At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the WHAM team, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality experiences for families.
- Company: Join Lapland, a magical entertainment company dedicated to celebrating childhood wonder.
- Benefits: Enjoy a daily travel subsidy, on-site meals, and flexible contract options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique experience that creates lasting memories for thousands of families.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Lapland
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.
In 2024, Lapland’s eCommerce revenues grew tenfold, driven by the launch of magical at‑home products like personalised Letters from Lapland. These products extend the Lapland world into the home, deepening belief and connection beyond the physical experience. At the same time, our original story universe continues to scale through media. In 2023, Lapland launched its first podcast, Elfcast, which achieved No. 1 in the UK Family Charts and ranked in the global top 10 over Christmas. With plans to expand into audio and content year‑round, our IP and characters are reaching audiences in new and emotionally resonant ways. With immersive Live experiences, high‑growth eCommerce, and a rapidly expanding original content, Lapland is on a mission to become the definitive global Christmas brand anchored in belief, storytelling, and the enduring magic of childhood.
Location: Lapland UK Live Site, Manchester: Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield SK11 7
Key Dates:
- Start Date: 14th September 2026
- Preview Day: 5th / 6th November 2026 (TBC)
- Opening Day: 7th November 2026
- End Date: 24th December 2026
- De‑Rig: 27th December – 30th December
Role Overview
The WHAM Manager plays a critical role in ensuring continuity of leadership, maintaining department standards, and supporting the smooth daily operational flow within the principles and FC departments, whilst offering support in groups. In this position, the WHAM Manager oversees the daily WHAM operation, including daily staffing, and the consistent delivery of department‑wide quality. They are expected to make confident, well‑informed decisions, provide strong support to Deputies and the wider team, and escalate issues appropriately when required. The WHAM Manager is responsible for setting and upholding best practice across the department, ensuring that all health and safety procedures, WHAM protocols, and performance‑ready standards are consistently met. Strong communication skills, proactive problem‑solving, and a calm, professional presence during high‑pressure and busy periods are essential.
WHAM we want people who are excited to get involved, embrace challenges, and bring a hands‑on approach to their work, creating a workplace full of positivity and collective success. Overall, working at LaplandUK offers a chance to be part of something truly special, where the wonder of childhood is celebrated by a team dedicated to making memories for over 40,000 families each year.
Passion for the Mission. We are in service to belief. We understand the importance of what we do and its legacy.
OneCompany: We only succeed together. We are a positive and caring group of people who embrace developing Lapland and ourselves.
Driven to Deliver Excellence: Belief is in the detail. Powered by our purpose we challenge and innovate to exceed expectations in everything we do.
Salary: Plus £50 per working day subsidy or accommodation provided. Your choice of contract basis – we can contract as PAYE or Self‑Employed. One on‑site meal per working shift. Lapland Shuttle bus from local train station to get to site. On‑site parking for staff (Manchester). Holiday paid in full at end of the contract calculated at 12.07% of total hours worked. £50 Subsidy per working day to help with travel costs or Accommodation.
Applicants must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship. Lapland reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time. Due to the high number of applications being received, we may not be able to respond to every applicant. 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.
WHAM Manager (Manchester) employer: LaplandUK
Lapland UK is an exceptional employer that celebrates the magic of childhood through immersive experiences, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. As a WHAM Manager in Manchester, you will enjoy competitive benefits including a daily subsidy for travel or accommodation, on-site meals, and a supportive team environment dedicated to excellence and personal growth. Join us in making unforgettable memories for families while being part of a purpose-driven company that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land WHAM Manager (Manchester)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Lapland's mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you connect your experience to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past where you’ve demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Show them you’re the WHAM Manager they need!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Lapland magic!
We think you need these skills to ace WHAM Manager (Manchester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about creating magical experiences for families and how you connect with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We love seeing how your background aligns with the WHAM Manager role and how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. This helps us get a quick sense of who you are!
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 this exciting opportunity at Lapland.
How to prepare for a job interview at LaplandUK
✨Know the Magic of Lapland
Before your interview, dive deep into the enchanting world of Lapland. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the unique experiences they offer. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your own passion for storytelling and childhood wonder to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a WHAM Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or maintained high standards under pressure. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and support your team at Lapland.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
In this role, proactive problem-solving is key. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous jobs and how you tackled them. During the interview, share these stories to illustrate your calmness and professionalism in high-pressure situations, which aligns perfectly with what Lapland is looking for.
✨Bring the Positivity
Lapland thrives on positivity and teamwork. Be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the role and your ability to create a supportive work environment. Share instances where you've contributed to a positive workplace culture, as this will resonate well with their values of collective success and belief in the mission.
