At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the National Park Centre, creating engaging experiences for visitors and managing daily operations.
- Company: Join Exmoor National Park Authority, dedicated to preserving nature and enhancing visitor experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with opportunities to connect people to nature.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a stunning landscape while enjoying seasonal flexibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in visitor services or retail management, with strong leadership and marketing skills.
Exmoor National Park is a unique and beautiful part of the country. Our vision is that Exmoor remains a beautiful landscape, leading the response to climate change and nature recovery, a welcoming place for all, as well as a great place to live, work and do business.
We are now looking for a National Park Centre Manager to join us on a permanent, part-time basis, working 28 hours per week during the summer season and ad-hoc hours paid by timesheet during the winter season. During the summer season, the Centre operates on a rota basis over 7 days per week, where one working day is 7 hours. The Centre is open 10.00am - 5.00pm, and staff are employed 15 minutes either side of the opening and closing times for preparation and close-down of the Centre, with a half-hour unpaid lunch break. During the winter season, in November, the Centre is open for weekends only (10.00am - 3.00pm). From late February to the start of the summer season, we are open daily during half-term and then at weekends until the start of the summer season (both 10.00am - 3.00pm). The summer season usually runs from late March or the start of the Easter holidays (whichever is earliest) to the end of the autumn half term in late October/early November.
The Benefits
- Salary of £33,673 - £37,563 per annum (pro rata)
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Paid sickness, parental and compassionate leave, plus time off for dependants
- Time off to attend medical appointments
- Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders and a 24/7 confidential helpline
This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced visitor services or retail manager with strong people leadership skills to join our dedicated organisation. You’ll have the chance to help visitors connect more deeply with one of the UK’s most distinctive landscapes, bringing Exmoor’s wildlife, heritage and communities to life through engaging experiences, events and activities. With 28 hours per week during the summer season and lighter, ad-hoc hours during winter, the role offers valuable seasonal flexibility and more space in your year for the things you love.
The Role
As the National Park Centre Manager, you will oversee the running of our National Park Centre in Dunster, ensuring an engaging visitor experience while growing commercial activities. Managing the Centre’s daily operations, facilities, staff and volunteers, you will ensure visitors receive a welcoming and informative service whilst overseeing retail activities, stock management, finances and health and safety. You will also develop exhibitions, events and activities that encourage visitors to explore and appreciate Exmoor’s landscapes, wildlife and heritage. Working with local businesses and visitor attractions, you will also promote the Centre, increase visitor numbers and identify opportunities to generate income.
Additionally, you will:
- Recruit, train and supervise staff and volunteers
- Manage staff rotas and monitor performance
- Prepare sales, visitor and operational reports
- Deliver talks and activities for school and community groups
- Respond to visitor enquiries and promote local events
About You
To be considered as our National Park Centre Manager, you will need:
- Experience of managing a visitor centre, retail outlet or similar, including staff and volunteer management and working with the public in a service capacity
- Experience of marketing events and promoting a venue/service via traditional and social media outlets
- Experience of working with external suppliers and activity providers
- Knowledge of Health and Safety relevant to a visitor/public environment, with experience of compiling risk assessments
- Numeracy skills and cash handling experience, with experience of operating a till and reconciling end-of-day takings
- Knowledge of the Exmoor area
The closing date for this role is 26th November 2026. Interviews are planned for Friday 11th December 2026.
Webrecruit and Exmoor National Park Authority are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
If you’re looking for a fulfilling role as a National Park Centre Manager, please apply via the button shown.
National Park Centre Manager employer: Exmoor National Park Authority
Exmoor National Park Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in one of the UK's most stunning landscapes while contributing to climate change response and nature recovery. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, and flexible working options, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages professional growth and community engagement. Join us as an Estate Ranger and make a meaningful impact on both the environment and the local community.
Contact Details:
Exmoor National Park Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Park Centre Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
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Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
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For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Exmoor National Park Authority and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace National Park Centre Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Exmoor National Park Authority that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Exmoor National Park Authority.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Exmoor National Park Authority get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exmoor National Park Authority
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Exmoor National Park Authority and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
