About the job
The National Trust’s commitment is “For everyone, for ever.” Bringing that promise to life starts with the people that work here. It means building teams with a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It means creating an inclusive environment where everyone is able to thrive. Our positions are open to all, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds to support our ambitions of reflecting the communities we serve and ending unequal access.
We’re looking for a People Development Director to lead all aspects of people development across the organisation.
In this senior, influential role, you’ll be responsible for shaping how learning, leadership development, talent management and succession planning support our people and volunteers, now and in the future. Working as part of the People, Business & Legal Services senior leadership team, you’ll help ensure our people strategy underpins and supports delivery of our wider organisational strategy, building long-term capability and leadership at every level.
What it's like to work here
We care for nature, beauty and history for everyone, forever. We’re a values-driven organisation that puts people at the heart of everything we do. You’ll be joining a collaborative, forward-thinking team where inclusion, sustainability, and continuous improvement are key. We offer a supportive environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the organisation.
Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. 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.
What you'll be doing
As our senior leader for people development, you’ll shape and lead a whole system approach to learning, embedding development into everyday work, leadership practice and capability building. You’ll set national frameworks and internal policies for learning and leadership development, talent‑ and succession planning, ensuring legal and regulatory requirements are met and best practice is adopted consistently.
Working closely with senior leaders, including the Director-General and Director of People, you’ll support leadership development at executive and senior levels, strengthening confidence and capability to lead. You’ll ensure people development activity is insight‑ led‑, aligned to our priorities and deliver clear outcomes, while managing significant budgets, team performance and risk responsibly.
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;
- A senior professional with a wide breadth of knowledge in people and organisational development
- Experience of supporting executives and senior leaders
- CIPD qualified, relevant degree or proven experience in relevant field
- Proven track record in designing and implementing innovative approaches to people development for both staff and volunteers
- Extensive experience of leading learning and development at a senior level within large or complex organisations
- Proven track record of managing and delivering in multi-disciplinary environments/teams
- Experience of leading and supporting organisational change
- Demonstrable experience of aligning people management strategies and interventions with overall organisational strategy
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
