Are you a bold, forward-thinking leader with a passion for nature, heritage and people? At Knightshayes & East Devon property group we’re looking for a Countryside Manager to lead the future of our countryside places—someone who can see beyond today and create inspiring, sustainable landscapes for generations to come.
As a key member of the property group Leadership Team, you will set the strategic direction for our countryside spaces—balancing conservation, visitor experience, and commercial sustainability.
You will have genuine opportunity to shape long-term landscapes and legacy, innovate how people connect with nature, and deliver cultural change across teams and partnerships.
You will unite people, ideas, and resources to deliver a compelling vision that protects what matters while embracing new opportunities.
What it's like to work here:You’ll be part of a collaborative and creative leadership team, working with the General Manager and colleagues across our property group which stretches across Mid and East Devon. The majority of our countryside lies between Exmouth and Seaton on the South Devon coast, but also includes areas near Honiton and Buzzards, just outside Tiverton.
What you'll be doing:Working with regional and national colleagues you’ll develop and lead a clear and ambitious strategy for countryside management that aligns with our long-term conservation goals, champions an approach that enhances biodiversity, protects special places, and builds resilience.
Whether through leading a small team in day-to-day site management, or working with partners, you’ll be able to translate our vision into actionable plans that deliver measurable impact. Securing funding from a mix of public and private sources to support high-quality nature outcomes will be key to this.
This role is property group wide and will require travel across the portfolio. Some weekend, bank holiday and duty management work is required.
Who we're looking forWe'd love to hear from you if you’re;
- highly experienced in strategic leadership of countryside, nature conservation, or land management;
- able to create and communicate a compelling vision;
- adept at negotiating, with excellent influencing and relationship-building skills;
- confident in leading teams, partnerships and complex projects;
- skilled in sourcing funding and managing budgets;
- able to show examples of where you’ve successfully delivered environmental and commercial outcomes; and
- keen to make a difference, with a passion for nature, heritage and connecting people to places.
Interviews for this role will be held on 19 August 2026. If you would like an informal chat, please contact [email protected] to arrange a convenient time.
The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)
