At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recruitment and engagement for our magical seasonal team at the Ascot live show.
- Company: Join Lapland UK, a purpose-driven entertainment company creating unforgettable Christmas experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, free meals, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Embrace a vibrant culture with opportunities for growth and diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that brings joy and magic to families during the festive season.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or people operations, especially in events or theatre environments.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 € per year.
Company Overview
Founded in 2007 by Mike and Alison Battle, Lapland began with a simple but powerful purpose: to honour the wonder of childhood at Christmas. Frustrated by the poor quality of festive experiences available for their own four boys, the Battles set out to elevate this moment of childhood and reimagine the Father Christmas myth through original storytelling, meticulous set design, and emotionally resonant live theatre. Their ground‑breaking immersive show opened in 2007 and immediately captured the attention and hearts of parents nationwide. Powered by their purpose, the couple partnered with Hollywood set designers and West End performance professionals to produce an experience of unprecedented quality and detail. With an NPS of 72 (outperforming industry icons in the entertainment space), Lapland’s customer loyalty is second to none and has now welcomed nearly 2 million ‘believers,’ with tickets selling out on release for what the press now terms ‘the Glastonbury of Christmas.’ Today, the Lapland Group is a fast‑growing purpose‑driven entertainment business spanning the three pillars of Live, Product and Studios.
Location: Ascot (Swinley Forest)
Reports to: People Operations Manager (HO)
Role Overview
The People Operations Manager – Ascot at Lapland UK will play a pivotal role in shaping company culture and ensuring the success and well‑being of our seasonal team members. The role will oversee all aspects of human resources and people operations for the Ascot live show, with a focus on recruitment, employee engagement, reward & recognition during the live shows. It will report to the People Operations Manager (Head Office) and requires a proactive individual who can foster a positive, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- The People Operations Manager (Ascot) is responsible for the seasonal workforce for the Ascot live show, covering all departments and leading the pre‑event work on recruitment & training, moving into on‑site management & delivery.
- Managing a team of departmental schedulers & administrators, and working closely with operational managers once live.
- Driving the recruitment strategy for the event season, working closely with the resourcing team, and ensuring a seamless recruitment process and hitting target numbers on a weekly basis.
- Organising assessment centres / audition sessions, collaborating with the resourcing team and show operations team to achieve targets and KPIs.
Role Requirements
TALENT ACQUISITION & RECRUITMENT- Manage the end‑to‑end recruitment process for the seasonal workforce, from processing candidates to conducting interviews and making offers.
- Sift & schedule interviews for key management positions in conjunction with Heads of departments.
- Collaborate with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and ensure timely fulfilment of positions.
- Design and implement programs to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
- Conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions to gauge employee morale and identify areas for improvement.
- Develop and implement retention strategies to minimise turnover and foster a culture of loyalty and commitment.
- Implement performance management systems and processes to evaluate employee performance and drive continuous improvement.
- Provide coaching and support to managers on performance‑related issues, including goal setting, feedback, and performance reviews.
- Identify opportunities for professional development and training to help employees reach their full potential.
- Maintain HR policies and procedures in compliance with legal requirements and industry best practices.
- Ensure adherence to labour laws and regulations, including but not limited to employment contracts, wage and hour laws, and workplace safety standards.
- Serve as a resource for employees on HR‑related matters and provide guidance on policy interpretation and compliance.
- Address queries, escalating as needed to the Head of People Operations.
- Ensure HR policies are applied and supervise the event HR team for compliance.
- Act as the first point of escalation for HR or other departmental managers, working with an external HR Advisor where extra support or guidance is needed.
- General understanding of common HR rules & requirements relating to temporary workers.
- Previous experience working in a People Operations or Workforce role within events, theatre or visitor attraction environment.
- Comfortable with being first point of contact for employees in person and online, often handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient in Windows & Microsoft applications, as well as comfortable using various staffing & scheduling systems.
- Experience in payroll, scheduling, and management of teams.
- Experience in drafting and reporting, analysing documents and managing suppliers/contractors.
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Salary – £45,000 to £48,000 pro rata
Flexible hybrid working (weekly assessment centre sessions at Camberley Theatre from mid‑August, with working from home on the other days; moving to site at the start of November)
Holiday paid at the end of contract
Free daily on‑site meal once based on‑site for the live show
Staff car parking & shuttle bus service from Ascot Train Station to site
Applicants must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship.
Lapland is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.
Staffing Manager in Ascot employer: LaplandUK
Lapland UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises a vibrant and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for those passionate about creating magical experiences. With a focus on employee engagement, professional development, and a supportive environment, team members can thrive during the festive season while enjoying unique benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free meals on-site, and a shuttle service from Ascot Train Station. Join us in shaping unforgettable moments for families and be part of a purpose-driven team dedicated to honouring the wonder of childhood at Christmas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staffing Manager in Ascot
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media, website, and any recent news articles. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the Lapland magic.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on articulating your experience in people operations and how it aligns with the role. Remember, confidence is key, so don’t shy away from showcasing your passion for creating a positive work environment!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows you're engaged and serious about the role. Ask about their employee engagement strategies or how they foster a positive culture during the busy live show period.
✨Tip Number 4
After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in their decision-making process!
We think you need these skills to ace Staffing Manager in Ascot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for the role and the company.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with what we're looking for in a Staffing Manager.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at LaplandUK
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Lapland's mission and values. Understand their unique approach to creating magical experiences and how they engage with their audience. This knowledge will help you connect your skills and experiences to their goals during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Staffing Manager, you'll be working closely with a diverse team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or enhanced employee engagement in previous roles. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will demonstrate that you're the right fit for fostering a positive work environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you had to manage recruitment challenges or improve team morale. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the company culture, the challenges they face during the live show season, or how they measure employee engagement success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
