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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations, lead teams, and ensure a fantastic visitor experience.
- Company: The Newt is a luxury country estate in Somerset, rich in history and beauty.
- Benefits: Enjoy gym access, spa discounts, staff meals, and up to 30 days' annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team dedicated to heritage and culture, making every guest's visit memorable.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in operations management; passion for visitor experiences and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Driving license recommended due to location; flexible hours including weekends and evenings.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 68000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Visitor Attraction Operations Manager role at The Newt in Somerset.
£51,000 per annum plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits
40 hours per week across 5 days, with weekend and evening work required when required
Due to the location of the Estate, a driving license is recommended for this role
What we can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Complimentary use of gym and wellbeing classes.
- Complimentary access to Spa and swimming pools with 50% off Spa Treatments.
- 30% discount in estate shops and online with free delivery for online purchases.
- Discounted hotel stays for staff with a 30% discount at our restaurants.
- Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and partner gardens (Eden Project, Kew Gardens, The Lost Gardens of Heligan).
- Complimentary staff meals each shift.
- Newt Awards colleague recognition programme with rewards including a complimentary hotel stay.
- Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family.
- Regular team engagement activities and events.
- Up to 30 days’ annual leave for full-time team.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations across welcome desks, information points and exhibits, keeping venues clean, safe and guest-ready.
- Lead and develop managers and frontline teams: recruit, rota, train and inspire high performance.
- Drive accessibility, inclusivity and satisfaction for members and visitors; partner with Comms/Marketing & Events on programmes.
- Resolve incidents swiftly; act as first point of contact for H&S/first-aid matters and maintain up-to-date training records.
- Lead membership commercials and renewals; shape initiatives that enhance experience and income.
- Set and manage budgets with Head of Visitor Attraction; report monthly on KPIs (visitors, financials, satisfaction).
- Coordinate with F&B, Events and wider estate to deliver integrated, estate-wide standards.
What we\’re looking for
- 3+ years in operations management within visitor attraction/leisure/hospitality/cultural settings.
- A visible, hands-on leader who inspires multi-disciplinary frontline teams.
- Highly organised with strong operational discipline; confident managing rotas, budgets and resources.
- Passion for heritage, culture and outstanding visitor experiences; collaborative and people-first.
- Data-literate and systems-confident (membership, reporting/analytics, bookings, team management).
- Health & Safety awareness (first-aid/H&S incident lead desirable); events exposure a plus.
- Nice to have: relevant qualification (Hospitality/Tourism/Visitor Attraction/Events) and H&S certification
Where you\’ll be working
At the heart of our Gardens lies the Visitor Attraction, where every day we welcome hundreds of members and guests. The experience of each guest is central to everything we do, from a warm welcome on arrival, to solving challenges with care, and sharing the stories behind our exhibits. The Visitor Attraction becomes more than a destination; it is a living showcase of Somerset’s heritage, its food, and its horticulture.
About The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions – accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel offers a warm welcome with impeccable service and an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, The Newt’s essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering products to homes and membership initiatives keeping everyone informed of developments.
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Visitor Attraction Operations Manager employer: The Newt in Somerset
Contact Detail:
The Newt in Somerset Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Attraction Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Newt's unique offerings and values. Understanding their commitment to heritage, culture, and visitor experience will help you align your passion and vision with theirs during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of The Newt. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by thinking of specific examples where you've successfully managed teams in a visitor attraction or hospitality setting. Highlighting your hands-on approach and ability to inspire others will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends related to visitor attractions and hospitality. Being knowledgeable about current best practices and innovations can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and forward-thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Attraction Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly within visitor attractions or hospitality. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for heritage and culture. Discuss how your background and skills make you a perfect fit for The Newt, and mention specific aspects of the role that excite you, such as enhancing visitor experiences or managing budgets.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, be sure to detail your experience with team management, health and safety awareness, and any data literacy skills. Use examples from previous roles to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the Visitor Attraction Operations Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Newt in Somerset
✨Show Your Passion for Visitor Experiences
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creating outstanding visitor experiences. Share specific examples from your past roles where you enhanced guest satisfaction or implemented successful initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a hands-on leader, it's crucial to showcase your ability to inspire and develop teams. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing diverse teams, including how you've motivated staff and resolved conflicts.
✨Be Data-Driven
Highlight your data literacy by discussing how you've used analytics to drive operational improvements. Be ready to talk about specific KPIs you've managed and how you've used data to inform decision-making.
✨Understand Health & Safety Protocols
Since health and safety is a key responsibility, brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss your experience with H&S protocols. Mention any certifications you hold and how you've applied them in previous roles.
