Summary
*Internal Applicants only* #LI-DNI
Our colleagues work for the National Trust in many locations and sometimes don't have easy access to internal vacancy listings. Using the internet ensures we can reach as many of our colleagues as possible. We appreciate that this can be frustrating for external talent. Do note that some roles are released externally after an initial period.
We’re looking for someone with great people skills, who loves to inspire and delight by providing top-quality experiences for visitors, to join us as a Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Bodiam Castle, Bateman's, Smallhythe Place and Lamb House whilst the Senior Visitor Experience Officer is on maternity leave.
Contract: Fixed term contract until31-Dec-2026. This is a fixed term contract due to end when the postholder returns to the role. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 31-Dec-2026.
Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. This role supports the Visitor Experience Manager and Operations Manager in making sure everything runs smoothly in what is a complex and lively visitor business and involves some holiday and weekend working.
Interview: Monday 18th May 2026
Start date: June 2026 (TBC)
What it's like to work here
The Bateman’s, Bodiam Castle, Smallhythe and Lamb House property group consists four very different properties run by one passionate team.
Bodiam Castle is an impressive 14th century moated castle and one of the most famous castles in Britain. The spiral staircases and original features make for an ever-inspiring atmosphere with a strong spring and summer business appealing to tourists, families and school groups from the UK and overseas.
Ten miles away in Burwash nestles Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. This 17th century house remains much the same as the world-famous writer left it. Bateman's has a real family feel, with a team who will give you a warm welcome. The garden and landscape at Bateman's provided the inspiration for Rudyard's mythical tales in Puck of Pook's Hill and Rewards and Fairies.
Situated near Tenterden and surrounded by vineyards and fields, Smallhythe Place, the home of Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry, is full of charm and theatrical history.
In heart of the picturesque ancient town of Rye is Lamb House, the smartly presented home of the writer Henry James. With such a variety of properties surrounded by beautiful Sussex landscapes and towns this is a great place to live and work.
What you'll be doing
As part of the Visitor Experience team, you'll be focused on achieving the highest standards of presentation and service, helping everything to run smoothly during projects, events, busy school holidays throughout the year.
You’ll work alongside colleagues in the Welcome team to make sure everyone who visits has everything they need to enjoy their day.
You'll carry out duty management as needed, and will work weekends on a rota basis. Sometimes you may need to get stuck in and help wherever you’re needed, to keep the whole place running smoothly.
You will be managing and supervising others, including volunteers.
You will be well organised and able to keep on top of budgets and event documentation.
You will have plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your creativity and problem solving skills. Lots of exciting projects to support across the property group including Summer of Play, October half term, Diwali and Christmas. Opportunity to gain experience of working on a National Lottery Heritage Funded Project by supporting the Visitor Experience Manager with the delivery of a community weekend in September 2026 as part of a significant audience led interpretation project at Bodiam Castle which aims to bring the history of the castle to life for visitors.
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.
Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
1. experienced in devising and running activities to inspire and engage people
2. skilled at communicating, and building good working relationships with people in your team and beyond
3. aware of ways to interpret precious collections of art and objects to a wide variety of people
4. well-organised, and able to work at pace and keep to time
5. confident that you can deal with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations
6. flexible, yet with a focus on always giving high standards of customer service
7. used to working with and supervising volunteers
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