Chief Executive Officer

Hestercombe is one of the South West’s most significant historic landscapes, combining nationally important gardens, heritage buildings, and a vibrant programme of cultural and community activity. Set within a unique valley landscape, the estate brings together over 300 years of garden design, including the celebrated collaboration between Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, alongside earlier Georgian and later Victorian influences. Today, Hestercombe operates as an independent charitable trust with a mission to conserve, restore and share this remarkable place for public benefit. In February 2024, Hestercombe was awarded Full National Museum Accreditation, recognising the quality and importance of its collections, interpretation, and public offer. The estate welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year and offers a diverse programme spanning horticulture, arts and culture, learning, and wellbeing. From formal gardens and woodland walks to exhibitions, events and seasonal programming, Hestercombe provides an accessible and inspiring environment for a wide and growing audience.

While the organisation is currently navigating a period of formal Administration, this next phase marks a turning point rather than a conclusion. Significant progress has been made to stabilise the Trust’s position, and we are now moving toward an exit from administration with a renewed sense of purpose. With a dedicated staff team, a loyal volunteer base, and strong community roots, the foundation for recovery is firmly in place. The appointment of a new Chief Executive and Board of Trustees is a pivotal moment of transformation. We are looking for leadership that respects our 300-year heritage while driving an entrepreneurial, resilient, and sustainable future. This is a rare opportunity to lead the regeneration of a site of national importance; shaping a legacy that ensures Hestercombe remains an inspiring environment for generations to come.

The Trustees, together with the Joint Administrators of the Trust, are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the Trust through an immediate restructuring phase and into the next chapter, securing a sustainable long‑term future. The CEO will play a central role in stabilising operations, supporting the exit from Administration, and delivering the strategic and commercial direction required to secure the Trust’s viability and important heritage focus. The CEO will champion Hestercombe’s artistic, horticultural, historic and ecological importance while strengthening commercial performance and visitor experience. They will have a deep affinity with heritage, culture and landscape.

Due to a number of operational challenges and financial pressures, the Trustees appointed Joint Administrators from Forvis Mazars LLP on 1 August 2025 to protect the estate and stabilise operations. With fantastic support and hard work from the existing management team, staff and an army of volunteers, the Estate has successfully continued trading under the supervision of the Administrators, who have been working with key stakeholders and benefactors to formulate a rescue and funding plan and secure a long‑term sustainable future of the Estate. It is intended that Hestercombe Gardens Trust will exit Administration within the next 6 months and return to the control of the Trustees, a newly appointed CEO and management team.

The Joint Administrators and the existing Trustees are seeking to appoint a new CEO to create and lead a strategy that will ensure the long‑term sustainability of this nationally significant heritage estate.

Purpose of the role

The CEO will be responsible for:

• Overall leadership and management of the Trust.
• Create and lead the delivery of a strategic plan to support the preservation of this historic cultural asset and financial sustainability.
• Meet governance and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with key funders and partners during and after the Administration exit.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clear leadership to the Trust, setting direction for the management team and wider staff.
• Formulate, deliver and support a business plan as part of the exit from Administration, including financial and operational milestones and ensure the Trust is positioned for long‑term viability.
• Maintain effective dialogue with key funders including the principal benefactor, the National Lottery Heritage and Memorial Funds and Bank.
• Work closely with the Trustees to implement the future governance structure, including supporting a refreshed Board.
• Lead commercial activity, visitor/member experience and revenue‑generating initiatives, including events, house tenants and growth opportunities.
• Oversee management of trading operations and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Promote a culture of accountability, prudent financial management and operational resilience.
• Build and maintain relationships with heritage, cultural and community partners.
• Represent the Trust publicly and manage its profile with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ensure statutory, regulatory and charity governance requirements are met.
• Lead organisational development including staffing structure, people management and performance oversight.
• Oversee risk management, including financial, operational, reputational and compliance risks.
• Oversee the stewardship of the Trust’s heritage assets, balancing conservation with commercial and public engagement needs.
• Lead fundraising initiatives and grant applications to enhance the heritage site and support financial sustainability.

Key skills and experience

• Senior leadership experience in the heritage, cultural, environmental or charitable sectors.
• Strong financial management skills, including leading organisations through change or turnaround.
• Experience in the heritage, cultural, environmental or charitable sectors.
• Ability to build strong relationships with funders, donors and public bodies.
• Experience managing competing priorities and tight resource constraints.
• Clear, confident communicator able to represent the organisation at all levels.
• Ability to lead and motivate staff through periods of transition.
• Experience of commercial development and generating sustainable revenue streams.
• Understanding of charity governance, working with Trustees and the Charity Commission.
• Experience engaging with local authorities, heritage bodies, grant funders and community groups.

Personal attributes

• Enthusiastically champion of Hestercombe’s artistic, horticultural, historic and ecological importance while strengthening commercial performance and visitor experience. You will have a deep affinity with heritage, culture and landscape.
• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
• A collaborative and strategic thinker with a practical, delivery‑focused approach.
• A passion for landscape, conservation, culture and public engagement.
• Commitment to heritage, cultural and community value of the site.

Employment Type

How to Apply

Applications will be considered on a Full Time and a Part Time (minimum 3 days a week) basis. On application. Please submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.