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- Tasks: Lead daily operations at Wakehurst, ensuring visitor enjoyment and safety.
- Company: Join Kew's Wild Botanic Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to plant conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, wellness support, and free entry to museums and gardens.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to protect nature while gaining valuable management experience in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience is essential; supervisory experience in visitor attractions is a plus.
- Other info: Part-time role with weekend and bank holiday shifts; interviews on 14th August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at Wakehurst, Kew’s Wild Botanic Garden in Sussex, in the recently established role of Visitor Experience – Duty Manager.
Responsibilities
Our Duty Managers are at the heart of the visitor operation and are responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating the daily running of Wakehurst. Working with teams across site, the Duty Managers ensure that we consistently deliver maximum visitor enjoyment and quality presentation standards whilst maintaining the health, safety and security of the gardens, buildings, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
Qualifications
An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role.
We are looking for a dynamic, proactive, and motivated individual with a ‘can do’ attitude and a willingness to be flexible and ‘get stuck in’ as required. A proven track record of delivering high levels of customer service is an essential requirement and previous operational management or supervisory experience within a visitor attraction would be a key advantage. Strong people management skills with the ability to work collaboratively and make informed decisions under pressure will be pivotal to the success of this role.
Interview Schedule
Interviews are due to take place on 3 February 2026.
About RBG Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.
Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.
Benefits
- Opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership.
- We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please find out more by clicking “Apply”.
Equal Opportunities
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
Agency Disclaimer
No agencies please.
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Visitor Experience – Duty Manager employer: ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Experience – Duty Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Wakehurst and its mission. Understanding the unique aspects of the gardens and their commitment to plant conservation will help you demonstrate your passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service experience in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed visitor experiences or resolved issues, as this is crucial for the Duty Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you handle pressure. The role requires strong people management skills, so think of scenarios where you've effectively led a team or made quick decisions in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible with your availability. Since the role involves working weekends and bank holidays, showing that you're willing to adapt your schedule can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Experience – Duty Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Visitor Experience Duty Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your previous operational management or supervisory experience within a visitor attraction. Provide specific examples of how you have delivered high levels of customer service and managed teams effectively.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your strong people management skills and ability to make informed decisions under pressure. Use concrete examples to illustrate your proactive approach and 'can do' attitude, which are essential for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also explains why you are a great fit for Wakehurst. Mention your willingness to work weekends and Bank Holidays, as well as your commitment to maintaining health and safety standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Visitor Experience Duty Manager, delivering high levels of customer service is crucial. Be prepared to share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled customer queries or resolved issues, demonstrating your commitment to visitor satisfaction.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Teamwork
This role requires strong people management skills. Highlight instances where you've led a team or collaborated effectively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. Discuss how you motivate and support your colleagues to achieve common goals.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's mission and values. During the interview, express your passion for plant conservation and how your personal values align with their goals. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
The role requires a willingness to work weekends and Bank Holidays. Be ready to discuss your availability and demonstrate your flexibility. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles, showcasing your proactive attitude.
