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- Tasks: Lead outdoor visitor operations and enhance the visitor experience in the stunning Lake District.
- Company: Join the National Trust, dedicated to preserving nature and history for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, free entry to Trust places, and a substantial pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in breathtaking surroundings and connecting people to nature.
- Qualifications: Looking for an inclusive leader with experience in visitor operations and budget management.
- Other info: Weekend work required; be part of a collaborative leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Summary
Join our team as the Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for the Central and East Lakes portfolio. In this role, you'll lead our outdoor visitor operations, all while connecting people to the National Trust. This is an outstanding chance to create a real impact for the future of our visitor experience in the Lake District.
Interview Date – Tuesday 8th April, on site in the Lake District.
If you would like further information regarding the role or for an informal chat please contact .uk
What it's like to work here
Based in the breathtaking Lake District, you'll be an integral part of the portfolio's leadership team, reporting to the General Manager. You’ll lead the outdoors visitor operations team covering significant areas like Ullswater, Langdale, and Windermere, as well as popular visitor locations like Aira Force and Fell Foot Park.
While the pace can be fast and pressure high, the stunning surroundings provide an exceptional environment to develop our visitor experience. By providing more access to green spaces, and ensuring our places are welcoming for everyone, this role offers huge opportunities to make a difference. The role will cover some weekends across the year.
What you'll be doing
As the Visitor Operations and Experience Manager, you'll have overall responsibility operation and development of our outdoor offer, providing inspirational leadership to both staff and volunteers, driving our vision and building ambitious plans for the outdoor. You’ll turn strategy into reality and deliver across a broad range of operational areas as you bring nature, beauty and history to our members and visitors.
You'll have budgetary control, with a focus on increasing income, being innovative and passionate to grow support through our operations, membership and fundraising. Understanding supporter engagement and aligning activities with our cause will be crucial. Leading from the front, you'll encourage and empower your team of 30 to ensure smooth operation of our visitor business, car parks, events and activities along with welcoming visitors across the high and low seasons and ensuring our places our excellently presented.
As part of the portfolio leadership team, you’ll work collaboratively to create and deliver our business plans, providing leadership and drive across the wider Central Lake District Team and departments. You’ll take part in duty management, and you’ll deputise for the General Manager, including covering some weekends across the year.
Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.
Who we're looking for
- an inclusive, capable & curious leader with a collaborative leadership style, taking time to support your team and everyone across the portfolio.
- a confident communicator, who enjoys building effective working relationships with a broad range of people – staff, volunteers, partners, advisors & visitors.
- an advocate for the outdoors and connecting people to nature.
- experience in managing bustling visitor operations.
- experience of income generation and managing budgets, including meeting or exceeding financial targets.
- experience of developing and delivering programmes of engagement and events.
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
•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
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Visitor Operations & Experience Manager employer: National Trust
Contact Detail:
National Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Operations & Experience Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the National Trust's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and connecting people to nature will help you align your vision with theirs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of your leadership experience, especially in managing visitor operations. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully engaged teams and improved visitor experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Central and East Lakes portfolio, including key locations like Ullswater and Windermere. Being knowledgeable about these areas will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the region.
✨Tip Number 4
Think about innovative ideas for increasing income and supporter engagement. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the financial goals of the organization while enhancing the visitor experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Operations & Experience Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Visitor Operations & Experience Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in visitor operations, leadership, and budget management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to connect people to nature and manage bustling visitor operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the outdoors and your vision for enhancing visitor experiences. Mention your collaborative leadership style and how you plan to engage with staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Showcase Your Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements related to income generation and program development. This could be exceeding financial targets or successfully launching engagement programs that connected visitors with nature.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Trust
✨Show Your Passion for the Outdoors
As a Visitor Operations & Experience Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for nature and connecting people to it. Share personal experiences that highlight your love for the outdoors and how you envision enhancing visitor engagement.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams, especially in busy visitor operations. Provide examples of how you've empowered your team and fostered collaboration.
✨Discuss Financial Acumen
Since budget management and income generation are key aspects of this position, come ready to talk about your experience with financial oversight. Mention specific strategies you've implemented to meet or exceed financial targets in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in visitor operations and how you successfully navigated them, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
