Heritage Gardens & Parks Operations Lead in Newtownards

We're looking for a Gardens & Outdoors Manager to join the team here at Mount Stewart. This exciting and impactful role is an opportunity to help the National Trust develop its longer term plan for Mount Stewart gardens and wider estate which together form one of the most exceptional sites of cultural and built heritage in our care. Mount Stewart is a place that has been touched by the various generations who have loved it. Whilst always respecting the past and finding inspiration from its history, Mount Stewart has been unafraid of change throughout the generations, endeavouring to remain inspiring and relevant in modern times.

The gardens at Mount Stewart, the creation of Edith, Lady Londonderry, are renowned for their innovation and uniqueness. The Formal Gardens are intimate, evoking themes of personal identity and triumphs, blending whimsical Classical and Gaelic mythology with exotic plants sourced from around the globe. Mount Stewart is also an exceptional example of the Irish demesne, intended to be both beautiful and productive, with woodland, orchards and farmland. Fine buildings, including the neo-classical House, the Temple of the Winds, Stable Block, Farmyard with Dovecote and the Walled Garden, are architectural gems in their own right. Last year we welcomed over 210,000 visitors and have ambitions to grow our appeal further.

As part of the wider County Down Property Group, which includes Castle Ward and Rowallane Garden, we are supported by over 150 staff members and 350 volunteers who have a shared sense of purpose in caring for these wonderful places together, providing a wide range of public benefit to our visitors and local communities. This is a significant time for all National Trust gardens and parkland as we champion and deliver a thoughtful, horticulturally sound and ecological approach that works for nature and people guided by our Conservation Principles and our 10 year People and Nature Thriving strategy.

What you'll be doing

• Thinking long term: As a member of the Property Leadership Team, you will work closely with the General Manager, Head of Gardens and Parks and national specialists to plan to enhance the heritage, nature and people benefits of Mount Stewart across the gardens and wider demesne. There will be a strong focus on the team and understanding Mount Stewart's priorities and future potential alongside the wider strategic ambitions of National Trust.
• You will ensure that the team, skills and processes are in place ready to contribute to a future long‑term plan for Mount Stewart. The 12 month period will be a time to review, understand and to rationalise the garden settings and plant collections, focussing resource where it is most needed.
• This will include championing and delivering our Conservation Principles, adapting horticultural practices and working to our sustainability ambitions.
• Within the wider demesne, the priority will be to determine the next steps to build resilience in our woodlands to meet challenging climate impacts.
• You will support colleagues to identify the longer‑term opportunities to progress and develop the garden's future alongside creating engaging and relevant experiences for current, new and more diverse audiences.

Leading teams

• You will lead the garden and ranger team to develop working practices that reflect priorities across Mount Stewart that deliver the National Trust's strategic ambitions and environmental principles.
• On a day-to-day basis, working with the Assistant Head Gardener, the Area Ranger and their teams, you will provide support and leadership to a team of 11 staff, managing work programmes and ensuring compliance in environmental standards, health and safety and machinery compliance.
• Key to your role will be recognising the current and future skills needs. You will identify CPD needs for yourself and your team and lead regular team and 1 to 1 meetings, acting as coach and mentor.
• This is a strategic role, working as part of the Senior Leadership Team to deliver the short and longer‑term objectives and advocating for the needs of the gardens and parkland within wider plans Mount Stewart's success.

Visitor Experience

• You will work in collaboration with other members of the Property Leadership Team, including the Property Curator and the Visitor Operations Manager and Visitor Experience Manager, to ensure we provide a cohesive and inspiring visitor experience.
• As a senior member of staff with shared duty management responsibilities, you'll build positive working relationships across the entire site and support your team to do the same.

Who we're looking for

• Experience of working collaboratively with specialist teams to deliver conservation principles, environmental horticulture practices and the management of living collections.
• Experience of contributing to historic and public landscape management reviews and planning within a team setting.
• Strong communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• A passion for gardens and gardening, with a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
• An understanding of the changing needs, aesthetics and management challenges of 21st century gardens, including climate change.
• Enthusiasm for developing a holistic approach that integrates garden and parkland management.
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal colleagues, external partners and visitors.
• Commitment to inclusive engagement, helping people and communities connect with stories, gardens and landscape.