At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and create unforgettable experiences for visitors at our stunning estate.
- Company: Join The Newt in Somerset, a luxury country estate known for its captivating gardens and rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like gym access, spa discounts, and 30 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Fun team activities and recognition programmes to celebrate your hard work.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, inclusivity, and exceptional guest experiences.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in operations management; strong leadership and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 59000 £ per year.
Visitor Attraction Operations Manager
£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
Lead the heartbeat of our Visitor Attraction
Our Visitor Attraction Operations Manager
The Visitor Attraction and Gardens are the heart of our 1,200‑acre estate, welcoming over 40,000 members as well as day visitors and hotel guests. At just six years old and on an exciting journey of refinement, we’re seeking an inspiring leader to help shape its future. You’ll work closely with our F&B Operations Manager and Head of Visitor Attraction to deliver seamless, world‑class experiences that delight our members, guests and teams alike. From fine‑tuning daily operations to driving innovation, you’ll play a crucial role in making every visit unforgettable.
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.
- Liaise with Engineering on VA tech; log and track faults to SLA.
- 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 can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
- Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
- Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family.
- A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including Fun Squad events, which include activities such as Go‑Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
- Up to 30 days’ annual leave each year for our full‑time team.
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.
- Calm, resilient decision‑maker in fast‑paced, guest‑facing environments; excellent communicator.
- 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, 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.
Visitor Attraction Operations Manager in Castle Cary employer: Visitor Attraction team at The Newt in Somerset
At The Newt in Somerset, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Our Visitor Attraction Operations Manager will thrive in a supportive environment, enjoying unique benefits such as complimentary gym access, spa treatments, and exclusive discounts, all while leading a passionate team dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a stunning location steeped in heritage.
Contact Details:
Visitor Attraction team at The Newt in Somerset Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Attraction Operations Manager in Castle Cary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific visitor attraction you’re applying to. Visit the estate if possible, and engage with staff or guests to understand their experiences. This will help you speak authentically about how you can enhance operations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the visitor attraction and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in fast-paced environments. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to inspire and develop staff, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in visitor attractions, especially around guest experience and operational efficiency. Being knowledgeable about innovations in the sector will demonstrate your passion and readiness to drive improvements.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Attraction Operations Manager in Castle Cary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly within visitor attractions or hospitality. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for heritage and culture. Explain why you are drawn to this role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Key Achievements:In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles. For instance, mention any successful projects you led that improved visitor satisfaction or increased operational efficiency.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey ideas clearly. Use concise language and a professional tone throughout your documents.
How to prepare for a job interview at Visitor Attraction team at The Newt in Somerset
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Visitor Attraction Operations Manager, you'll be leading teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and inspired teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to recruit, train, and motivate staff to achieve high performance.
✨Demonstrate Operational Expertise
This role requires strong operational discipline. Discuss your experience with managing budgets, rotas, and resources effectively. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency in past positions.
✨Emphasise Guest Experience Focus
The heart of this position is enhancing visitor experiences. Prepare to talk about your passion for delivering outstanding customer service and how you've implemented initiatives that have positively impacted guest satisfaction in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in fast-paced environments. Think of scenarios where you've had to resolve incidents or manage health and safety issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.
