Visitor Attraction Operations Manager

£51,000 per annum plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week across 5 days, with weekend and evening work required when required

Due to the location of the Estate, a driving license is recommended for this role

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Lead the heartbeat of our Visitor Attraction

Our Visitor Attraction Operations Manager

The Visitor Attraction and Gardens are the heart of our 1,200-acre estate, welcoming over 40,000 members as well as day visitors and hotel guests. At just six years old and on an exciting journey of refinement, we’re seeking an inspiring leader to help shape its future. You’ll work closely with our F&B Operations Manager and Head of Visitor Attraction to deliver seamless, world-class experiences that delight our members, guests and teams alike. From fine-tuning daily operations to driving innovation, you’ll play a crucial role in making every visit unforgettable.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations across welcome desks, information points and exhibits, keeping venues clean, safe and guest-ready.
Lead and develop managers and frontline teams: recruit, rota, train and inspire high performance.
Drive accessibility, inclusivity and satisfaction for members and visitors; partner with Comms/Marketing & Events on programmes.
Resolve incidents swiftly; act as first point of contact for H&S/first-aid matters and maintain up-to-date training records.
Lead membership commercials and renewals; shape initiatives that enhance experience and income.
Set and manage budgets with Head of Visitor Attraction; report monthly on KPIs (visitors, financials, satisfaction).
Coordinate with F&B, Events and wider estate to deliver integrated, estate-wide standards.

What we can offer

A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family.
A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including Fun Squad events, which include activities such as Go-Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
Up to 30 days’ annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we're looking for

3+ years in operations management within visitor attraction/leisure/hospitality/cultural settings.
A visible, hands-on leader who inspires multi-disciplinary frontline teams.
Calm, resilient decision-maker in fast-paced, guest-facing environments; excellent communicator.
Highly organised with strong operational discipline; confident managing rotas, budgets and resources.
Passion for heritage, culture and outstanding visitor experiences; collaborative and people-first.
Data-literate and systems-confident (membership, reporting/analytics, bookings, team management).
Health & Safety awareness (first-aid/H&S incident lead desirable); events exposure a plus.
Nice to have: relevant qualification (Hospitality/Tourism/Visitor Attraction/Events) and H&S certification

Where you'll be working

At the heart of our Gardens lies the Visitor Attraction, where every day we welcome hundreds of members and guests. The experience of each guest is central to everything we do, from a warm welcome on arrival, to solving challenges with care, and sharing the stories behind our exhibits. The Visitor Attraction becomes more than a destination, it is a living showcase of Somerset’s heritage, its food, and its horticulture, told through every encounter and every corner of our grounds.

Who are we — The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR