Site Manager - Penrith

The National Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading heritage organization is seeking a Site Manager for Aira Force in the Lake District. This role involves managing operations, ensuring visitor satisfaction, and promoting a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in visitor attractions or historic properties, strong communication skills, and a focus on problem-solving. The position offers an inclusive work culture with significant benefits including a substantial pension scheme, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Gym membership discounts

Up to 32 days holiday allowance

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

• Experience working in historic properties or visitor attractions.
• Proven ability to manage operational and project budgets.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations at Aira Force.
• Ensure excellent visitor service and conservation standards.
• Lead staff and volunteers to deliver Trust strategy.

Skills

Experience in historic properties or visitor attractions

Supervising or training staff

Managing operational budgets

Understanding of Health & Safety compliance

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Job description

Job Details Site Manager - Penrith Summary

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

Are you a team player, and a natural problem‑solver? If you are, then we’re looking for a Site Manager for Aira Force, a stunningly beautiful and popular visitor attraction in Ullswater. If you would like to apply, take the time to read the rest of this advert and the role profile attached. We’ll need to see a CV and Supporting Statement uploaded to the National Trust Jobs website, and we’re looking for evidence of the skills listed in the “Who we are looking for” section below. If you have any questions, or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Amy Pitch, Visitor Operations & Experience Manager. Regular weekend working and working during school holidays are a requirement of this role.

What it’s like to work here: You’ll be part of the Lakes and Eden Property Group, bringing together the National Trust’s built and designed heritage in some of the nation’s most loved Lake District landscapes and places. From the sublime designed landscapes of Aira Force and Tarn Hows to the homes of some of the most important people in history, including Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop and the former home of William Wordsworth and Canon Rawnsley at Allan Bank in Grasmere. You will be based at Aira Force (CA11 0JS) and required to support the team at Acorn Bank with their banking once a week (CA10 1SP).

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be accountable for the day‑to‑day management, visitor operations and compliance for Aira Force. You’ll contribute to creating a positive, inclusive, collaborative work environment focused on delivering the Trust’s strategy. You’ll work closely with regional consultants and Whole Trust delivery managers and lead staff and volunteers to deliver excellent visitor service and conservation standards. You’ll have responsibility for key performance indicators (KPIs) across conservation, visitor experience, volunteering and staff satisfaction for your property, as appropriate to your site. You’ll carry out duty management as agreed locally and according to agreed rotas and will be prepared to get “stuck in” to whatever areas are needed to ensure the smooth running of your property.

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:

• Experience working in settings such as historic properties, visitor attractions, or similar environment.
• Previous experience in supervising, coaching, or training staff and/or volunteers.
• Proven ability to manage operational and project budgets, including income generation and cost control.
• Understanding of compliance requirements and experience in assessing and managing risks, including Health & Safety.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups including staff, volunteers, visitors, and stakeholders.

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

• Experienced in the practical aspects of managing a house and garden site.
• Proactive and focused on solutions, mindful of the operational needs of a site.
• Highly organised and skilled at planning, with a good eye for detail.
• Adept at working to multiple deadlines and managing your own workload.
• A skilled communicator who can forge strong relationships, both externally and internally.
• A problem‑solver, able to work on your own initiative.

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.

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