Senior National Conservator, Training & Development

Summary

We’re looking for a Senior National Conservator, Training & Development to join us to provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of collections care and collections management training across the National Trust, alongside oversight of collections salvage and hazards management. 
 
In this role, you’ll ensure colleagues have access to high-quality, coordinated training that supports the care, management and protection of our collections. Leading a specialist team, you’ll build capability across the organisation, developing training frameworks, resources and standards that enable properties to deliver safe, effective and sustainable collections care. You’ll influence practice across more than 300 properties, supporting our commitment to caring for nature, beauty and history. 

This position is part-time, 30 hours a week. 

What it's like to work here

Reporting to the Head of Collections, Access, Conservation & Management, you’ll be part of a collaborative national team focused on building capability across all our collections teams and colleagues at the National Trust.  
 
You’ll work closely with the national collections access, conservation and management team, alongside, regional and property colleagues, operational teams, General Managers, Collections & House Managers, property teams, People Development Specialists and the Learning & Development team.  
 
As this is a national role, there is flexibility on your contractual place of work. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We’ll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40–60% of your working week. 

What you'll be doing

You’ll work with internal and external partners, including conservation and heritage organisations, research partners and professional networks, to help ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to collections training and development across the organisation.  
 
You’ll provide strategic leadership for integrated collections training programmes, developing frameworks, resources and learning opportunities that support effective collections care and management. With specific responsibility for collections care, salvage and hazards training, you’ll help colleagues access the guidance, tools and training needed to manage risk and care for collections with confidence. You’ll also coordinate communities of practice, evaluate programme effectiveness, manage budgets and resources, and lead a small specialist team, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the organisation. 

Who we're looking for

You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths, and the judgment to apply them effectively at scale; 

• Hands-on collections care practice across multiple material types or historic interiors. 

• Expert knowledge of preventive conservation, collections care and hazards management best practice and climate resilience.

• Proven experience in training programme management.

• Strategic leadership and programme management capabilities.

• Strong communication and influencing abilities.

• Strong people leader who creates a collaborative, inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued. 

The package

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

National Trust place

Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA

Documents

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 01 November 2026

Interview Date: 23 November 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 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 .

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.