At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional visitor experiences at Calshot Activities Centre.
- 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 setting 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:
Calshot Activities Centre 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 andbenefits package.
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 Candidate Pack
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
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: Shared Services Partnership
Contact Detail:
Shared Services Partnership 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 leadership experience in hospitality or catering settings. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team, especially during busy periods or changes in operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've effectively engaged with customers and team members in the past. Think of instances where you resolved conflicts or improved customer satisfaction.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the core values of Hampshire Outdoor Centres and be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs. This will demonstrate your commitment to their mission and culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Services Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in hospitality, catering, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver excellent customer service and lead a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for outdoor education and visitor services. Mention how your skills align with the role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the Calshot Activities Centre.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication and leadership skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and maintained high standards in previous roles.
Show Understanding of the Organisation: Demonstrate your knowledge of Hampshire County Council and its values. Explain how you can contribute to their vision and commitment to providing excellent visitor experiences at the centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shared Services Partnership
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Visitor Services Officer, your ability to deliver excellent customer experiences is crucial. Prepare examples from your past roles where you successfully handled customer queries or complaints, demonstrating your commitment to high-quality service.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams, especially during periods of change. Highlight specific instances where you motivated your team and fostered a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Catering Operations
Familiarise yourself with the catering operations mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you would develop a high-quality, cost-effective catering service that adapts to changing needs, showcasing your understanding of the industry.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The role involves working closely with various teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions, focusing on how you contributed to a 'one team' culture and achieved shared goals.