Assistant Operations Manager (Cheddar Gorge & Caves)

Longleat Enterprises Ltd; Cheddar; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days holiday

Unlimited free entry to Longleat and C

Complimentary tickets to Longleat and,

50% off Membership for Friends and Fam

Discounts on food and beverages and RP

Discounts on Longleat VIP Experiences

Discretionary bonus scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Employer contributory pension scheme

Life assurance scheme

Perks at work

Flexible working schemes

Job summary

Cheddar Gorge & Caves is part of Longleat Enterprises Ltd. Assist in leading a multi-area operations team to deliver exceptional guest experiences while ensuring safe, efficient and commercially successful running of the site.

This hands-on leadership role covers Guest Services, Attractions, Retail, Food & Beverage, education programmes, school visits, group bookings and corporate events, acting as Duty Manager and Duty Cashier as required.

Qualifications

• Hands-on people leader with ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and high service standards.
• Strong organisational skills to prioritise in a fast-paced visitor attraction.
• Clear, confident communication and relationship-building with colleagues and guests.
• Understanding of staffing costs, budgets and revenue opportunities.
• Commitment to health and safety and maintaining high operational standards.
• Willingness to work across operational areas including weekends, bank holidays and peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse operational team in Guest Services, Attractions, Retail, F&B and education programmes.
• Act as Duty Manager and Duty Cashier and support team leaders daily.
• Oversee group bookings, school visits and corporate events to ensure smooth delivery.
• Ensure high standards of service, safety and operational excellence across the site.

Skills

Leadership

Guest experience

Organisation

Communication

Commercial awareness

Health & safety

Flexibility

Job description

About the role:

We have an exciting role to join one of the UK's most iconic visitor attractions as an Assistant Operations Manager. Joining a team of two other Assistant Operations Managers, you will focus on one of our business areas.

The role of Assistant Operations Manager plays a key part in supporting the day-to-day management of Cheddar Gorge & Caves by helping to lead a diverse operational team in delivering exceptional guest experiences while ensuring the safe, efficient and commercially successful running of a unique site.

This is a hands‑on leadership role with responsibility across multiple operational areas, including Guest Services, Attractions, Retail, Food & Beverage, education programmes, school visits, group bookings and corporate events. You will also act as a Duty Manager and Duty Cashier, support team leaders and team members, and ensure the highest standards of service, safety and operational excellence are consistently maintained.

The role requires a proactive and adaptable individual who can balance people leadership, operational delivery and commercial awareness within a fast‑paced visitor attraction environment. You will be instrumental in creating memorable visitor experiences, driving team performance and supporting the continued success of Cheddar Gorge & Caves.

About you:

• A confident, hands‑on leader who can motivate, support and develop a diverse team.
• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and high service standards.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• A calm and practical approach to problem‑solving, decision‑making and handling guest concerns.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of staffing costs, budgets and revenue opportunities.
• A strong commitment to health and safety and to maintaining consistently high operational standards.
• Flexibility, resilience and a willingness to work across operational areas, including weekends, bank holidays and **peak periods**.

About your contract:

You will be employed on a permanent salaried contract working 40 hours a week.

Working hours will vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evenings and bank holidays as required. The earliest start time is 8am, and the latest finish time is 8pm, varying in accordance with opening times.

A little about us

Cheddar Gorge and Caves is a world‑famous site set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is one of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks.

Being England's largest gorge, with a depth of 400ft and a length of 3 miles, this site presents an unforgettable experience for visitors throughout the year.

Why join the Cheddar team?

This unique work environment will immerse you in the breath‑taking scenery of awe‑inspiring cliffs and remarkable subterranean stalactite show caves, holding numerous fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors and serving as a central location for caving and rock climbing enthusiasts worldwide.

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 and Cheddar Gorge and Caves 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 Longleat 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