At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of a historic landscape garden into a world-class heritage destination.
- Company: Painshill, a celebrated Grade I listed garden with a rich history.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a national treasure and inspire future generations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with a focus on community engagement and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage and culture while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership skills and a passion for heritage and landscapes.
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.
Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) in Surrey employer: PAINSHILL PARK TRUST
At Painshill, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and passion for heritage. Our team is dedicated to preserving and enhancing one of the UK's most remarkable landscape gardens, offering unique opportunities for professional growth and community engagement in a stunning natural setting. Join us in shaping the future of this iconic destination while enjoying a supportive work environment that values innovation and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) 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 landscapes. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or attend interviews, let your passion for the role shine through. Talk about what excites you about Painshill and how you envision its future.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Painshill’s history and current initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to elevating its profile as a world-class destination.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference at Painshill.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Director - Consultancy (Permanent) 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 out the same CV for every application. Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Planning Director role. We’re looking for strategic thinkers, so make sure to showcase your leadership and commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Vision:In your application, share your vision for Painshill and how you would elevate its profile as a world-class heritage destination. We want to know how you plan to inspire others and drive forward-thinking strategies that ensure sustainability.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application via the Perrett Laver website, quoting the reference number. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at PAINSHILL PARK TRUST
✨Know Your Heritage
Dive deep into the history and significance of Painshill. Understand its unique features and the vision of Hon. Charles Hamilton. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for heritage and culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in inspiring teams and engaging volunteers. Think of examples where you've successfully led projects or initiatives that align with the values of inclusivity and strategic growth.
✨Engage with the Community
Be ready to share ideas on how to enhance visitor experiences and broaden Painshill’s reach. Discuss any previous experience you have with community engagement or educational programmes, as this will highlight your commitment to public engagement.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Think about ways to grow income through partnerships and fundraising. Prepare specific strategies or past successes that illustrate your ability to combine commercial insight with a passion for conservation and sustainability.
