At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Hestercombe Garden Trust, ensuring its heritage and financial sustainability.
- Company: Join a historic estate with a vibrant cultural programme and community focus.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in heritage conservation and community engagement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a passion for culture and landscape.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of preserving a significant cultural asset while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in heritage or charitable sectors required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
A rare opportunity to lead one of Britain’s most significant historic estates – Hestercombe Garden Trust. 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.
Background: 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.
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.
- 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.
Please submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. Applications may be submitted to hestercombe@mazars.co.uk. Deadline for applications 12 June 2026.
Chief Executive for Charity in Taunton employer: Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Garden Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead one of Britain's most significant historic estates. With a commitment to conservation and community engagement, the Trust fosters a collaborative work culture that values heritage and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in a stunning valley landscape, employees benefit from a vibrant environment that inspires creativity and passion for the arts, horticulture, and public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive for Charity in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the heritage and cultural sectors, especially those connected to Hestercombe. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for heritage and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Hestercombe’s history and current projects. Show us that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about preserving and promoting this incredible estate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your vision for the Trust. Think about how you can balance conservation with commercial success. We want to hear your ideas on enhancing visitor experiences while ensuring financial sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team at Hestercombe.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive for Charity in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Chief Executive. Highlight your leadership experience in heritage or charitable sectors, and don’t forget to showcase your financial management skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about Hestercombe and how your vision aligns with its mission. Be specific about how you can contribute to its future success.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with funders, donors, and community partners. This is crucial for the role, so share examples of how you've successfully managed these connections in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hestercombe Gardens
✨Know Your Heritage
Before the interview, dive deep into Hestercombe's history and its significance in British heritage. Familiarise yourself with the gardens, the collaboration between Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, and the estate's current initiatives. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past leadership roles that demonstrate your ability to manage change and drive strategic direction. Highlight instances where you've successfully navigated organisations through challenging times, especially in the heritage or charitable sectors. This will reassure the Trustees of your capability to lead Hestercombe through its restructuring phase.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your skills in relationship-building during the interview. Discuss how you've engaged with funders, community groups, and stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share strategies you've used to maintain strong partnerships, as this is crucial for securing Hestercombe's future and enhancing its visitor experience.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your vision for Hestercombe and how you plan to balance conservation with commercial needs. Clear communication is key, so consider mock interviews to refine your delivery. Being a confident communicator will help you connect with the interview panel and convey your enthusiasm for the role.
