Job Description

Location:

The Bishop's Palace, Wells, Somerset

Hours:

30-37 hours per week

Salary:

From 35,000 (FTE), dependent on experience

Application deadline:

12 noon, Sunday 25 January 2026

Interviews:

Thursday 5 February 2026

Shape the Future of an Iconic Heritage Site

Are you passionate about historic buildings and their stories? Do you want to play a leading role in conserving one of England's most remarkable heritage sites, while inspiring thousands of visitors each year?

The Bishop's Palace, an 800-year-old Grade I listed treasure set among 14 acres of stunning gardens, is seeking a dynamic Property and Collection Manager. This is a rare opportunity to join the Senior Management Team of The Palace Trust--a charitable organisation dedicated to protecting, conserving, and sharing the Palace and its story for the benefit of all.

What You'll Do

Lead the conservation, repair, and maintenance of the Palace's historic buildings and collections, ensuring their legacy for future generations. Develop and deliver long-term strategies for heritage conservation, balancing hands-on operational delivery with stakeholder and contractor management. Bring the Palace's built heritage to life for visitors, integrating conservation activities into the visitor experience and generating income through events, tours, and educational programmes. Manage a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and contractors, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability. Oversee compliance, health and safety, and operational management for the entire site, acting as Duty Manager when required. Support the CEO and project teams in raising standards and securing funding for conservation and interpretation initiatives.

What We're Looking For

Four years' experience in the practical maintenance, management, and conservation of historic buildings, ideally in a public-facing heritage setting. Strong leadership, strategic awareness, and budget management skills. Experience managing volunteers and engaging diverse audiences. A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject, plus H&S training (IOSH or NEBOSH). A genuine enthusiasm for sharing heritage and history, and a commitment to our values: authenticity, inclusivity, hospitality, spirituality, generosity, and sustainability.

Desirable:

Affiliation with recognised conservation bodies (SPAB, ICON, CIOB), knowledge of Historic England, National Trust, English Heritage, and experience in adapting historic buildings for modern sustainability needs.

Why Join Us?

Work at the heart of a nationally important heritage site, surrounded by beauty and history. Be part of a visionary team dedicated to inspiring joy, healing, hope, and wellbeing through heritage. Shape the future of The Bishop's Palace, making a real impact on conservation, visitor engagement, and community outreach. We invest in our people, providing training, mentoring and the chance to take on new challenges as you advance.
The full job description can be found on the Bishop's Palace website.

Applications should be submitted with a cover letter detailing experience and skills by 12 noon on Sunday 25 Janaury 2026.

We reserve the right to close this role early if we receive sufficent applicants, so do not delay applying.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 35,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 - 37 per week

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Wells BA5 2PD: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person