We’re looking for an inspiring, forward‑thinking leader for Osterley & Runnymede, two remarkable places with the potential to shape a more equitable and inclusive future for the communities they serve. Click here to read more about People and nature thriving: Our strategy to 2035.
The National Trust’s commitment is “For everyone, for ever.” Bringing that promise to life starts with the people that work here. It means building teams with a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It means creating an inclusive environment where everyone is able to thrive. Our positions are open to all, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds to support our ambitions of reflecting the communities we serve and ending unequal access.
Salary: £57,954 to £64,077 depending on skills, knowledge and experience. The advertised salary includes the outer London weighting allowance of £3,315 per annum.
Proposed date for first round interviews: 29th May (held virtually).
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Operations, you’ll lead the team across Osterley and Runnymede, representing the organisation with key partners and stakeholders. You’ll be supported by a wider team to drive progress on ending unequal access to nature, beauty and history.
Osterley Park, a vibrant green space at the heart of its community, and Runnymede, the birthplace of the Magna Carta and a global symbol of democracy and equality, offer an unparalleled platform to engage people from all walks of life. You’ll also care for the nature-rich landscapes of Ankerwyke and Finchampstead Ridges, ensuring their stories and beauty are accessible to all.
This role includes some weekend and occasional evening working.
What you'll be doing
This is a rare opportunity to lead with purpose, champion a people‑first culture, and turn bold ambition into meaningful impact. You’ll help ensure that people from all backgrounds have equal access to nature, history and beauty.
You’ll lead a talented and multi‑disciplinary team, including specialists in visitor experience, community and participation, curatorship and collections care, gardens, and facilities. Through close collaboration with regional commercial teams and the internal specialist delivery teams, you’ll empower your team to thrive and generate the resources needed to support access, conservation and long‑term sustainability.
Your leadership will help to develop meaningful partnerships, ensuring our work is shaped by, and reflects, the people and communities we serve.
You’ll set the direction for the future of these places, motivating staff and volunteers to deliver exceptional experiences for every visitor. Alongside this, you’ll manage risk and compliance, champion nature and heritage, and be a strong voice for inclusion. As an ‘expert generalist’, you’ll enjoy working in a fast‑paced and varied environment, balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery.
Who we're looking for
* A proven people leader with strong experience leading and motivating multi‑disciplinary teams and empowering others to work confidently and independently.
* A skilled communicator, able to build and nurture strong, collaborative working relationships with diverse teams, both internally and with external partners.
* Experience working with underserved communities, building meaningful partnerships that support inclusive, locally relevant activity, and enabling others to lead delivery.
* A leader for inclusion, with a track record of embedding inclusive practice into everyday working culture.
* Proven experience developing long‑term plans that support organisational priorities, an understanding of sustainable finance.
* Experience leading change and delivering projects or initiatives resulting in demonstrable, positive impact.
* A confident operational leader, experienced in managing a range of risks, including health and safety, security, financial and reputational risk, with a strong grasp of compliance.
* A strong understanding of visitor expectations, and the ability to inspire and support teams to deliver welcoming, inclusive and high‑quality experiences.
The package
* Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
* Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
* 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.
National Trust place
Osterley Park and House, Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4RB
Documents
* General Manager - Grade 4 (2).pdf
* 82001 NT Osterley_GM-Candidate_Pack.pdf
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional information
Closing Date: 17 May 2026
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.
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