National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland (The Trust) is the independent, conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy. With over 320,000 members, it is the largest membership charity in Scotland. Established in 1931, the Trust acts as guardian of much of the nation’s most important natural, architectural, and historic treasures, including more than 100 sites across Scotland, from historic houses, major battlefields, gardens, landscapes such as Glencoe and Torridon, to birthplace museums including Robert Burns, and the only dual World Heritage Site in the UK – St Kilda.

Under the Trust’s new leadership, the role of Director of Heritage Properties has now been created. The role will be vital to the realisation of the Trust’s work and its new strategic vision, and so is an exciting one of great opportunity to contribute at the highest level to the future care of Scotland’s outstanding heritage.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the role will be a member of the Trust’s leadership team. This is a substantial management position, responsible for the oversight and support of teams operating throughout the Trust’s heritage estate, and the direct line management of the Trust’s four regional managers as well as the distinct Mar Lodge Estate. Thus, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall management of all Trust properties, leading and supporting the regional managers, and ensuring liaison with all other departments within the organisation to achieve this.

Fundamental will be ensuring the appropriate conservation and care of properties as well as the development of those properties working closely with colleagues to inspire visitors through our conservation work and the experiences we provide. Access for audiences is vital to the Trust’s purpose, and so an audience-focused approach demonstrating an understanding of the Trust’s existing audiences and commitment to broadening these will be essential to the role.

Candidates will bring substantial experience in managing heritage places at scale with the ability to manage a dispersed staff across the whole of Scotland. In addition to strong strategic, operational, and planning skills, critical will be the ability to lead, motivate and inspire people. As an independent charity, the Trust is required to generate its own income, and so strong commercial awareness, entrepreneurial flair, and excellent financial management will also be key. This will be a highly visible leadership role within and without the Trust. Thus, the successful candidate will possess strong stakeholder management skills, working with multiple national and local agencies across Scotland and with local communities to promote the interests of the Trust and to market its places and activities.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to The National Trust for Scotland on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference CNSM. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on 18^th November 2021.