Visitor Services Officer

Visitor Services Officer

Southampton Full-Time 33178 - 36369 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional visitor experiences and manage catering operations.
  • Company: Join Hampshire County Council, a top-performing local authority in the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, personal development opportunities, and discounts on activities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a unique outdoor education facility with diverse experiences.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership, communication skills, and a passion for customer service are essential.
  • Other info: This role requires a Criminal Records Check and promotes inclusivity in hiring.

The predicted salary is between 33178 - 36369 £ per year.

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Job Reference: HCC622026
Salary Range: £33,178 – £36,369 per annum
Work Location: Calshot Activities Centre, Calshot
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 8 September 2025
Interview Date: w/c 15 September 2025

A unique opportunity has come up at Calshot Activities Centre. As we grow our business and our internal catering provision we are looking for someone with both hospitality, catering and team leading experience to support the delivery of excellent visitor services across our site.

The Role:

is a unique outdoor education facility and visitor attraction in the New Forest National Park.

We offer outdoor education to 10,000 children each year through a range of residential packages, whilst also boasting a thriving and busy campsite, boat park, Tudor Castle and a busy seafront café. The beach brings thousands of people to our centre every year and this role is at the heart of ensuring all these customers have the best experience possible.

This role sits in the visitor services team, reporting to the visitor services manager. The team consists of the facilities maintenance team, the catering operations and front of house and together; we look after catering operations, facilities, site maintenance and projects, accommodation, the campsite, boat park and castle. It is our responsibility to ensure that all customers have the best experience with high quality, value for money experiences that make them want to come back.

What you’ll do:

In this role, you will focus on delivering excellent customer experiences while maintaining operational efficiencies aligned with key performance indicators. You will lead by example, demonstrating professionalism and outstanding customer engagement at every opportunity. By developing and implementing effective ways of working, you will ensure compliance and uphold high standards across the team. You\’ll foster a collaborative \”one team\” culture, encouraging teamwork and shared success.

Additionally, you will be responsible for developing a catering operation that is high quality, cost-effective, and adaptable to changing needs. Building strong working relationships will be key to promoting efficiency and meeting the evolving demands of the business.

What we’re looking for:

  • An understanding of the needs of specific catering units – we operate one policy but two operational models
  • Demonstrating the core values of Hampshire Outdoor Centre
  • Understanding the vision of Hampshire Outdoor Centres and the passion to bring it to life
  • A team player with strong collaborative skills
  • Excellent communication skills – able to coach, demonstrate and motivate a team
  • Leadership skills, someone who is able to lead a team through periods of change and inspire people to be proud and understand their role within the journey
  • Sound IT skills and able to accurately record information

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and.

The role also offers:

  • A vibrant place to work, where no day is the same
  • Opportunities for personal growth and development
  • Discount opportunities for activities and courses
  • Flexible working opportunities available
  • Sunday and bank holiday enhancements
  • Free on site parking

Additional Information:

Visitor Services Officer

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Kelly Metcalfe, Visitor Services Manager at

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

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Visitor Services Officer employer: ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA

Hampshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment at the picturesque Calshot Activities Centre. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working opportunities, and a focus on teamwork, we ensure that our Visitor Services Officers not only deliver outstanding customer experiences but also thrive personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique benefits of working in the stunning New Forest National Park.
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Contact Detail:

ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Visitor Services Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the unique offerings of Calshot Activities Centre. Understanding the specific services and experiences they provide will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience in hospitality and catering, especially any leadership roles you've held. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and improved customer experiences in previous positions.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your ability to adapt to changing needs within a team environment. Prepare examples of how you've fostered collaboration and teamwork in past roles, as this aligns with the 'one team' culture they value.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Hampshire County Council's core values and vision for outdoor centres. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Services Officer

Customer Service Excellence
Team Leadership
Hospitality Management
Catering Operations
Communication Skills
Collaboration and Teamwork
Operational Efficiency
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Change
IT Proficiency
Coaching and Mentoring
Understanding of Catering Policies
High Standards of Compliance
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Visitor Services Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your hospitality, catering, and team-leading experience in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service and led teams effectively.

Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your communication and leadership skills in your application. Mention any relevant IT skills and your ability to adapt to changing needs, as these are crucial for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for outdoor education and visitor services. Explain why you want to work at Calshot Activities Centre and how you can contribute to their mission.

How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA

✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

As a Visitor Services Officer, your ability to engage with customers is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles, highlighting any specific challenges you overcame.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

This role requires strong leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams, especially during periods of change. Share specific instances where you motivated your team and fostered a collaborative environment.

✨Understand the Organisation's Vision

Familiarise yourself with the vision and core values of Hampshire Outdoor Centres. During the interview, express your understanding of these values and how you can contribute to bringing them to life in your role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life scenarios. Think about situations where you had to adapt catering operations or improve customer experiences, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcomes.

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