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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and enhance visitor experiences at a unique motor museum.
- Company: Cotswold Motor Museum, a beloved attraction in the heart of the Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff perks, and opportunities for innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a distinctive museum while working with classic and modern vehicles.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing visitor attractions and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with room to innovate and make an impact.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Owned and operated by Boundless (formerly CSMA) since 1999, the Cotswold Motor Museum is seeking an inspiring and hands-on Museum Operations Manager to lead the day‑to‑day running of our much‑loved attraction in the heart of the Cotswolds. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a distinctive museum experience celebrating historic, classic, and modern vehicles.
About The Role
As Museum Operations Manager, you will take responsibility for the operational, commercial, and visitor‑experience performance of the museum. You will oversee a small, committed team across museum operations, retail, and our accommodation/holiday‑let cottages. This is a varied, people-focused role where no two days are the same. You’ll combine strong leadership, excellent commercial sense, and a passion for delivering a fantastic experience to every visitor.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the daily operation of the museum to ensure a smooth, safe, and engaging visitor experience.
- Oversee vehicle displays, exhibitions, museum presentation, and building maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, fire regulations, and safeguarding standards.
- Deliver exceptional customer service standards across the site.
People Leadership
- Manage, motivate, and develop staff across the museum, retail shop, and accommodation teams.
- Lead recruitment, training, performance management, and rota planning.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and high‑performing team culture.
Commercial Performance
- Manage budgets, purchasing, stock control, and revenue reporting.
- Maximise income opportunities through admissions, retail, events, and new initiatives.
- Work alongside leadership to grow footfall and enhance the museum’s profile.
New Food & Beverage Offering
- Launch and oversee a small but high‑quality food service offering from our vintage ice cream van, offering ice creams, hot drinks, and cold refreshments.
- Ensure food hygiene standards and operational compliance (training can be supported as needed).
- Manage stock, pricing, staff training, and customer service for this new venture.
Accommodation Operations
- Oversee the smooth running of our onsite holiday‑let cottages.
- Manage housekeeping staff, changeovers, guest communication, and presentation standards.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
Experience & Skills
- A proven track record in managing a successful visitor attraction, museum, heritage site, leisure venue, or similar customer‑facing environment.
- Strong operational and people‑management experience.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to grow revenue streams.
- Sound organisational skills with a proactive, solution‑focused attitude.
- Confidence managing budgets, rotas, and varied operational responsibilities.
Personal Qualities
- A genuine passion for vehicles—classic, vintage, and modern.
- A love of delivering brilliant visitor experiences.
- A hands-on leadership style and willingness to support the team wherever needed.
- An eye for detail and high standards across presentation, customer service, and safety.
What We Offer
- The chance to take a leading role at a cherished and characterful Cotswold attraction.
- A supportive team and an environment with room to innovate and make an impact.
- Opportunities to develop and shape new revenue streams, including our new F&B offering.
- Competitive salary.
- Staff perks to include Company Pension, Boundless Membership, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme and a Technology Scheme.
Operations Manager – Cotswold Motor Museum & Cottages in Bourton employer: Boundless by CSMA
Contact Detail:
Boundless by CSMA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager – Cotswold Motor Museum & Cottages in Bourton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the museum inside out! Visit the Cotswold Motor Museum, chat with staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only help you understand the operations better but also show your genuine interest when you meet the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the museum and heritage sector on LinkedIn or at local events. Building relationships can lead to insider info about job openings and give you a leg up when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can enhance visitor experiences. Bring ideas to the table that align with the museum's vision. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but someone who can take it to the next level!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager – Cotswold Motor Museum & Cottages in Bourton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your love for vehicles and visitor experiences shine through in your application. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the unique charm of the Cotswold Motor Museum.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing visitor attractions or similar environments. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led teams and improved visitor experiences, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured letter that outlines your skills and how they align with the role. Remember, we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boundless by CSMA
✨Know Your Museum Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the Cotswold Motor Museum thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its history, current exhibitions, and any recent news. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions about how you can enhance the visitor experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you motivated staff or improved team performance. This role is all about people management, so demonstrating your hands-on style will resonate well.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to talk about your experience with budgets and revenue generation. Think of ways you could increase footfall or enhance the museum's profile. Presenting innovative ideas for new initiatives, especially around the food and beverage offering, will show you're proactive and commercially savvy.
✨Passion for Vehicles is Key
Express your enthusiasm for vehicles—whether classic, vintage, or modern. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re not just looking for a job, but genuinely want to contribute to the museum's mission.