Programme Manager 44,499 pa

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial pension up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Job summary

The National Trust is seeking a Programme Manager on a 2-year fixed-term contract to lead programmes aligned with our conservation priorities. You will coordinate complex change activities, manage budgets, and build strong cross-team relationships to deliver lasting benefits.

Based in Swindon, with the Operations and Places Team and Strategic Plan Lead, you will help shape our Re-Imagining Conservation Strategy. Salary starts at £44,499 and is negotiable based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex end-to-end programme management.
• Recognised project or programme management qualification (e.g., MSP/AMP PMQ/Prince).
• Evidence of ongoing CPD in your career to date.

Responsibilities

• Deliver an integrated and professional programme management service from initiation through evaluation.
• Coordinate projects to ensure delivery aligns with strategic objectives and benefits.
• Establish governance, monitor progress, manage risks and issues, and report to stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, resources, suppliers and contractors to ensure value for money.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Risk management

Education

MSP/AMP PMQ qualification

Tools

Prince2

Job description

We're looking for a Programme Manager to join us on a 2-year Fixed-Term Contract. You'll lead the delivery of programmes that contribute to the National Trust's strategic conservation priorities, coordinating complex change activities, projects and people to achieve lasting organisational benefits. The role will be based within our Operations and Places Team and will work with the Strategic Plan Lead to deliver across our Re-Imagining Conservation Strategy. Making connections across our work will be a priority and supporting an integrated approach to the development of our strategy and delivery.

Salary starts at £44,499 but is open to discussion based on experience.

What it's like to work here

At the National Trust, programmes help deliver meaningful change across the organisation. From improving how we work to supporting long-term conservation and visitor ambitions, programme teams bring together expertise from across the Trust to achieve strategic outcomes.

As Programme Manager, you'll work with a variety of stakeholders to deliver programmes that make a tangible difference. You'll be part of a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing, continuous improvement and inclusive leadership are valued. We welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

What you'll be doing

You'll deliver an integrated and professional programme management service, overseeing programme plans from initiation through to evaluation. You'll coordinate projects, ensuring delivery remains aligned to strategic objectives and intended benefits.

You'll establish effective governance arrangements, monitor progress, manage programme risks and issues, and provide clear reporting to key stakeholders. You'll also help define programme scope and ensure successful implementation of programme outcomes.

You'll build strong relationships and communicate a clear programme vision. You'll lead programme teams and support colleagues through change, creating a collaborative environment where people are empowered to contribute and succeed. You'll also manage budgets, resources, suppliers and contractors to ensure the effective use of funds and delivery of value for money.

Who we're looking for

You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths. Please use your application to demonstrate how you meet the criteria below:

• Able to demonstrate experience of successfully delivering complex end to end project/programme management, including defining resources, leading procurement securing project teams and matrix management across multiple projects/programmes
• Professional with technical knowledge and skills in project management demonstrated by a recognised project (AMP PMQ/Prince) or programme management (MSP) qualification
• Able to evidence ongoing CPD in your career to date
• Flexible thinker and problem-solver, skilled at negotiating and building productive networks, and confident in using your expertise to influence decisions with senior leaders
• Skilled communicator, with experience of managing complex and challenging situations with competing interests and a diverse range of people
• Leader for inclusion, who finds ways to create an inclusive culture

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)
• 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.

National Trust place

Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA

Documents

Programme Manager - Grade 5 - Reset.pdf

Requirements

Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

*Internal Applicants only*

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 of time.

Closing Date: 01 November 2026

Interview Date: 18 November 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.