At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of unforgettable experiences through workshops, tours, and events.
- Company: Join The Newt, a luxury country estate in Somerset, known for its stunning gardens and rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, wellness perks, discounts, and up to 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a fun team with regular engagement activities and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape memorable visitor experiences while working in a beautiful, dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management, creativity, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
Up to £38,000 DOE plus tronc and fantastic benefits. 40 hours per week across 5 days, weekend flexibility as needed. Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role. Advert closes: 27th April 2026.
We will create unforgettable experiences in one of Somerset’s most extraordinary destinations.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and curate a year‑round calendar of workshops, tours and seasonal experiences.
- Collaborate with internal experts including gardeners, chefs, artisans and historians to create authentic visitor experiences.
- Work closely with the Events Manager and Events team to deliver exceptional programming.
- Oversee the planning, scheduling and delivery of workshops and guided tours across the estate.
- Manage external facilitators, suppliers and specialists where required.
- Own revenue targets for programmes, monitoring sales, pricing, occupancy and performance data.
- Ensure a seamless guest experience from booking through to delivery.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, upselling, cross‑selling and new revenue streams.
What we can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
- Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
- Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
- A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
- Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.
What we're looking for
- Proven experience in programme or event management, ideally within hospitality, tourism, heritage or cultural sectors.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving revenue.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- A creative mindset with the ability to turn ideas into exceptional visitor experiences.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with confidence engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
- A guest-focused approach with high standards and attention to detail.
- Adaptable, proactive and confident working in a fast-paced seasonal environment.
- Passion for gardens, food, craft or heritage, aligned with The Newt’s offering.
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, told through every encounter and every corner of our grounds.
Who are we – 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 extends a warm welcome, offering a home‑away‑from‑home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams – from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming – collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.
Programmes Manager in Castle Cary employer: Visitor Attraction Central Team at The Newt in Somerset
The Newt in Somerset is an exceptional employer that fosters a positive workplace environment, offering extensive personal and professional development opportunities. With benefits such as complimentary access to our Spa, gym facilities, and generous employee discounts, we prioritise the wellbeing of our team while celebrating their achievements through our recognition programme. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences in a stunning location that blends creativity, heritage, and community engagement.
Contact Details:
Visitor Attraction Central Team at The Newt in Somerset Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programmes Manager in Castle Cary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Programmes Manager in Castle Cary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for gardens, food, and heritage shine through. We want to see how your interests align with The Newt's unique identity and how you can contribute to creating unforgettable experiences.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in programme or event management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your organisational skills and creativity, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Guest-Focused:Remember, it’s all about the guest experience! In your application, emphasise your commitment to high standards and attention to detail. Share any past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure a seamless experience for visitors.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Visitor Attraction Central Team at The Newt in Somerset
✨Know Your Programmes
Familiarise yourself with The Newt's current offerings and past events. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their public-facing programme with your own creative ideas and experiences.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and driven revenue in previous roles. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented that led to increased visitor engagement or sales.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills by discussing how you've collaborated with various teams or external partners in the past. Be prepared to share specific instances where your communication made a difference in project outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for gardens, food, craft, or heritage. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to The Newt’s mission, showing that you're not just looking for a job, but genuinely want to contribute to their unique identity.
