Lead Ranger - Wilmslow

Lead Ranger - Wilmslow

Summary

We’re looking for a Lead Ranger to work across both Quarry Bank (3 days) and Cheshire Countryside East (2 days). You’d be managing a team of rangers and volunteers across both properties, and helping to shape and achieve the National Trust’s plans for land and nature. Alongside this, you'll need to be focussed on the fact that these sites welcome many thousands of visitors each year, so ensuring safe access and supporting the core visitor experience will also be critical to the role.

You'll be a key member of the Property Leadership team at both portfolios.

As part of your application, please ensure you include a cover letter.

What it's like to work here

Quarry Bank combines a giant industrial heritage cotton mill with a picturesque garden and the homes of both the mill owners and the workers. This busy visitor attraction sits within an extensive wider estate including woodlands, grassland and and river valley. The staff and volunteer ranger teams look after the whole estate supporting the daily visitor offer and the conservation work.

The east area of the Cheshire countryside group spans over 300 hectares across ten sites, from the northern tip of Greater Manchester to the Staffordshire border in the south. It includes woodlands, parkland, tenanted farms, grassland, and heathland. All with footpaths and viewpoints that are enjoyed by many. The places are cared for by staff and volunteer teams working from two main countryside bases at Alderley Edge and Hare Hill.

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What you'll be doing

You’ll plan and run a programme of work to improve the condition of the habitats and landscapes we look after, and you’ll manage projects to create new habitats. You’ll be part of the conversations to develop nature-focused plans at National Trust sites. As part of a small team, you’ll be adaptable and able to step in to help wherever your expertise is needed.

You’ll build strong working relationships with our tenants and graziers. You’ll lead the ranger and volunteer teams from the front, supporting them in their practical work and developing their skills. You’ll also take on and manage contractors where needed.

You’ll be thinking about the future, helping to bring our nature conservation ambitions to life whilst also supporting our visitor growth targets. And you’ll be talking to a wide range of people and organisations, promoting our work to existing and new audiences.

An assessment day for this post will be held on Wednesday 10 June 2026.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• a good manager of people, able to lead a team to achieve their goals
• experienced in managing land, nature conservation and access for people
• enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring, someone who’s happy to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including volunteers
• familiar with health and safety and compliance requirements to do with the countryside and people’s activities
• organised and self-motivated, able to manage a fast-paced workload with competing demands on your time
• confident in managing budgets, finances and contracts.

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

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.