Countryside Manager

NATIONAL TRUST; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization seeks a dynamic Countryside Manager in Chesterfield to lead nature restoration across two iconic estates. This leadership role involves setting strategic direction, managing resources, and inspiring teams. Candidates should have a strong background in ecology, project management, and a proven ability to drive change. The position offers flexible working and a substantial benefits package, fostering an inclusive culture.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

• Experience in nature conservation and managing common land.
• Skilled in project management and budget oversight.
• Confident leadership abilities in diverse teams.
• Demonstrated successful change management experience.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Resilient in partner engagement and service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic plans for nature restoration.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, and compliance for safety.
• Build relationships with tenants and stakeholders.
• Champion service excellence and visitor experience.
• Drive innovation through conservation-led planning.

Skills

Setting direction for countryside operations

Managing resources and compliance

Ecological knowledge

Building strategic relationships

Leading and developing teams

Proactive opportunity identification

Job description

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

Are you passionate about nature, conservation, and leading teams to deliver meaningful change? We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Countryside Manager to lead our nature restoration ambitions across two of Derbyshire’s most iconic estates Hardwick and Kedleston.

This is a leadership role at the heart of our countryside operations, where you will inspire and guide teams across both properties including staff and volunteers to deliver meaningful change on the land we care for. You will be responsible for setting direction, motivating others, and driving continuous improvement in how we manage and restore nature.

What it's like to work here

This is a shared role, with three days per week based at Hardwick and two days at Kedleston. You’ll be at the forefront of delivering the National Trust’s Restore Nature strategy, working collaboratively to create richer, wilder landscapes where nature can thrive.

At Hardwick, you’ll lead the delivery of our bold new vision to transform the estate into a haven for wildlife and a place where people can connect deeply with nature. At Kedleston, you’ll support ongoing conservation and access work, ensuring our outdoor spaces continue to inspire and engage visitors.

What you'll be doing

You’ll lead the development and delivery of strategic plans that align with the Trust’s Land, Outdoors and Nature Programme, ensuring our work is impactful, forward‑thinking, and rooted in conservation excellence. With oversight of budgets, contracts, and compliance, you’ll ensure operations are safe, sustainable, and efficient.

A key part of your role will be building and nurturing strong relationships with tenants, partners, and stakeholders to support nature restoration and improve access to the outdoors. You’ll champion a culture of exceptional service and visitor experience, ensuring that everyone who engages with our land feels welcomed and inspired.

Through conservation‑led business planning, you’ll drive innovation and generate income to support long‑term stewardship. This is a role for someone who thrives on leading change, empowering others, and making a lasting difference.

Please note that flexibility is essential, as the role includes working some weekends and bank holidays.

Who we're looking for

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:

We'd love to hear from you if you’re:

• experience setting and driving long‑term direction for countryside operations
• confidence managing resources, compliance and service delivery
• ecological knowledge to protect and enhance natural assets
• a track record of building and sustaining strategic relationships
• skills in leading and developing staff and volunteers to achieve shared goals
• a proactive approach to identifying and delivering new opportunities

Criteria for all other applicants:

• highly experienced in nature conservation, and the managing of common land, public land and changes of land use
• skilled in managing projects and budgets
• confident in leading a diverse team
• able to show examples of where you’ve successfully managed change
• adept at negotiating, influencing and communicating
• resilient and experienced in working effectively with partners
• good at involving all kinds of people, sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, and giving great service
• keen to make a difference, show initiative and work towards a sustainable future

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
• 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