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: experience leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams, including volunteers and specialists proven success in developing and delivering long-term plans aligned to organisational goals and priorities understands how to manage budgets, generate income, and deliver financial targets demonstrable ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders understands and applies health & safety, compliance, and risk management practices experience leading change and delivering projects that improve performance or outcomes demonstrates a commitment to inclusion and creating relevant, accessible experiences for diverse audiences Additional criteria for all other applicants: forward-thinking in your approach to balancing the needs of heritage, nature and people someone who understands the expectations of people who visit places, and how to give them consistently excellent service a skilled communicator, who can build strong relationships within diverse teams, both internally and externally General Manager - Ightham Mote & KnoleYou’ll report to the regionally based Assistant Director of Operations and work closely with national and regional specialists who support everything from conservation to visitor experience. This role offers real autonomy, you’ll translate our national strategy into local plans that respond to the unique character, challenges and opportunities of both properties. You’ll also be part of a vibrant General Manager community across Kent and East Sussex, united by a commitment to connecting people with nature, beauty and history. Collaboration is central to the role and you’ll work with leaders across the culture and arts sector and contribute to the National Trust’s pioneering work in storytelling, conservation, and growing our supporter base Ightham Mote is a beautiful 700-year-old moated manor house, surrounded by stunning gardens and over 500 acres of freely accessible estate. Knole houses historic showrooms with a world-class collection of paintings and furniture, sprawling courtyards, gatehouse tower and conservation studio.You’ll lead a talented team of departmental heads whose expertise spans gardens, facilities, visitor experience, curatorship, and the care of precious collections. You’ll also work with regional colleagues responsible for commercial operations and the let estate, as well as the Trust’s flexible pool of specialist support. Your leadership will help teams thrive, deliver exceptional experiences, and generate the resources needed to reinvest in conservation and improvement projects. You’ll shape long-term plans for both properties, ensuring they remain relevant, resilient and inspiring for future generations. You’ll champion high standards in conservation, visitor experience, and operational delivery. You’ll manage risk and compliance with confidence, and you’ll motivate staff and volunteers to create welcoming, inclusive experiences for everyone who visits. 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.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 Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you. Closing Date: 1 February 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. 166786IRC166786SevenoaksPermanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)Ends: Feb 1st Important notice In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from National Trust employees who are under formal notice of redundancy. We’re seeking an inspiring leader to guide two extraordinary National Trust properties; Ightham Mote and Knole, as they come together to form a new property group. This is a rare opportunity to shape a shared vision, build a unified leadership team, and empower staff and volunteers across both sites. As General Manager, you’ll bring people together, champion excellence, and oversee a wide range of operations that protect, enhance and celebrate these remarkable places.Knole House, Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RPCompliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK54,639 pa