Programmes Manager

Visitor Attraction Central Team at The Newt in Somerset

Castle Cary•Up to £38,000 per annum•Full time

Programmes Manager

Up to £38,000 DOE plus tronc and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week across 5 days, weekend flexibility as needed.

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

Advert closes: 27th April 2026

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Create unforgettable experiences in one of Somerset’s most extraordinary destinations.


Our Programmes Manager

You will lead the development and delivery of The Newt’s public-facing programme of experiences, bringing together creativity, storytelling and commercial focus to shape a year-round calendar of workshops, guided tours, seasonal events and educational offerings. Working closely with experts across the estate, you will create memorable, high-quality experiences that reflect The Newt’s unique identity while driving visitor engagement, repeat visitation and revenue growth.


Key Responsibilities

  • Design and curate a year-round calendar of workshops, tours and seasonal experiences
  • Collaborate with internal experts including gardeners, chefs, artisans and historians to create authentic visitor experiences
  • Work closely with the Events Manager and Events team to deliver exceptional programming
  • Oversee the planning, scheduling and delivery of workshops and guided tours across the estate
  • Manage external facilitators, suppliers and specialists where required
  • Own revenue targets for programmes, monitoring sales, pricing, occupancy and performance data
  • Ensure a seamless guest experience from booking through to delivery
  • Identify opportunities for innovation, upselling, cross-selling and new revenue streams


What we can offer

  • A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
  • Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
  • Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
  • Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
  • Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
  • Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
  • Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
  • Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
  • Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
  • We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
  • Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
  • A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
  • Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.


What we're looking for

  • Proven experience in programme or event management, ideally within hospitality, tourism, heritage or cultural sectors
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving revenue
  • Excellent organisational and project management skills
  • A creative mindset with the ability to turn ideas into exceptional visitor experiences
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with confidence engaging a wide range of stakeholders
  • A guest-focused approach with high standards and attention to detail
  • Adaptable, proactive and confident working in a fast-paced seasonal environment
  • Passion for gardens, food, craft or heritage, aligned with The Newt’s offering


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.



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