Job Description
We’re looking for someone who cares deeply about achieving high standards and helping to make beauty and history accessible to all, to join us as a Collections and House Manager at Blickling Estate.
What it's like to work here
Blickling is a 4,600 estate in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, with the iconic Jacobean red brick manor house and gardens at its heart. We take great pride in looking after our place and sharing and celebrating the stories of Blickling over a millennia.
The first owner of Blickling as we know it today was Sir Henry Hobart, a man known for his boldness and innovation in developing the estate. We are inspired by his approach and encourage teams to regularly share their ideas and try new things. Blickling is a home for creativity, innovation and exploration. It nurtures, connects and inspires.
For more information about our property visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
What you'll be doing
You’ll work with the Property Leadership Team to ensure operational efficiency, championing conservation, and cultural heritage, working flexibly with other departments to achieve shared goals. You'll manage the three Collections and House Officers and four Collections Assistants. You’ll support them to care for the collections, manage the daily opening of the house, provide a consistently excellent experience for visitors and to achieve outstanding standards in conservation, presentation, and compliance.
Leading by example, you’ll instil a culture of excellent and inclusive service, engaging all kinds of people with conservation, interpretation, and the values of the Trust. You'll have overall responsibility for around 150 house volunteers, developing their skills and providing an indoor volunteering experience for them that’s as flexible and inclusive as possible.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
* experienced in achieving high standards of presentation, customer care, compliance and collections management in a historic setting
* aware of current developments and approved practices in the heritage sector in the field of visitor engagement, innovation and access
* keen to promote inclusivity and diversity in the interpretation and presentation of history
* someone who can remain resilient and positive while managing colleagues, changes and challenges
* able to build strong and effective working relationships with diverse people
* experienced in managing people and achieving goals through others
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:
* experienced in caring for collections and supporting their long-term preservation
* committed to creating memorable visitor experiences and engaging diverse audiences
* confident leading teams and supporting people to do their best work
* skilled in managing day-to-day operations and keeping an eye on budgets
* strategic in your thinking, with a focus on continuous improvement and planning ahead
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