Visitor Operations Manager in Eastbourne

Visitor Operations Manager in Eastbourne

Eastbourne Part-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead daily operations at Wakehurst, ensuring a seamless visitor experience.
  • Company: Join the team at Kew's stunning wild botanic garden in Sussex.
  • Benefits: Part-time hours with a focus on work-life balance and professional growth.
  • Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and collaboration in a vibrant environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences in a unique natural setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing operations at visitor attractions or cultural sites.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex, as Visitor Operations Manager. At a time of growing ambition and increasing visitor demand, you'll lead the day-to-day operation of one of the South East's most distinctive visitor destinations—championing a visitor-first culture and owning the end-to-end visitor journey to ensure every visit feels seamless, welcoming and memorable for a diverse range of audiences.

As the site's operational lead, you'll coordinate teams, resolve challenges in real time and ensure activity across the site lands with clarity and confidence as part of a single, joined-up operation. Bringing pace, collaboration and calm leadership, you'll deliver exceptional experiences on the ground while supporting strong commercial performance and driving continuous improvement across teams.

An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role.

Part-time hours per week: 28.80

Contract start date: Provisionally 1 September 2026

You will have significant experience leading operations within a complex visitor attraction, cultural site, or multi-use destination, with a proven ability to deliver excellent visitor experiences through effective team leadership, operational management, risk control, budget oversight, and continuous service improvement.

Visitor Operations Manager in Eastbourne employer: ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS

Wakehurst offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly enhance the visitor experience at one of the South East's premier botanical gardens. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have opportunities to grow your skills in operational management while being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering memorable experiences for diverse audiences. Located in the stunning Sussex countryside, Wakehurst not only provides a unique workplace but also promotes a healthy work-life balance amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS

Contact Details:

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Visitor Operations Manager in Eastbourne

Get Involved in Local Events

Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.

Join Hospitality Groups

Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!

Show Up in Person

For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!

Apply Through Our Website!

Don’t forget to check out the openings at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Operations Manager in Eastbourne

Operational Management
Team Leadership
Visitor Experience Enhancement
Risk Control
Budget Oversight
Continuous Service Improvement
Real-Time Problem Solving

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS that you can keep it cool under pressure!

Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS.

Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!

Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!

How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS

Show Off Your People Skills

In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!

Know the Menu Inside Out

You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.

Flexibility is Key

As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!

Role-Play Scenarios

Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.