At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Painshill, a historic landscape garden, into a world-class heritage destination.
- Company: Painshill, an internationally celebrated Grade I listed garden with a rich history.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a national treasure and inspire future generations.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on heritage and culture.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience with a passion for heritage and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
An opportunity to lead a living masterpiece. Step into a role where art, nature and history converge. Painshill is much more than a historic landscape. It is a Grade I listed garden, an internationally celebrated masterpiece of the eighteenth century - an immersive “living painting” created by the visionary Hon. Charles Hamilton. Set across 160 acres, Painshill welcomes circa 180,000 visitors a year to walk the work of art and immerse themselves in the history of the landscape. With King Charles 111 as Patron, and a legacy shaped by over 40 years of careful restoration of this once lost garden, this is a place of both national significance and global admiration.
Now, we are seeking an exceptional Director to lead Painshill into its next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the United Kingdom’s most remarkable landscape gardens. Working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, you will safeguard Hamilton’s vision while driving a forward-thinking strategy, elevating Painshill’s profile as a world-class heritage destination and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
You will lead across every aspect of the organisation: inspiring a dedicated team of staff and volunteers; enhancing visitor experience throughout the landscape garden; and growing income through membership, fundraising, partnerships and commercial activity, to sustain both public engagement and conservation, opening up the transformative power of this extraordinary landscape to wider audiences for generations to come. From education programmes and community engagement to events, retail and filming, you will harness every opportunity to broaden Painshill’s reach and impact.
We are looking for a strategic, inclusive, and enterprising leader - someone who combines commercial acumen with a genuine passion for heritage, culture, landscapes, horticulture - bringing credibility and the ability to inspire others around a shared purpose. If you are ready to protect, champion and reimagine an extraordinary place for future generations, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Applications can be submitted via Perrett Laver Vacancies quoting reference 8439 and should comprise a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and person specification. The deadline for applications is 9am BST on Sunday 7th June 2026.
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application please email Caitlin Vopni at caitlin.vopni@perrettlaver.com. Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Freya Coombes at freya.coombes@perrettlaver.com. If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via accessibility@perrettlaver.com.
Director-Training and Development in Surrey employer: PAINSHILL PARK TRUST
At Painshill, we offer a unique opportunity to work in a breathtaking environment where art, nature, and history intertwine. As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values creativity and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us in our mission to inspire and engage visitors while preserving this extraordinary landscape for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director-Training and Development in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with others who share your passion for heritage and culture. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities or can introduce you to key decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for landscapes and heritage shine through. Share your ideas on how you can elevate Painshill’s profile and engage visitors – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Painshill’s history and current initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their vision and how you can contribute to their mission of sustainability and public engagement. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your strategic leadership experience and passion for horticulture – make it clear why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director-Training and Development in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for heritage and culture, and how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm show!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Director role at Painshill. We’re looking for strategic leaders, so make sure to showcase your leadership achievements and any relevant projects.
Showcase Your Vision:In your application, share your vision for Painshill’s future. How would you elevate its profile as a world-class heritage destination? We want to see your innovative ideas and how you plan to inspire both staff and visitors alike.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining us at Painshill!
How to prepare for a job interview at PAINSHILL PARK TRUST
✨Know Your Landscape
Before stepping into the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Painshill’s history and significance. Familiarise yourself with its unique features and the vision of Hon. Charles Hamilton. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine passion for heritage and culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director, you’ll need to inspire a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated staff and volunteers, and how you plan to enhance visitor experiences at Painshill.
✨Strategic Vision is Key
Prepare to articulate your strategic vision for Painshill. Think about how you would elevate its profile as a world-class destination. Discuss innovative ideas for income growth through partnerships, fundraising, and community engagement that align with the garden's mission.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current challenges, future plans, and how they envision the Director’s role in shaping Painshill’s next chapter.
