance, safety and risk management will underpin everything you do, protecting people, places and the Trust’s reputation. Managing complex budgets, people and projects, you’ll ensure resources are used where they create the greatest benefit and that the property group remains financially resilient and well cared for. As the senior figurehead, you’ll build trusted relationships with partners, volunteers and local communities, strengthening the Trust’s connection to Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Some weekend and occasional evening work will be required. 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 Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you. Closing Date: 10 May 2026To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.ukIf you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.Equal Opportunities Statement The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here. Safeguarding Statement The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre. Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early. 175308IRC175308DunstablePermanent f/tEnds: May 10th 24.9 mi from HayesWe’re looking for an experienced and forward-thinking leader to take on the General Manager role for the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire portfolio, covering Ashridge Estate, Dunstable Downs, Shaw’s Corner and so much more. This role incorporates one of our most diverse and high-profile properties, with a clear focus on Restoring Nature, a central pillar of 'People and Nature Thriving'. You’ll guide place-based delivery, inspire teams, and shape a portfolio that demonstrates excellence in nature recovery and visitor engagement across our diverse communities. Ashridge Estate, Near Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LTCompliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK54,639 pa