At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to enhance visitor experiences and drive sustainability at Painshill.
- Company: Painshill, a historic Grade I listed garden with global recognition.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape heritage, engage with the community, and work in a stunning landscape.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with a focus on education, community engagement, and conservation.
- Why this job: Be part of an extraordinary legacy and make a lasting impact on future generations.
- Qualifications: Strategic leader with passion for heritage, culture, and commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € 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 III 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;
- 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 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.
Director in Westcott employer: PAINSHILL PARK TRUST
Painshill offers a unique opportunity to work in a historic landscape garden that is not only a Grade I listed site but also a celebrated masterpiece of the eighteenth century. As an employer, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing our team with opportunities for professional growth while engaging with a passionate community dedicated to heritage and conservation. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Painshill is committed to enhancing visitor experiences and expanding its reach, making it an inspiring place to lead and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director in Westcott
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the heritage and landscape sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for places like Painshill. You never know who might have a lead on your dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your vision! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on how to elevate Painshill’s profile. Be bold and demonstrate your strategic thinking – they want to see how you can shape the future of this incredible garden.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Painshill’s history and current initiatives. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to their mission. This will show you’re not just interested in the title but genuinely care about the place.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference at Painshill.
We think you need these skills to ace Director in Westcott
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really soak in the job description. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the role and how your experience aligns with it.
Craft a Tailored CV:Your CV should be a reflection of you, but also tailored to this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in heritage, culture, and leadership. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to Painshill!
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:This is your chance to shine! Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how you plan to elevate Painshill. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love authenticity!
Apply Through Our Website:When you’re ready, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to quote reference 8439!
How to prepare for a job interview at PAINSHILL PARK TRUST
✨Know Your Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into Painshill's history and significance. Familiarise yourself with Charles Hamilton's vision and how it has evolved over the years. 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 be inspiring a team of staff and volunteers. Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster inclusivity and collaboration.
✨Strategic Vision is Key
Prepare to articulate your strategic vision for Painshill. Think about innovative ways to enhance visitor experience and grow income through partnerships and fundraising. Presenting a clear, forward-thinking strategy will demonstrate your readiness for this role.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current challenges and opportunities, showing that you're not just looking to lead, but also to learn and adapt.
