Project Manager (Concept Development)

Killerton is embarking on an exciting time of significant change for the property.  Close to a growing and expanding regional city, we are planning an ambitious series of projects around the Destination Estate Vision & Concept to help deliver our core purpose of protecting and caring for places, so people and nature can thrive. 

We are looking to recruit an experienced, professional Project Manager for an exciting opportunity working at the outstanding National Trust property Killerton, near Exeter. This property includes over 2,600ha of land and extensive buildings.   As the postholder you will be key in leading our work for nature, climate and public enjoyment, helping build resilient businesses and income streams. You’ll be an inspiring leader who can lead a team through collaborative processes which result in well-defined projects across a range of conservation, commercial and people-focussed outcomes. The role will involve working from Killerton with limited travel within the area.

What it's like to work here

Fashion-famous and full of colour, at 6,400 acres, Killerton is one of the National Trust’s largest special places. Located close to the vibrant city of Exeter, the 18th century house, garden, parkland and wider estate welcomes in excess of 500.000 visitors a year. Its size and scale makes Killerton a truly wonderful place to work.

The wider estate extends to 6,500 acres and consists of farmland, woodland, orchard, wood pasture and three tributaries of the River Exe.  We’ve made huge strides over the last few years including the establishment of over 70,000 trees, 40 hectares of new wood pasture and the restoration of more than 5 km of hedgerow but we are determined to go much, much farther in our ambitions to grow and diversify the property’s businesses, improve the state of nature and increase access to the outdoors.

For more information about the property please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton 

You'll be joining a team of Project Managers – part of the South West Consultancy – who are motivated and passionate about working at pace and scale. We aim to facilitate lasting change by collaborating, learning and adapting, in a supportive team environment.

What you'll be doing

With a focus on the concept and feasibility stages of projects, you’ll work closely with the project board, property and regional teams and different workstreams around the National Trust’s Project Management Framework to manage a series  of projects on the Killerton Estate. You’ll have proven experience in partnership working and managing multiple complex projects end-to-end, you’ll bring your professional expertise, creativity and experience to our work. Championing public benefit, nature, environmental sustainability, climate resilience and conservation, the projects you will develop will range from adaptive reuse of buildings, commercial development, infrastructure improvements and creating attractive outdoor experiences, connecting people with nature and the outdoors.

You’ll work with colleagues with a range of specialisms, using your past experience to understand, process and present complex information for different audiences. You’ll prioritise effectively and make clear recommendations to leadership teams, making links to wider strategic objectives. You’ll also line manage a small team of other Project Managers.

You’ll belong to our national Project and Programme Management community with an ambition to establish a culture of excellence in project delivery across the National Trust. 

Day-to-day, you’ll work intensively with the team at Killerton as your client and across multiple projects, as well as internal and external specialists, stakeholders and partners.

We can be flexible about working patterns and are happy to explore and agree a working arrangement which strikes the right balance for you and the National Trust. We have a hybrid working model which includes working at home if/when appropriate. However, on-site presence is crucial to the success of the role.

Who we're looking for

We’ll shortlist against the following minimum criteria for the role:

• You have a clear understanding of the end-to-end project/programme management lifecycle with particular experience of delivering successful concept and feasibility stages for multiple projects, including defining resources, leading procurement, problem-solving, securing project teams and matrix management of project teams

• You hold a recognised project (APM PMQ/PRINCE2) or programme management (MSP) qualification and evidence of ongoing CPD in your career to date

• You have excellent communication and influencing skills and are confident liaising with senior leaders, demonstrating experience of managing complex and contentious external stakeholder relationships

• You have experience of bringing together a wide range of disciplines to work through complexity and ambiguity in a collaborative way

• You demonstrate understanding of working within historical and ecologically sensitive environments and have experience in at least one of the following areas: audience-led projects; place-based change projects; spatial planning; construction projects.

Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

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)

• Tax-free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• 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

• Independent financial advice