General Manager 55,000 pa

We're looking for an inspiring leader to shape the future of Lanhydrock, one of Cornwall's most important historic places and among the National Trust's finest Victorian country house estates.

As General Manager, you'll lead a diverse team of staff and volunteers, balancing the needs of heritage, nature, visitors and community. You'll bring people together around a shared vision, creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong, whether they work here, volunteer here, visit regularly, or are discovering Lanhydrock for the first time.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of an exceptional place, ensuring it remains relevant, sustainable and accessible for generations to come.

What it's like to work here

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Operations, you'll have the autonomy to translate the National Trust's strategic ambitions into local priorities that reflect the opportunities and challenges of Lanhydrock.

You'll be supported by regional and national specialists, while also becoming part of a collaborative community of General Managers across the Trust. Together, you'll help provide access to nature, beauty and history while contributing to the Trust's wider work in conservation, engagement and storytelling.

You'll also build relationships across Cornwall's cultural, heritage and community sectors, helping broaden access, deepen engagement and strengthen support for this remarkable place.

What you'll be doing

As General Manager, you'll lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for areas including visitor experience, gardens, curatorship, nature conservation, facilities management and the care of nationally important collections.

• Provide visible, inspirational leadership for staff and volunteers, creating a culture where people can thrive and perform at their best.
• Deliver an exceptional visitor experience that encourages repeat visits and attracts new audiences.
• Develop and deliver long-term plans that secure Lanhydrock's future and maximise its contribution to people, nature and heritage.
• Champion conservation, ensuring the appropriate standards of care for landscapes, buildings and collections.
• Oversee operational performance, risk management and statutory compliance.
• Lead financial planning, income generation and commercial performance to ensure investment in conservation and visitor experience.
• Work closely with local communities, partners and stakeholders to increase relevance, accessibility and impact. Collaborate with specialist National Trust teams to deliver projects and strategic priorities.

As an expert generalist, you'll bring together people, resources and ideas to achieve ambitious outcomes across a wide-ranging and complex operation.

For a fuller picture of the role, please refer to the attached role profile. We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement and encourage applications from people with transferable skills and diverse experiences.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for a confident and inclusive leader who can inspire people, build partnerships and drive performance while remaining focused on the long-term needs of the place.

• Experience of leading complex operational teams and creating a positive, inclusive culture.
• A strategic mindset, with a track record of developing and delivering long-term plans aligned to organisational priorities.
• Success in growing visitor engagement, particularly through indoor and outdoor experiences, events, interpretation and creative programming.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget management, income generation and delivery against financial targets.
• Experience of managing operational risk and ensuring compliance within a complex environment.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence a wide range of audiences.
• A commitment to inclusion and a proven ability to create environments where diverse people feel welcome and valued.
• Experience of working with communities and partners to broaden access and engage under-represented audiences.
• The ability to balance the needs of people, nature and heritage, taking a thoughtful and future-focused approach to decision-making.

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

Lanhydrock - RO, Lanhydrock, Bodmin, PL30 4DE

Documents

General Manager - Grade 4.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 23 August 2026

Interview Date: 07 September 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.

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