General Manager – Cambridge

Overview

Reporting to the regionally based Assistant Director of Operations, you’ll be the figurehead of the Wimpole Estate, holding key partner relationships on behalf of the organisation, both internally and externally. You’ll lead your team operating across a complex and dynamic commercial visitor operation, with exciting plans to deliver more for nature and climate. You’ll have the opportunity to have significant impact on the estate’s 50-year master‑plan development and its delivery, leaving Wimpole more financially secure and cared-for, for future generations.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead a team of department heads and work with a large network of national and regional specialists to develop new ways to engage supporters, deliver great experiences, meet conservation requirements, and commercially diversify the estate.
• Support departments to develop priorities, balancing access and conservation while providing resources and inspirational leadership, ensuring their care, confidence, and capability in delivering the strategy.
• Ensure operations are safe and managed to the highest standards, anticipate and manage risks that could affect the Trust’s reputation, finances or assets.
• Some weekend working as well as occasional evenings will be required.
• Oversee the overall strategic and operational leadership of one of the National Trust’s busiest visitor businesses (over 350,000 visitors per annum).

Key skills and experience

• Forward‑thinking approach to managing the complexity of a large estate, balancing the needs of heritage, nature, and people.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with strong financial acumen that enables the business to grow by making best use of internal resources and securing funds from outside the National Trust.
• Ability to be highly visible to staff and volunteers and share your vision in a clear and compelling way.
• Natural motivator and coach with the ability to lead through others and help your team achieve their full potential.
• Advised at prioritising and maintaining composure while balancing urgent and important matters.
• Focused energy and resources on where improvement is greatest and on ensuring supporters feel valued.
• Understanding of what makes a great visitor experience and a commitment to uphold high standards across the portfolio.
• Confident communicator, accomplished decision‑maker and natural collaborator, adept at building effective working relationships with a wide variety of people.
• Adept at managing operational risk, with a solid grasp of compliance and accountability.

Benefits

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% of 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.

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