Garden & Landscape Manager

About the company

Summary The National Trust's commitment is "For everyone, for ever." Bringing that promise to life starts with the people that work here. It means building teams with a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. It means creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

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.

Your tasks

We're looking for a Garden & Landscape Manager to lead the care, development and long-term management of the gardens, landscapes and meadows across the Ham House Property Group. Based at Ham House and Garden, you'll oversee a diverse portfolio that includes historic gardens, designed landscapes and nationally significant meadows, balancing conservation, nature recovery, horticultural excellence and outstanding visitor experiences.

What it's like to work here Reporting to the General Manager, you'll lead a talented team of gardeners and volunteers and play a key role within a supportive and ambitious Property Leadership Team. You'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our gardens and landscapes, influencing how they are cared for, developed and enjoyed by everyone who visits. You'll work across the diverse Ham House Property Group, which also includes, Fenton House, 2 Willow Road, Carlyle's House, The Red House, and the Ham and Petersham Meadows. Together, these places offer a unique mix of historic gardens, designed landscapes, urban green spaces and conservation challenges, creating a varied and rewarding role.

As a senior leader, you'll also play an active role in the wider operation of the property group, undertaking duty management responsibilities and supporting the visitor offer as required.

As Garden & Landscape Manager, you'll lead the management and development of historically significant gardens and landscapes, balancing horticultural excellence, conservation priorities and an outstanding visitor experience. You'll lead staff, volunteers and trainees, setting clear objectives while creating opportunities for learning, development and collaboration.

As part of the Property Leadership Team, you'll help shape the future of the property group and deliver our People and Place Plan. You'll oversee the planning, day-to-day management and long-term development of the gardens and wider landscape, including environmental and conservation projects, budgets and resources.

Working closely with colleagues across the property group and wider Trust, you'll share skills and expertise to support the Trust's strategy. A key priority will be ensuring everyone feels welcome, improving access and engagement, and helping visitors connect with the stories, heritage and wildlife that make these places special.

Requirements

Who we're looking for

• demonstrable experience of leading, developing and motivating a medium to large team of staff, volunteers and trainees, including managing and developing teams across multiple sites.
• proven horticultural expertise, including plant knowledge, plant health management and sustainable horticultural practice, with the ability to apply this knowledge to the management and development of gardens and landscapes.
• confidence and experience in managing budgets, financial resources and income-generating opportunities to support operational and strategic objectives.
• experience of working collaboratively with volunteers, communities, contractors, partners and specialist stakeholders to deliver shared outcomes.
• ability to communicate effectively at all levels, including influencing, presenting and building strong working relationships across diverse teams and organisations.
• demonstrable experience of managing operational risk, health and safety requirements and compliance obligations within a horticultural, landscape or visitor-facing environment.
• experience of contributing to strategic planning and working as part of a senior leadership team to deliver organisational objectives.
• experience of leading teams through change or development projects.

What we offer

Salary circa £46,000 depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

Please note, the advertised salary is inclusive of the Outer London Weighting Allowance, currently £3,315 per annum.

•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.

•Free parking at most Trust places Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

How to apply

If you’d like an informal conversation about this role before applying, please email .uk.

Other

This role will include occasional weekend working to support operational priorities, events and leadership cover.