Summary
We are looking for a skilled and driven Programme Manager to lead a high-profile initiative to breathe new life into Heartlands—a site rich in heritage and potential—and deliver lasting change for one of Cornwall’s most underserved communities.This is a rare opportunity to shape a major partnership programme that blends community engagement, public benefit, and commercial innovation. You’ll lead the full programme lifecycle—from planning and governance to delivery and evaluation—driving progress across multiple workstreams and ensuring delivery against key performance indicators, funder requirements, and strategic goals. You’ll lead the team at Heartlands and East Pool Mine and be responsible for the operation of both places.
What it's like to work here
Heartlands in Pool is a potential new acquisition for the National Trust. It’s a large heritage regeneration site forming part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site. The National Trust and our partners—Cornwall Rural Community Charity and Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum—are in negotiations to securethe lease with Cornwall Council. Together, we want to work with the local community to transform Heartlands into a vibrant place for opportunity, inclusion and experiences. This programme is ambitious in scope, aiming to enrich lives, pioneer new ways of working and act as a hub for the voluntary sector in Cornwall. You’ll be at the centre of it all—laying the foundations for a site that serves Cornwall’s largest and most underserved community, while showcasing how heritage, partnership and commercial innovation can drive inclusive growth and public benefit.
What you'll be doing
•Lead the full lifecycle of a high-profile and innovative programme—from planning and budgeting to delivery and evaluation. •Drive progress and delivery against programme KPIs, funder and partner expectations, and strategic goals.•Support the Partnership Board, ensuring governance processes are inclusive, collaborative, and results-driven.•Build and manage relationships with stakeholders across public, private, and voluntary sectors. •Line manage the team at Heartlands and East Pool Mine and ensure both sites are operated with compliance and high standards of presentation. Represent the programme at external and internal meetings, conferences and events, showcasing its impact.•Oversee operational and commercial activity, ensuring sustainable outcomes.You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all 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.
Who we're looking for
We’re seeking a confident, proactive leader who thrives in complexity and is passionate about making a difference. You’ll bring:•Proven experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programmes from end to end.•Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including with senior leaders.•Experience of balancing public benefit with commercial outcomes and operational delivery.•Evidence of commitment to inclusive leadership and creating equitable opportunities.•Experience in operating sites open to the public. •Skills in matrix management and setting teams up for success.•Experience in problem-solving and innovation, translating vision into delivery.•A recognised qualification in project or programme management (e.g. AMP PMQ, PRINCE2, MSP).
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
•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