Deputy Visitor Manager

The Devonshire Group; Skipton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free entry to Chatsworth and BoltonAbb

Employee assistance programme

Colleague discounts across retail and

Personal and professional development

Job summary

The Devonshire Group is seeking a Deputy Visitor Manager at Bolton Abbey to lead the Tourism department, deputising for the Visitor Manager. You will oversee daily visitor operations, manage the team of Visitor Welcome Assistants, and ensure outstanding customer service across the estate.

You will also supervise the retail operation, coordinate stock and EPOS use, plan and deliver events such as the Easter Trail and Father Christmas Village, and drive opportunities to grow visitor engagement

Qualifications

• Experience leading and developing a visitor-facing team.
• Proven ability to manage daily operations and rotas.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfort with digital systems and retail tech.
• Flexible with weekend and peak period hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day visitor operations and customer service.
• Lead and coordinate the Visitor Welcome Assistants; manage rotas.
• Oversee retail operation and stock distribution.
• Plan, organise and deliver a growing programme of events.
• Ensure safety, compliance and high presentation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Planning

Digital systems

Tools

EPOS

Anchor

ANPR

Scheduling platforms

Job description

We are looking for a fun, creative, organised, and driven individual to join our Tourism department as the Deputy Visitor Manager. Deputising the Visitor Manager, you will manage the department, working as a team to create and deliver on memorable family events across the estate which leave them wanting more!

Who are we?

Bolton Abbey sits on the gateway to the Yorkshire Dale. Spanning over 28,000 acres of moorland, rivers, fields and woodland, it is the perfect place for a day out for families and individuals who want to experience all nature has to offer. The estate is a leading visitor destination which hosts a variety of engaging and exciting events for all including the Pumpkin Trail, Welly Walk, Father Christmas' Village, Dark Skies and Fungal Foray which make it a place for all to enjoy. Our aim is to bring everyone closer to nature and leave the estate feeling welcomed and fulfilled. As Deputy Visitor Manager, you will play an integral part in making this happen.

What you'll do

As Deputy Visitor Manager, you will play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day visitor operation at Bolton Abbey. Leading and supporting our team of Visitor Welcome Assistants, you'll ensure the consistent delivery of outstanding customer service and help create memorable experiences for every visitor. You'll be responsible for the smooth running of the department, managing daily operations, supporting recruitment and onboarding, coordinating team rotas, and overseeing training and development to ensure colleagues have the skills and confidence to excel in their roles.

You will also oversee our retail operation, working closely with the Retail Stock Controller and Visual Merchandiser to coordinate stock distribution, maintain accurate records and ensure products are available where they are needed most.

As the department's lead for key digital systems, including EPOS, Anchor, ANPR, and scheduling platforms, you'll act as the first point of contact for system support and troubleshooting, helping the team make the most of technology to deliver an efficient visitor experience.

Having a creative flare and vision is imperative to this role too as you will take the lead on the planning, organisation and delivery of a growing programme of events, including the Easter Trail and Father Christmas Village, ensuring that events are exciting, engaging, while being commercially effective. You'll help Identify and develop opportunities to enhance the visitor offer, increase engagement, and support sustainable business growth through events, tourism, and retail activity and play an important role in maintaining a safe, efficient and enjoyable environment for visitors, colleagues and partners alike.

Our events take place throughout the year, with activity increasing significantly during school holidays, bank holidays and other peak visitor periods. As a result, flexibility is essential, as you'll play a key role in overseeing and supporting the delivery of our busy programme of events and visitor experiences. You'll also participate in the Duty Manager rota, working weekends, public holidays and other peak trading periods to help ensure the safe and successful operation of the estate when visitor numbers are at their highest.

Who we are looking for

We're looking for someone who is passionate about delivering exceptional visitor experiences and takes pride in creating a welcoming environment for all. You'll be a confident and approachable leader, able to motivate, develop and support colleagues to perform at their best. With excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you'll be comfortable building positive relationships with visitors, team members and stakeholders alike. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment, making sound decisions and responding effectively to operational challenges as they arise.

Strong organisational and planning skills are essential, along with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain attention to detail. You'll also be confident using digital systems and technology to support operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Above all, you'll bring a proactive, positive attitude, a hands-on approach, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of customer service, safety and presentation.

What we offer

At the Devonshire Group, we can offer you the opportunity to work in the unique surroundings of Bolton Abbey, where no two days are the same and where you'll play an important part in creating memorable experiences for our visitors.

You’ll also benefit from a range of colleague benefits, including

• free entry to our Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey estate's
• an employee assistance programme
• colleague discounts across our range of retail and hospitality outlets
• opportunities for personal and professional development