Job Overview

Apply on employer's website We have one of the most interesting and diverse collections within the NT from Dutch Masters through to Fabergé and Italian Majolica - if you like beautiful things, you will love the collections at Polesden! Conservation is at the heart of what we do, and as one of our team you will have the knowledge and opportunity to share the highlights of our collections with our visitors. Improving our knowledge of the collections, and access to that knowledge, is the essential first step to improve our ability to 'look after what we've got'. Please note this is a 12 month FTC. What it's like to work here It's an exciting time to work at the celebrated Edwardian retreat of Polesden Lacey. New areas of the mansion have been opened to the public, making this a year-round attraction with lots of opportunities within the team. The property boasts glorious views of the surrounding Surrey Hills, as well as an impressive art and cermaics collections, and a large National Trust shop. Colleagues have a great team spirit with close links to the local community. The extensive gardens reflect Mrs. Greville's desire to impress her guests with lavish displays. Garden tours are available but many of visitors just enjoy a stroll around, and on Sundays in the summer, relax with live Jazz on the South Lawn. This picturesque property is just four miles outside of Dorking, however you're likely to need your own transport to get here. What you'll be doing The house is open to visitors 363 days a year with different rooms and routes at different times - we need to balance this with our conservation work. We offer at least two exhibitions a year in our dedicated exhibition rooms, the House and Collections Manager needs to lead this, ensuring it ties in with the property's seasonal programme of the time. This is where you come in - we are looking for someone with curatorial flair! Leadership is essential; you'll be responsible for leading a team of house staff and volunteers to create extraordinary days out for our visitors, in every season. You'll also ensure our house and collection is cared for to the very highest standards, leading your team with a motivational and collaborative style. You'll balance excellent conservation and presentation standards with finding new ways of surprising and delighting our visitors and reaching out to new audiences through our collections. We are currently running a project that needs your full support and management, 'Putting Back The Ritz', managing the direction and budget of over £50k. This is a busy role, during a very exciting time at Polesden working and supporting across conservation and visitor experience. We want someone who can really lead and connect with visitor's every day, provide key stakeholder management in property programming and work closely with other Head of Departments. As part of the duty management support team you'll also need to work some weekends and bank holidays. Who we're looking for As our House & Collections Manager you will have a true passion for conservation and curatorship; someone with a natural flair for sharing their insight into our history. You'll also have experience leading people within a similar museum or heritage operation, which is open to the public. In summary you will need to demonstrate on your application; Excellent management skills and experience of leading cultural change A proven track record of balancing access with conservation, in a large visitor attraction Experience of managing collections care alongside programming or exhibitions that draw in a crowd Relevant professional qualifications or in-depth knowledge in collections management or management of historical buildings Practical experience of managing teams and working collaboratively across disciplines Experience of producing high quality research or interpretation The package Looking after you Health cash plan - from as little as £2.81 per month for you and your dependents Pension contribution match up to 10% EAP and proactive Health and Wellbeing Discounted gym membership Looking after your career Grow your career through professional training courses across the Trust Develop your skills with an internal secondment Pay review linked to values and behaviours, commitment to progression Income protection due to illness Unique to Us Work in some of the most beautiful, iconic and unique locations in the UK Free entry to NT properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18) 20% off in our retail and catering outlets Discount up to 35% off a National Trust holiday cottage booking

Key Requirements

Management Skills Planning and organisation Collaborative working Experience managing teams