Visitor Operations Manager

Longleat is seeking a capable Visitor Operations Manager to oversee a number of essential functions within the running of our visitor operations.

This role has a strong focus on providing the best possible guest experience through exceptional customer service at every touch point, good training and documentation, and robust adherence to health & safety procedures. Mentoring and developing team members will be an important part of the operations succession plan.

This will be a hand’s-on role to enable operational management of all elements of visitor operations including Park Services, Events, Attractions & Railway and the Duty Manager programme, with the ultimate goal of gaining a reputation for world class guest service.

• Supporting operational plans to enhance the guest experience, ensure excellent guest and staff satisfaction and maximise profit performance.
• Supporting the development and implementation of a Guest Service training programme to enhance the guest experience. 
• Ensuring smooth daily operations though monitoring quality standards and procedures linked to guest experience and driving operational service standards and continuous operational improvement.
•  Ensuring procedural and H&S compliance for events, attractions & the railway.
• Fulfilment of all line management duties including recruitment, scheduling, performance reviews, performance manager and coaching
• Leading the design and coordination of seasonal programming across the park, including Easter, February and October Half Term, Summer, and Christmas events, alongside the operational planning and delivery of all other events, festivals, corporate functions, and commercial event activity, ensuring effective staffing, operational readiness, crowd management, logistics and safety compliance throughout all trading periods.

• Significant operational leadership experience within a visitor attraction, leisure, tourism or hospitality environment.
• Strong stakeholder and people management skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to juggle a range of different tasks and to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
• Conversant with H&S and areas of relevant legal compliance.
• Excellent organisational skills, including IT skills, including knowledge of a range of software packages.

At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.

With a core business welcoming around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats during your lunch break.

You will receive attractive benefits that include:

• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 31 days at 5 years’ service.
• Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
• Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
• 50% off Membership for Friends and Family
• Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
• Discounts on VIP Experiences and Accommodation
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Perks at work
• Range of flexible working schemes