At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create unforgettable visitor experiences at Drum Castle and the wider Estate.
- Company: Join the National Trust for Scotland, a leader in conservation and visitor engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and the chance to work in beautiful surroundings.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor satisfaction while promoting sustainability and heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience in visitor services management and a passion for delivering exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland
We are looking for an experienced and talented, visitor focused manager to join us at our fantastic property, Drum Castle, Gardens & Estate. You will be responsible for the operational delivery of the overall visitor experience within Drum Castle and the wider Estate, delivering performance standards and targets to ensure excellent levels of visitor satisfaction, while maximising key commercial, financial and development objectives, to ensure the property is fully sustainable. Your vision and drive will continue to build on our current offer, with fresh ideas to showcase our site to a wider audience, delivering memorable visitor experiences. You will lead a team committed to ensuring Drum Castle, Gardens & Estate is recognised as a first‑class visitor attraction. You will be part of a broader management team, responsible for delivering an overall visitor service strategy, promoting good communication within the property and across the region as well as with the wider National Trust for Scotland.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Staff and volunteers – recruitment, induction, development, motivation and performance management to ensure they are fully equipped and motivated to undertake their duties to the required Trust standards within the staffing budgets.
- Line management of Visitor Service Supervisors with oversight of Visitor Services Assistants.
- Instil a Health & Safety culture across the property, maintaining compliance record and ensuring the team works within the property’s Risk Assessments to reduce incidents and accidents to volunteers, employees and visitors.
- Budgets – setting, phasing, monitoring, reporting, pro‑active and re‑active adjustments together with the Operations Manager, Regional Director, Business Manager and Finance Manager.
- Plan and deliver an annual events and functions strategy with the support of the NE regional events team.
- Create a culture of ‘exceptional service, every time’, ensuring high standards of delivery and presentation at all times and a consistently warm welcome.
- Driving the visitor services experience to achieve financial targets, maximising income and profitability within the Trust’s procedures and instructions. You will strive to be efficient and ensure cost effectiveness in all the work you do.
- Ensure the cornerstones of the National Trust for Scotland are achieved at all times, namely, conservation, access and memorable visitor experiences for all guests.
- Take responsibility for opening and closing and security of buildings as well as emergency procedure implementation, duty management and providing relief cover as required.
- The post holder will be designated as the “responsible person” for the property for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. For this element of your role, you will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
- Manage visitor‑related buildings and facilities, including the natural play area and exhibition space.
- Work with the building and wider management teams to ensure that the longevity of the Trust’s buildings and fittings are maximised through appropriate maintenance and/or replacement regimes.
- Ensure the property meets statutory and company requirements of Health and Safety, Food Safety, Environmental and alcohol sale legislations and procedures including Waste Disposal and Allergens.
- Deliver an attractive and engaging programme of tailored events which drive footfall to the estate.
- Support the Visitor Services Supervisor (F&B) and the central F&B team to ensure catering standards are maintained and further develop the offer.
Visitor Services Manager in Banchory employer: ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
The National Trust for Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises visitor satisfaction and conservation at the stunning Drum Castle, Gardens & Estate. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have opportunities to lead a dedicated team, implement innovative ideas, and create memorable experiences for visitors while enjoying a supportive environment that values health, safety, and sustainability.
Contact Details:
ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Services Manager in Banchory
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at the National Trust for Scotland. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for visitor services! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your ideas on enhancing visitor experiences. Let them see your vision for Drum Castle and how you can contribute to making it a first-class attraction.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the National Trust for Scotland’s values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around conservation and visitor satisfaction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Services Manager in Banchory
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Visitor Experience:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for creating memorable visitor experiences shine through. Share specific examples of how you've enhanced visitor satisfaction in previous roles, as this will resonate with us at the National Trust for Scotland.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and accountabilities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in managing teams and delivering exceptional service, as we’re looking for someone who can lead our Visitor Services team effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Drum Castle, Gardens & Estate!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
✨Know Your Visitor Experience
Familiarise yourself with the National Trust for Scotland's mission and values, especially how they relate to visitor experiences. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance visitor satisfaction at Drum Castle, Gardens & Estate, and share any innovative ideas you have for attracting a wider audience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in staff recruitment, development, and motivation, as well as how you've instilled a culture of exceptional service. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Visitor Services team effectively.
✨Budgeting Know-How
Brush up on your budgeting skills! Be prepared to discuss your experience with setting and monitoring budgets, and how you've made proactive adjustments in previous roles. This will show that you understand the financial aspects of managing a visitor attraction.
✨Health & Safety Awareness
Understand the importance of health and safety in a visitor services role. Be ready to talk about how you've implemented safety protocols in the past and how you plan to maintain compliance at Drum Castle. This will reassure the interviewers that you prioritise the safety of both visitors and staff.