Overview
Property Operations Manager – Birling Gap,Eastbourne, United Kingdom
We’re looking for a Property Operations Manager to join our team at the South Downs. You’ll be responsible for the daily operation of three busy and much-loved National Trust sites, Birling Gap, Monk’s House and Alfriston Clergy House. There will also be a number of projects for you to develop and guide.
Reporting to the General Manager for the South Downs, you’ll be accountable for the day-to-day management, visitor operations and compliance for Birling Gap, Alfriston Clergy House and Monk’s House.
Working with the Site Managers, Head Gardener, Facilities Manager, Countryside Manager, Commercial Area Manager the General Manager and other colleagues, you’ll contribute to the strategic priorities to End Unequal Access and Restore Nature.
You’ll be part of the duty management rota for your sites. No, one day will ever be the same.
Some weekend, evening and bank holiday working will be required.
You’ll work collaboratively with your colleagues, particularly site managers, facilities and community participation to ensure the smooth running of each site. Together, you’ll be making sure that we strike the right balance between welcoming visitors, caring for and restoring nature, and working with members of the local community.
You’ll help your team with their priorities and the confidence to achieve their goals, providing them with the care, resources and direction they need to succeed. In your position in the leadership team, you’ll be involved in the strategic direction of the whole place. From time to time, you’ll stand in for the General Manager to lead the group and attend external partner meetings.
- Strong operational management skills, confident managing fast-paced operations
- Demonstrable record of leading high performing teams including performance management, team building and coaching with a focus on delivering excellent service
- Ability to effectively manage operational risk, including how to assess and manage risk
- Deep knowledge of working in a customer facing environment meeting financial and performance targets
- Excellent communication and influencing and negotiating skills, including diplomacy, advocacy and persuasion
- Proven track record of managing budgets, finances, small projects and contracts
- Up to date with health and safety, compliance and emergency procedures
- Familiar with business planning, growing income and managing budgets
The 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
- Season ticket loan
- 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
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Birling Gap, Beachy Head Rd, Eastbourne BN20 0ABProperty Operations Manager – Grade 6.pdf Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Closing Date: 25 October 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’ button in the top right hand side of the page.
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we’ll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
