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: demonstrate a strategic approach with the ability to identify future trends and manage change experienced in leading complex and varied operational teams and developing high performing teams within a matrix structure strong on inclusive leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and mentor a widely dispersed team strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to build trust and represent an organisation at a senior level confident with financial planning and budgeting with demonstrable experience of being cost conscious and efficient with resources Additional criteria for all other applicants: able to build and develop mutually beneficial relationships with external partners and stakeholders including co-designing outcomes and implementation of same. experienced in successfully leading a wide range of projects and programmes and managing risk Please use your application to provide evidence of how you meet the criteria outlined above.Assistant Director - Kent & East SussexReporting to the Regional Director, you'll be a part of the regional leadership team, working together to bring the National Trust’s strategy to life. As this role covers Kent and East Sussex within our London and South East Region your office will be at Scotney Castle. This is a hybrid role working at our properties, regional hubs and home with some national meetings across other parts of the UK with approximately 40-60% of your time working across the region.First and foremost, you're an experienced and influential senior leader. You’ll lead a team of general managers who look after a wide variety of National Trust places. You’ll support, inspire, coach and mentor your team, helping them to make the best of the places in their care, and to give a great experience and welcome to everyone who visits. You will also support them to develop partnerships and collaborate with communities to make places more accessible and connected. With ideas for what Kent and East Sussex can contribute to regional and national ambitions, you’ll lead operations across this diverse group of places. As a senior leader, you’ll also sponsor large projects, working with specialists from all areas of the National Trust and other organisations. You’ll take a lead role for one of our national strategic priorities on behalf of the region, working with national colleagues and regional teams to drive our ambitions in this area. You’ll lead for and champion specific areas of the National Trust’s new strategy as we develop the thinking and partnerships needed to achieve our ambitions. Using your ability to build and develop positive relationships, you will play a key role in seeking out and cultivating external partnerships to enable us to have as much impact as possible in the delivery of our strategy across Kent and East Sussex and the wider region. The National Trust was founded on the belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone, so you’ll be championing our priority of making the organisation an inclusive place to work, volunteer and visit, finding new ways to make sure everyone has access and feels welcome.Please view the attached candidate pack for more information about the 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 (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 Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you. Closing Date: 08 February 2026Important notice In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from National Trust employees who are under formal notice of redundancy. To 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. 170879IRC170879Tunbridge WellsPermanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)Ends: Feb 8th Are you an inspiring, inclusive and engaging Leader? Then our Assistant Director role could be the senior leadership opportunity for you. In this varied senior role, you would lead delivery of our new 10-year national strategy: People and nature thriving through teams working across landscapes, gardens, historic houses and inspiring coastline throughout Kent and East Sussex, making connections and working in partnership to inspire, welcome and engage current and future generations.The salary range for this role is £67,236 - £74,724 depending on skills, knowledge and experience. OPS Central OperationsCompliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK70,000 pa