Summary
This is a unique opportunity to act as the operational hub of a specialist conservation studio, connecting people, resources and systems to support outstanding care for National Trust collections.
At the heart of a busy, high‑profile studio, you’ll act as the operational driver, coordinating transport, photography, contractor logistics, ordering and finance processes to ensure smooth and effective delivery.
You’ll lead a team of volunteers and provide the structure and coordination that enables conservation specialists to focus on delivering excellent outcomes.
Contract: This is a fixed term contract ending 5th January 2027.
Hours: 37.5 per week.
What it's like to work here
Your contractual location will be the Royal Oak Conservation Studio, Knole, with an expectation to attend the office 40–60% of the time, depending on operational activity. Flexible working is supported outside of this.
Reporting to the Senior National Conservator – Studios and Partnerships, you’ll support conservators specialising in paintings, frames, furniture and decorative arts. You’ll gain insight into conservation, collections management and the wider cultural heritage environment, working alongside curators, scientists and engagement teams.
Based in a 15th‑century barn at Knole, the studio combines working space with a visitor and events area. The team regularly hosts specialist contractors, as well as workshops and public programmes.
This is a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where organisation and communication are key.
What you'll be doing
You’ll play a vital role in the smooth running of our studio, coordinating day‑to‑day activity with care and attention – from scheduling and communications to meetings, transport and photography bookings. With an eye on the bigger picture, you’ll maintain forward plans to ensure everything we do aligns with our priorities and is delivered thoughtfully and on time. You’ll bring people together, leading and supporting our volunteers with warmth, organising rotas, onboarding and clear communication so everyone feels valued and connected. Alongside this, you’ll coordinate ordering, procurement and budget tracking, contributing to planning and reporting cycles while providing reliable financial and operational insight to help us make informed decisions.You’ll work closely with contractors, freelancers, suppliers and partners, building strong relationships to ensure work is delivered seamlessly. Above all, you’ll help us care for the detail – maintaining accurate records and systems, supporting our studio facilities and equipment, and helping ensure we remain compliant, resilient and ready for whatever comes next.
Who we're looking for
This role is ideal for someone ready to step up quickly and confidently into a coordination and business leadership role, bringing structure and clarity to a fast‑moving environment. Ideally your skills and experience will include:
1. Well organised and attentive to detail
2. Great team player
3. Excellent people and customer service skills enabling strong relationships to be built and maintained internally and externally
4. Experience of working with and supporting volunteers
5. Evidence of financial data analytics and reporting
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