Father Christmas - Christmas Helper

National Trust; Wilmslow; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 10%

Free entry to NT places for you and a

Rental deposit loan

Season ticket loan

EV car lease

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance 32 days + scheme

Flexible working

Employee assistance

Free parking

Job summary

National Trust, Quarry Bank, Wilmslow, is seeking a Father Christmas – Christmas Helper to greet families, hand out gifts, and support the grotto team for a magical festive experience. The role runs on a zero-hour contract with a fixed term until 23 December 2026 and requires availability on specified dates and times.

Candidates will complete an online assessment rather than submitting a CV, and a satisfactory DBS check is required for roles involving vulnerable groups.

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications stated; candidates who are friendly, flexible and a team player are welcome.
• Experience with customer-facing roles is helpful.
• Able to engage with children and families in a festive setting.

Responsibilities

• Greet families and children in costume.
• Hand out gifts and help run the grotto.
• Support the grotto team and ensure a magical experience.

Job description

Summary

At Quarry Bank, we welcome many families during the festive period to enjoy a much-loved and traditional Christmas experience. We’re looking for someone to take on the character of Father Christmas – Christmas Helper, and to support the grotto team in bringing the magic alive.

Salary: £13.25 per hour

Contract Duration: Fixed term until 23rd December 2026

Working Pattern: This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. You'll need to be available to work from 9am to 4.45pm on the following dates: Friday 11th December, Wednesday 16th December, Friday 18th December, Sunday 20th December, Tuesday 22nd December and Wednesday 23rd December.

For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.

This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children, and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

What it's like to work here

This former cotton mill was built in 1784 and is one of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites. The busy estate hosts many schools programmes and events, which help bring Quarry Bank’s fascinating story to life. New areas of the estate will shortly open to the public, creating additional project-based roles. This is an exciting opportunity to work in fast growing location and the team pride themselves on being dynamic, highly motivated and passionate people.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be working in costume, greeting families and children, and handing out gifts as part of our staff and volunteer team. You’ll be giving everyone the warmest of welcomes, so every single person can experience the magic of Christmas and have a festive visit to remember. You'll be working both in a traditional Christmas grotto in Quarry Bank House and in our Mill Play Space for baby and toddler sessions.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you’re:

• helpful and friendly
• a people person, with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude
• enthusiastic, and willing to learn
• a team player, who can also work on your own initiative
• flexible and adaptable

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places