At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the visitor experience at a unique heritage destination.
- Company: The Story of Emily, a distinctive cultural attraction in Cornwall.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, discounts, and additional leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for international collaboration and career growth within a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage and visitor experiences while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in heritage, tourism, or hospitality sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Story of Emily is a unique heritage destination that brings to life the remarkable story and legacy of Emily Hobhouse through immersive storytelling, historical interpretation, hospitality, retail, events and visitor experiences. Located in Cornwall and forming part of the wider Babylonstoren and The Newt group, The Story of Emily combines heritage, culture and hospitality to create meaningful experiences for visitors from across the UK and beyond.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a growing cultural destination and play a key role in shaping its future direction, reputation and long-term success.
Following almost five years with the wider group, our current General Manager is moving on to pursue a new opportunity, creating an exciting opening for an experienced leader to guide The Story of Emily through its next chapter. We are seeking an inspiring and commercially minded leader who is passionate about heritage, visitor experience and people. This role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence, whilst maintaining a strong connection to the guest experience that sits at the heart of everything we do.
As the senior leader on site, you will be responsible for the overall performance, sustainability and reputation of The Story of Emily. Working closely with shareholders and senior stakeholders, you will lead the business through its next phase of growth, ensuring that our heritage mission, visitor experience and commercial objectives remain closely aligned.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for an individual with significant leadership experience within a heritage, cultural, tourism, hospitality or visitor attraction environment. You will understand that exceptional visitor destinations are built through a combination of authentic storytelling, outstanding hospitality, effective marketing, commercial discipline and strong people leadership. You will be comfortable leading diverse teams, engaging with stakeholders at all levels and representing the organisation externally.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record of delivering operational excellence, driving financial performance and creating memorable visitor experiences, whilst developing a positive and high-performing culture. You will have a good understanding of destination marketing and audience development, recognising the importance of building awareness, attracting visitors and ensuring the attraction remains relevant and compelling to both existing and new audiences. You will also be confident acting as an ambassador for the organisation, whether presenting to community groups, tourism bodies, partners, media or industry audiences.
Qualifications & Experience
- A relevant bachelor's degree.
- Significant senior leadership experience with full operational and financial accountability.
- Experience within a heritage, cultural, tourism, hospitality or visitor attraction environment.
- Experience managing budgets, business planning and commercial performance.
- Proven success leading and developing teams.
- A good understanding of marketing, audience development and visitor attraction growth strategies.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- Confidence in public speaking, presentations and external representation.
Desirable:
- Experience working with shareholders, boards, trustees or owners.
- Experience leading organisational growth, transformation or significant development projects.
- Experience within a museum, heritage attraction or cultural destination.
The Role
The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across all areas of the business, including visitor experiences, hospitality, retail, events, property and estate presentation. You will be responsible for ensuring the attraction delivers exceptional visitor experiences whilst maintaining strong financial performance and operational standards. You will lead and develop the management team, oversee business planning and governance, and build productive relationships with local communities, tourism organisations, partners and stakeholders.
As the public face of The Story of Emily, you will play a key role in strengthening the attraction's reputation, profile and long-term sustainability.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to lead one of Cornwall's most distinctive heritage destinations.
- International collaboration opportunities across Babylonstoren and The Newt group.
- The opportunity to shape the future of a growing cultural and visitor attraction.
For further information: www.thestoryofemily.com, www.thenewtinsomerset.com, www.babylonstoren.com
Head of Heritage, Hospitality & Visitor Experience in Liskeard employer: The Story of Emily
The Story of Emily is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a distinctive heritage destination in the beautiful setting of Cornwall. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we foster a collaborative work culture that values creativity and innovation, while providing competitive benefits such as a company pension, additional leave, and opportunities for international collaboration within the Babylonstoren and The Newt group. Join us to shape the future of a cultural landmark and create meaningful experiences for visitors from around the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Heritage, Hospitality & Visitor Experience in Liskeard
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Story of Emily. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Story of Emily
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Story of Emily directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Heritage, Hospitality & Visitor Experience in Liskeard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Story of Emily and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Story of Emily
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
