Attractions Manager

Babylonstoren; England; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A unique immersive exhibition in England is looking for a highly motivated museum manager to oversee operations and enhance visitor experiences. Candidates should have a degree in history or related fields and a strong understanding of South African history, particularly the Anglo-Boer War. The role involves managing exhibits, planning events, and leading a dedicated team to ensure an engaging environment. A competitive salary of £41,700 and numerous benefits are offered.

Benefits

30 days’ holiday per year

Free estate-grown meals while on duty

Complimentary Garden Membership

30% discount in estate shops

Discounted hotel stays for staff

Qualifications

• Must be fluent in English and Afrikaans.
• Must hold a degree in history, arts, museology, archiving or similar.
• Proven experience in managing visitor attractions.
• Strong knowledge of South African and Anglo-Boer War history.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations within the Visitor Attraction.
• Manage museum exhibits and visitor engagement.
• Plan and execute workshops, tours, and events.
• Train and mentor the Welcome and Host team.

Skills

Fluency in English and Afrikaans

Proven track record in museum management

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong knowledge of South African and Anglo-Boer War history

Creativity in designing visitor experiences

Education

Degree in history, arts, museology, or similar

Bachelor's degree (required)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Requirements

• Must be fluent in English and Afrikaans
• Must hold a degree in history, arts, museology, archiving or similar

Salary: £41,700
Hours: 40 hours per week between Tuesday and Sunday – must include weekends, particularly Sundays
Location: The Story of Emily, St Ive, Liskeard, England

About Us The Story of Emily is a living museum and immersive exhibition, set within the restored grounds of The Rectory, the family home of Emily Hobhouse. It tells the story of Emily Hobhouse’s life and humanitarian work, offering an inclusive view of the Anglo‑Boer War and her continued fight for women’s rights. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the universal complexities of war and its effect on society and civilization.
https://thestoryofemily.com/

Position Summary We are looking for a highly motivated professional with a strong museum or heritage management background and a deep understanding of South African history, particularly the Anglo‑Boer War and its cultural legacy. You will combine this expertise with an interest in emerging technologies to help bring history to life in engaging, innovative ways.

You will manage the existing interactive exhibits within the Visitor Attraction and be responsible for the successful implementation of exciting additional guest experiences. You will also oversee the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of visitor engagement strategies, including events, educational workshops, and curated experiences that interpret South African and British historical themes.

As leader of the Welcome and Museum Host team, you will ensure the seamless operation of the attraction and its integration with the wider estate experience. You will be both creative and commercially minded, with a proven ability to deliver visitor growth and revenue uplift while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the historical content.

The role requires a confident, personable, and guest‑focused manager with excellent communication skills and strong attention to detail. You will be adept at operational planning, analysis, and cross‑department collaboration to ensure the highest standards of visitor satisfaction and interpretive quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations within the Visitor Attraction (VA)
• Duty management, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving
• Ensure every visitor enjoys a high‑quality, educational, and immersive experience
• Direct responsibility for the efficient operation of the museum exhibits
• Support the development, interpretation, and implementation of new exhibits and historical content, especially those related to South African and Anglo‑Boer War history
• Engage visitors through storytelling, guided interpretation, and participatory experiences
• Plan and execute an extensive programme of workshops, tours, and events within the VA
• Train, mentor, and support the Welcome and Host team to deliver engaging and historically accurate visitor interactions
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop content that highlights the site’s cultural and historical significance

Experience and Skills

• Proven track record in museum, heritage, or visitor attraction management
• Academic or professional background in history, museum studies, or heritage interpretation
• Strong knowledge of South African and Anglo‑Boer War history, and an ability to communicate these narratives to diverse audiences
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and a strong sense of storytelling
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn new software
• Creativity and imagination in designing visitor experiences
• First‑hand experience of managing a high‑quality visitor attraction
• Demonstrated experience managing and motivating a team
• Full, clean driving licence
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Afrikaans
• Flexibility and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic environment

Benefits

• 30 days’ holiday per year
• Exceptional working environment, with free, estate‑grown meals provided daily while on duty
• Complimentary Garden Membership for you and your family, including partner gardens across the UK
• 30% discount in our estate shops and restaurants, plus free delivery for online purchases
• Discounted hotel stays for staff and family

Job Types: Permanent, Full‑time
Pay: £41,700.00 per year
Education: Bachelor's (required)
Work Location: In person
Sponsorship and accommodation available for South African applicants.