Visitor Operations & Experience Manager

Job Description

Summary As someone passionate about history, beauty & nature,you will be responsible for leading visitor operations at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield. From before people arrive, to after they leave, and everything in between, youll be responsible for the standards,service and safety of our visitor offer. Youll also lead on programming experiences that deepen the connection our visitors have with the garden, and attracting new and diverse audiences to enjoy this stunning place. What its like to work here Acquired by the National Trust in 1955 Rowallane Garde spans 52 acres and is surrounded by a further 140 acres of farmland and is home to a large number of rare plants including some native species. Built for discovery,it was conceived by a landscaper, nurturedby a plantsman who begged, borrowed,and traded for wild seed. The results of exotic planting complimenting the harsh landscape create hidden strength and alluring secrets, all about 25minutes away from Belfast City centre. We welcome over 130,000 visitorseach year and you will be responsible for growing these numbers and creating tailored and memorable experiences to our audiences as well as effective leadership and the efficient delivery of the day to day operations that keeps the garden safe and enjoyablefor everyone, for ever. What youll be doing With proven leadership qualities you will lead a team to deliver service, visitor welcome, programming & partnership opportunities at the property. Whether youre planning, delivering or evaluating the offer, youll always be thinking about the visitoroffer, to widen our audience. Youll be leading on duty management to ensure the high standards of service and safety for our staff, volunteers and visitors, and will be able to work your share of weekends and bank holidays. Youll be leading across differentteams including facilities, gardens & food &beverage to collaborate on new and exciting ways to attract and retain new visitors and tell the stories that Rowallane has. Who were looking for

• Relevant experience in the area of creative, cultural or outdoor/ recreational product development, learning or community engagement, event or activity management.

• Experience devising and delivering programmes of engagement opportunities relevant to the needs of visitors, volunteers and / or partners within the arts, culture, heritage, natural environment, sports or visitor attraction sector.

• Experience in leading teams to deliver financial, service based and wage KPIs.

• Experience of championing and influencing to deliver audience/partner-led engagement opportunities across multiple teams/ departments.

• Experience of managing operational risk, including how to assess and manage risk effectively.

• Strong people and influencing skills, enabling strong relationships externally and internally to be built and maintained.

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Wherever youre from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from youand it doesnt matter if youre jam first, cream first, or even if you dont like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.