Castle Manager in Exeter

Reports To: Heritage Manager

Location: Powderham, Devon

Terms: Full Time / Permanent

Days: Typically Monday-Friday, including two Sundays per month, with additional evening work required during peak seasonal periods

Annual Leave: 30 days per year

Pension: Eligible to join the company pension scheme

Salary Band: 4 (£30,000 - £35,000)

As Powderham embarks on the growth phase of its 5-year strategic plan, we are investing in our future by expanding our management team to help deliver this exciting vision for the future. These roles will play a key part in expanding and supporting our established team, working closely with an experienced and supportive senior leadership group.

Purpose

The Castle Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of Powderham Castle, maintaining the highest standards of presentation, safety, and care across the building, collections, and visitor spaces. This hands-on leadership role will provide direct line management to the Housekeeping team and operational oversight of the Castle Maintenance and Archival functions. This role is responsible for coordinating maintenance activity, managing work orders and repairs, and ensuring the Castle is presented appropriately for residents, visitors, and events. In time, the role may hold direct line management of a Castle maintenance team depending on business development. In addition, there will be a body of work supporting the development of a formal archival team; supported by part-time and volunteer archivists.

Reporting to the Heritage Manager and as part of the Senior Management Team, this role will provide management across operational teams, oversight of facilities and compliance, ensuring smooth delivery of day-to-day operations and support for the long-term preservation of this historic estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Castle Operations

• Manage the Housekeeping and Archival teams to deliver high-quality, timely, and safe operational services across the Castle
• Coordinate the daily readiness of the Castle for visitors, residents, events etc.
• Schedule and oversee the movement of furniture and objects within the Castle, ensuring appropriate handing and storage in line with events, private functions and attraction needs
• Oversee specialist care of items from the Castle's collection, ensuring correct cleaning, storage and display standards are maintained
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the estate to support the smooth running of operations
• Monitor operational budgets set, and report to the Heritage Manager progress, ensuring effective use of resources
• Regularly review pricing of products and services to ensure value within budget, quality, and compliance with heritage-safe and sustainable standards

• Take responsibility for the coordination of castle maintenance, including managing work orders, maintaining repair lists, and arranging and checking completion of required works
• Provide oversight of planned and reactive maintenance activity, ensuring tasks are appropriately prioritised and directed, without direct management of a dedicated maintenance team at this stage
• Coordinate and monitor maintenance works, ensuring effective and safe use of contractors, internal staff, and specialist trades
• Liaise with contractors, suppliers, and the Estates team to support the safe, timely, and high-quality delivery of maintenance tasks
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and provide regular progress updates to the Heritage Manager
• Manage the allocation of shared maintenance resources with the Private Household, setting priorities as directed by the Heritage Manager, with potential for expanded management responsibilities in the future

• Coordinate and manage the housekeeping team to maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation across the Castle
• Ensure cleaning practices consider conservation requirements for historic interiors and collections
• Manage purchasing of housekeeping products, prioritising sustainable and conservation-safe materials
• Support the team with appropriate training and development
• Manage the Housekeeping team, ensuring that both commercial and domestic spaces are maintained to a high standard - prioritising as necessary.

• Chair the Facilities Committee, ensuring effective coordination of compliance activity
• Monitor, coordinate and report status of compliance within the Committee in health and safety, fire safety and emergency planning, first aid provision, security and access control and environmental sustainability
• Work with external agencies, contractors, and internal colleagues to maintain legal compliance across relevant areas
• Maintain records of all policies, procedures, and risk assessments, producing a clear schedule of review dates
• Support sustainable operational practices, including responsible waste management, energy efficiency, and product selection.
• Contribute to the Duty Management rota as required to support consistent leadership during open periods and events

• Provide day-to-day management, guidance, and support to operational teams
• Support staff training, performance, and development to maintain professional standards
• Assist with recruitment and workforce planning to ensure adequate coverage
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and respect for the Castle's historic environment
• Act as Duty Manager as and when required

• Maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation for maintenance, compliance, and cleaning
• Provide routine updates to the Heritage Manager
• Contribute operational information for SMT reporting when required
• Support development and implementation of strategic goals

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in operational or facilities management, ideally in a heritage, visitor attraction, or large estate environment
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams
• Proven experience of health & safety, fire safety, and basic compliance processes
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Good communication skills and confidence in working with contractors and colleagues
• Practical, hands-on approach to problem solving
• Commitment to sustainability and safe working practices
• Willingness to work flexibly, including two Sundays per month and occasional evenings or events
• Due to the nature of the role and location a driving licence and car is required

Desirable

• Experience in heritage buildings, conservation, or collections care
• IOSH, NEBOSH or similar health & safety training
• Understanding of conservation-sensitive cleaning and maintenance
• Interest in history, architecture, or heritage environments

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Powderham is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Powderham in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public. Our full EDI policy is available on request.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a CV. All applications should be submitted through our vacancy page by 26th January 2026. REF-225 723