Collections & House Manager

Job Description

Summary Are you excited by the challenge of balancing excellent conservation and presentation standards with an inspiring visitor experience Were looking for a Collections & House Manager who is passionate about delivering all of this, and much more atPolesdenLacey.Salary: £34,000 paHours:37.5 hrs per weekContract:fixed term contract until 5th March 2023 What its like to work here Polesden Lacey is one of the most visited National Trust estates in the South East.The property boasts glorious views of the surrounding Surrey Hills; everything in the garden reflects the former owners desire to impress their guests with lavish displaysthroughout the year and plenty of open space for visitors to enjoy. At the heart of the garden sits the mansion filled with sumptuous interiors as well as an impressive collection of paintings, ceramics and object dart.The large National Trust shop, cafand coffee shop are popular additions to the visitors experience.Its an exciting time to lead the Collections and House team.The property is looking to broaden the experiences that it offers for visitors including a major exhibition in the mansion and the delivery of a large scale Christmas programme.You will playan important part of the propertys leadership team: a committed group who work collaboratively to achieve Polesdens long term ambitions. Colleagues have a great team spirit with close links to the local community and neighbouring National Trust estates.This picturesque property is just four miles outside of Dorking, however youre likely to need your own transport to get here. What youll be doing Youll be overseeing the day to day operations of the house at Polesden Lacey ensuring that every guest has the warmest of welcomes and can enjoy their visit in a way that suits them.In addition to ensuring a first class visitor experience, you will beresponsible for the care of the properties varied collection including paintings, ceramics and fine French furniture.Team leadership is a big part of this role, and you will be managing a team of two direct reports and a wider team of five staff and over four hundred volunteers.Youll spend your time balancing the everyday whilst also keeping an eye to the future and strategic planning. Polesden Laceys 10-year ambition is to be recognised as a leading cultural heritage attraction in Surrey and you will be instrumental in makingthis happen.Please read the role profile, attached to this advert. Who were looking for

• Strong leadership and people management skills

• Understanding of social trends, different audience motivations and the externalcontext impacting on community and stakeholder engagement and participation.

• The ability to be a team player and work collaboratively with other teams across the property/region; this will require initiative and the ability to lead by example

• Experience of conservation techniques

• A creative approach to engagement and access for our visitors

• Collections management experience in a museum or historic property environment including inventory database and cataloguing

• Excellent communication skills including influencing and negotiation

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Wherever youre from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from youand it doesnt matter if youre jam first, cream first, or even if you dont like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

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