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- Tasks: Lead the Museum Operations team to ensure a top-notch visitor experience across all sites.
- Company: Portsmouth Museums, showcasing the rich history and culture of Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours including evenings and weekends; travel between sites required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences while managing diverse teams in historic settings.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams, customer service, and building management in visitor-focused environments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Portsmouth Museums operate 6 historical museums across the city, with our collection including around 500,000 items that showcase the history and culture of Portsmouth to both residents and visitors. We are looking for a Visitor Operations Manager to lead the Museum Operations team across all sites to ensure a consistent high level of visitor service experience. Our 6 sites are:
- The D-Day Story
- Southsea Castle
- Charles Dickens' Birthplace
- Portsmouth Natural History Museum
- Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery
- Eastney Engine Houses
Your new role
You will lead the Museums Operations team to deliver a consistent, high quality visitor experience across all sites. This includes managing staff rotas, recruitment, training, and performance, while coaching Duty Managers to effectively run their teams and buildings. You will support income generation through admissions, retail, donations, and venue hire, ensuring financial procedures are followed. The role also oversees building safety, maintenance, and compliance, including liaison with contractors and Historic England for listed or historic sites, as well as managing major works. You will maintain the service's emergency plans and work closely with partners to enhance the visitor offer, improve ways of working, and promote both the Museum Service and Portsmouth as a destination.
Who is the person summary
You will bring extensive experience in leading and managing diverse staff teams, including permanent, seasonal, and casual roles within customer-focused or visitor experience environments. Your background includes comprehensive building management covering visitor operations, security, and health and safety – ideally within historic or listed sites. With a strong educational foundation and exceptional customer service skills, you demonstrate excellent communication, sound decision-making, and the ability to motivate others. You have a thorough understanding of statutory regulations, health and safety legislation, and emergency planning, supported by qualifications such as IOSH Managing Safely. Your experience also includes staff recruitment, training, rota planning, and budget management, alongside a commitment to personal development and collaborative working across wider services and teams. A full UK driving licence is desirable but not essential, as this role involves travelling between the 6 sites across the city.
Additional Information
This role is based 5 days per week across all our Portsmouth Museum sites; it works on a rota basis including evening and weekend working. Details will be confirmed on appointment. Please note we are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Equal Opportunity and Working Rights
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Visitor Operations Manager in England employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Operations Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum and visitor operations sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your leadership skills and past successes in managing diverse teams. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've improved visitor experiences or streamlined operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that fits you, apply through our website. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the initiative to express your interest and show how you can contribute to enhancing the visitor experience at Portsmouth Museums.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the museums and their collections. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your background aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely passionate about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Operations Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Museums: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for museums and visitor experiences shine through. We want to see how your love for history and culture aligns with our mission at Portsmouth Museums.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing diverse teams and visitor operations. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in customer service, health and safety, and building management.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great 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 Visitor Operations Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Museums
Familiarise yourself with each of the six museums and their unique offerings. Understanding their history, key exhibits, and visitor experiences will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and show that you're genuinely interested in enhancing the visitor experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing staff rotas, recruitment, and training, as well as how you've motivated others to deliver exceptional customer service.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety
Brush up on health and safety regulations, especially those relevant to historic sites. Be ready to discuss your knowledge of statutory regulations and emergency planning, as this is crucial for ensuring the safety of both visitors and staff.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Think about how you've contributed to income generation in past roles. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've implemented for admissions, retail, or venue hire, and how you’ve managed budgets effectively to support operational goals.