Project Manager, Operations Manager, Business Management

We're looking for a part-time Project Manager to lead an exciting initiative. This maternity cover role is pivotal in delivering a new suite of Apprenticeship opportunities, helping us achieve our ambitious goal of creating 130 new apprenticeships designed to attract young people who may not have considered a career with the Trust.

You’ll work closely with external partners and National Trust regions and countries to shape and develop the apprenticeship offer, which will be rolled out with the support of our national Apprenticeship team over the next three years.

This is a part time, fixed term contract covering 30 hours per week and is due to end when the postholder returns to the role. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months.

Reporting to the Organisational Development Manager – Apprenticeships, you’ll help design, develop, deliver, and evaluate an ambitious plan. This complex programme involves multiple strands and stakeholders, requiring coordination skills and the ability to engage with a dispersed team. Additionally, you’ll receive support from the Trust’s Project and Programme Management community.

Your contractual location will be our Head Office in Swindon. However, there is flexibility on where you are based. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40‑60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

This high‑profile project now needs swift progress into delivery. With the business case complete, this role will lead the implementation of Phase 1 of the programme while also shaping the design and planning stages for the later phases. You’ll oversee work streams and coordinate internal and external steering groups, ensuring their combined expertise informs both the initial delivery and the longer‑term programme design.

Key priorities include designing apprenticeships in areas near larger, more diverse communities, working closely with external partners, training providers, and the national apprenticeship team to support apprentices and mentors. Preparing for the transition to business as usual will be vital to secure long‑term benefits, using the Trust’s Project Management Framework for tools, templates, and reporting.

You’ll also recruit and mentor a Project Management Apprentice, embodying the project’s goals and setting them on the path to success.

• able to demonstrate experience of successfully delivering complex end to end project/programme management, including defining resources, leading procurement securing project teams and matrix management across multiple projects/programmes
• a Professional with technical knowledge and skills in project management demonstrated by a recognised project (AMP PMQ/Prince) or programme management (MSP) qualification
• you’re a flexible thinker and problem‑solver, skilled at negotiating and building productive networks, and confident in using your expertise to influence decisions with senior leaders
• a skilled communicator, with experience of managing complex and challenging situations with competing interests and a diverse range of people
• a leader for inclusion, who finds ways to create an inclusive culture

• Proven stakeholder, sponsor, client and supplier relationship‑management skills
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor and manage project teams (internal, external, volunteers)
• Written and verbal communication skills, including presenting, facilitating and training

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