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- Tasks: Lead front-of-house operations and create memorable visitor experiences at a world-class museum.
- Company: Join the Science Museum Group, a leader in inspiring futures through science and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, flexible policies, and health benefits including medical and dental cover.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation while promoting inclusivity and high-quality service in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, experience in public-facing roles, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 48000 £ per year.
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This range is provided by Science Museum Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Are you an experienced operational leader looking for your next challenge in a lively, visitor-focused environment?
We\’re looking for an Operations Manager to join the team at the National Railway Museum in York – a world-class destination where railway heritage meets innovation and a drive for the future.
We\’re entering an exciting phase, with Our Transformative Masterplan and the wider York Central development beginning to reshape our site for the next generation. As we continue this journey, we\’re looking for an Operations Manager to lead our front-of-house operations, deliver engaging visitor experiences, and help shape the future of this iconic museum.
About the Role
As Operations Manager, you will be a key decision-maker, responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective daily operation of the museum. You will ensure our public spaces are not only secure and operationally sound but also engaging and welcoming to every visitor.
You\’ll lead, develop, and support a front-of-house team, promoting high-quality service and inclusivity. You\’ll work closely with external contractors and internal teams to uphold the highest standards in visitor experience, safety, and presentation across the site.
This role also plays a central part in preparing for and delivering major infrastructure and development projects, ensuring continuity of service and visitor satisfaction while we build for the future.
What You\’ll Be Doing
- Lead an efficient front-of-house team to deliver consistently memorable visitor experiences.
- Oversee and support FOH managers in fulfilling income, data capture, and donation targets – including Gift Aid contributions.
- Serve as the main point of contact with our outsourced security provider, ensuring high standards and contractual compliance.
- Manage incident responses with authority, acting as escalation point for emergencies, complaints, or evacuations.
- Ensure operational procedures and documentation are up to date, understood, and implemented across relevant teams.
- Coordinate planning and delivery of FOH, security, and evacuation arrangements for new museum spaces as part of Our Transformative Masterplan.
- Collaborate with colleagues on safe working practices during large-scale site developments, including York Central.
- Manage front-of-house operational budgets and salary costs, ensuring financial targets are met.
- Ensure compliance and maintenance of all relevant inspections and licences, including for the car parks and road train service.
- Promote best practices in CRM usage to support audience engagement and income generation goals.
- Promote a supportive, inclusive working environment aligned with SMG\’s values and commitment to openness.
- Deputise for the Head of Operations and Business Development as needed.
What We\’re Looking For
We\’re looking for someone with effective leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and a measured, diligent approach to complex situations. You\’ll be great with people, able to motivate teams and build effective working relationships across departments and partners.
You will have:
- Demonstrated ability in managing and developing capable teams in a public-facing environment.
- Great interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and lead.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and with external providers.
- Strong commercial awareness, with experience achieving income and visitor engagement targets.
- Experience in incident and crisis management, with sound decision-making under pressure.
- Strong project planning, budgeting, and delivery skills.
- Up-to-date knowledge of H&S legislation and practical implementation.
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
- A keen eye for quality, presentation, and the visitor journey.
- A values-driven approach and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under \’Attachments\’ on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click \’Apply Online\’ to submit an application.
What We Offer
- Working as part of the Science Museum Group gives you access to unique collections and inspiring environments across the UK, along with a broad range of benefits:
- Meaningful work – your efforts help us to inspire futures through science, engineering, and innovation.
- Career development – we offer excellent training and opportunities to grow.
- Work-life balance – 27 days of annual leave (FTE), plus bank holidays and supportive flexible policies.
- Health & wellbeing – including medical and dental cover, Unmind mental health app, and employee assistance programme.
- Pension – enhanced employer contributions to help secure your future.
- Financial support – interest-free loans for life events or big expenses.
- Museum perks – free access to our museums and exhibitions, and discounts in shops and cafés across SMG and the wider NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group\’s core values. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and able to thrive. We actively encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Art/Creative
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Industries
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos and Museums
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Operations Manager employer: Science Museum Group
Contact Detail:
Science Museum Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Science Museum Group's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and visitor engagement will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Science Museum Group. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Operations Manager role, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage teams in a public-facing environment. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully handled incidents or crises in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the National Railway Museum and its current initiatives, especially the Transformative Masterplan. Showing your knowledge about ongoing projects and how you can contribute will impress the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in public-facing environments. Emphasise your leadership skills and any achievements related to visitor engagement or team development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the Science Museum Group. Discuss how your values align with their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in similar settings.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills that match the job description, such as crisis management, project planning, and financial oversight. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure you provide concrete examples of how you've applied these skills in past roles.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your formatting is consistent. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science Museum Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate effective leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in previous roles, focusing on your ability to motivate and inspire others.
✨Understand Visitor Experience
Familiarise yourself with the importance of visitor engagement in a museum setting. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented to enhance visitor experiences and how you would apply similar approaches at the Science Museum Group.
✨Prepare for Crisis Management Scenarios
Given the role's focus on incident and crisis management, think through potential scenarios you might face. Be prepared to explain your decision-making process under pressure and how you ensure safety and compliance.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
The role involves managing operational budgets and achieving financial targets. Brush up on your experience with budgeting and financial planning, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully met income and visitor engagement goals in the past.
