Experience & Programming Manager

National Trust; Wrexham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working wherever possible

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Job summary

The National Trust is seeking an Experience & Programming Manager for Chirk Castle in Wales. You will lead audience-led programming, develop seasonal events for Christmas and summer, and curate a programme of changing exhibitions to engage diverse visitors.

Working with staff, volunteers and partners, you’ll build welcoming experiences, expand partnerships, and keep experiences immersive, relevant and accessible to everyone.

Qualifications

• A strong understanding of audience-led programming, interpretation and engagement.
• Proven experience delivering audience-focused programmes and building effective partnerships.
• Awareness of the wider programming sector, with up-to-date knowledge of successful trends and examples.
• Strong leadership, team development and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience of project management, with the ability to make decisions, manage competing priorities and deliver work at pace and on budget.
• Experience of managing operational risk.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good IT proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead work that delights, intrigues and involves both new and existing audiences, with a focus on large-scale seasonal programming for Christmas and summer, alongside changing exhibitions.
• Work closely with colleagues across the property, contributing to and supporting work across teams as needed.
• Ensure a varied range of experiences that encourage visitors to enjoy their day and return again and again.
• Build on previous successes and bring fresh ideas to the table to keep the visitor offer engaging, immersive and relevant.
• Develop strong relationships with a wide range of creative partners to bring new experiences to life.
• Help reach people not currently engaging with our places, finding innovative ways to make them feel welcome and connected to the stories, landscapes and collections.

Skills

Audience-led programming

Partnerships

Leadership

Project management

Communication

IT proficiency

Job description

Summary

We’re looking for a creative and audience‑focused Experience & Programming Manager to help bring Chirk Castle and its grounds to life. Rooted in the spirit of our landscapes, collections and stories, you’ll create inspiring and inclusive experiences that deepen people’s connection with the National Trust. You’ll be working with communities, partners, staff and volunteers to ensure every visitor feels welcome– and leaves wanting to return.

Salary: £30,966 per annum Contract Duration: Permanent

Working Pattern: You'll work 37.5 hours per week, across 5 out of 7 days. You'll be required to work some weekends according to business needs (typically around 1 in 3), as well as some evenings to support events, so flexibility is important.

Mae cyfieithiad Cymraeg yr hysbyseb hon ar gael yn y atodiadau.

What it's like to work here

This is an exciting opportunity to lead programming at Chirk Castle. At the National Trust, people and places are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll join a collaborative and supportive team who care deeply about nature, beauty and history – and about the people who experience them. We work together with purpose and curiosity, valuing different perspectives and embracing change so our places stay relevant for everyone, for ever. You’ll be part of a culture that encourages creativity, champions inclusion, and gives you the freedom to try new ideas, learn, and grow.

What you'll be doing

You’ll lead work that delights, intrigues and involves both new and existing audiences, with a particular focus on large‑scale seasonal programming for Christmas and summer, alongside the development and delivery of a high‑profile programme of changing exhibitions. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the property, contributing to and supporting work across teams where needed. You’ll ensure we’re offering a varied range of experiences that encourage visitors to enjoy their day and return again and again. Building on previous successes and bringing fresh ideas to the table, you’ll help keep our visitor offer engaging, immersive and relevant. Working collaboratively, you’ll develop strong relationships with a wide range of creative partners to bring new experiences to life. You’ll also help us reach people who aren’t currently engaging with our places, finding innovative ways to make them feel welcome and connected to the stories, landscapes and collections in our care. You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. Youdon'tneed to haveallthe knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture ofwhat’spossible in this role.

Who we’re looking for

• A strong understanding of audience‑led programming, interpretation and engagement.
• Proven experience delivering audience‑focused programmes and building effective partnerships.
• Awareness of the wider programming sector, with up-to-date knowledge of successful trends and examples.
• Strong leadership, team development and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience of project management, with the ability to make decisions, manage competing priorities and deliver work at pace and on budget.
• Experience of managing operational risk.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good IT proficiency.

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

National Trust place

Chirk Castle, Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5AF

Documents

• IRC180902 - Rheolwr Rhaglennu a Phrofiadau.docx
• Experience & Programming Manager - Grade 7.pdf
• Rheolwr Rhaglennu a Phrofiad - G7.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 22 November 2026

Provisional First Interview Date: 07 December 2026

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.