Wanstone is one of the most significant Second World War sites in Britain – a rare combination of internationally important wartime heritage, a protected SSSI landscape and a deeply valued community space. Through the Wanstone Rediscovered project, more than 25 major structures have been excavated, conserved and stabilised with extraordinary volunteer involvement and support from partners such as the National Lottery, Historic England and the Imperial War Museum.
We’re looking for a Project Manager to deliver the critical next phase of the project. This phase will include continuing essential maintenance and community engagement, and will take Wanstone towards a major Gate 1 proposal in 2027. You’ll also support governance and aid delivery of a car park project at Wanstone that sits alongside the heritage site.
What it's like to work here
You’ll be part of the property team at the White Cliffs of Dover, with hybrid working available. You should expect to be onsite for 40–60% of your working week, working closely with colleagues and volunteers.
You’ll also connect with the London and Southeast Specialist Delivery team, sharing knowledge with a multidisciplinary network supporting conservation, access and heritage across the region.
This role is central to sustaining the progress already made at Wanstone and developing a future visitor experience that restores nature, improves access and brings its globally significant history to life. You’ll ensure community partnerships continue to thrive and that nationally important structures are protected through the successful delivery of a fundraising strategy and masterplan.
Some duty manager responsibilities are included, with occasional weekend working.
What you'll be doing
You’ll manage this project in line with the National Trust Project Management Framework, ensuring strong governance, effective risk management and high-quality delivery throughout. Overseeing the maintenance and care of Wanstone’s structures and landscape, the role also involves leading and supporting a highly skilled volunteer cohort in partnership with community and volunteering colleagues.
Working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, you’ll build and maintain key relationships with partners and community groups while coordinating a large, multidisciplinary team. You’ll Take the project through a feasibility and master planning phase, developing long-term proposals for incorporating Wanstone into the White Cliffs visitor journey.
Alongside this, you’ll contribute to project governance, reporting and funding development, and prepare key documentation culminating in a Gate 1 paper in 2027. You will also support completion of a recent car park project. Responsibility for project scope, budget, risks and timelines will sit with you, ensuring compliance with environmental and heritage requirements while helping to develop an ambitious and inclusive visitor offer.
More information is available in the attached document. You can also view the role profile 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 Have:
* Strong project management skills and the ability to drive complex projects forward within budgets and timescales.
* Experience managing heritage, landscape, conservation or community‑focused projects (or similar complexity).
* Excellent leadership abilities, able to motivate and coordinate multidisciplinary colleagues, volunteers and consultants.
* Strong relationship‑building skills, able to act confidently with partners, stakeholders and community groups.
* Experience managing budgets, procurement and contracts.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to oversee multiple workstreams.
* A project management qualification, or the motivation to work towards one.
* A commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and community engagement.
* Enthusiasm for contributing to a nationally significant heritage and nature conservation project.
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