Head of Estates, Maintenance & Parks

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park; Hythe; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head of Estates, Maintenance & Parks to lead their strategic initiatives across a renowned wild animal park and luxury hotel. This full-time leadership role involves overseeing infrastructure upkeep, developing long-term strategies, and enhancing guest experiences while managing a motivated team. If you have a strong background in engineering or facilities management and are passionate about conservation and guest satisfaction, this is your chance to thrive in a unique environment. Join a mission-driven team and enjoy a range of attractive benefits.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Training and development opportunities

Enhanced sickness, maternity, and paternity policies

Unlimited free entry to both parks

Discounts on food, retail, and accommodation

Access to retail discounts

24-hour counselling line

Company Pension

Qualifications

• Strong background in engineering or facilities management.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee upkeep of buildings and park infrastructure.
• Develop 1–5-year strategies and lead in-house projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Strategic Planning

Facilities Management

Engineering

Communication

Negotiation

Budget Management

Education

Degree in Engineering or Facilities Management

Tools

Computer Literacy

Job description

Closing date: Monday 26th May 2025

Salary: Competitive Salary, Plus Desirable Benefits

Full Time, Permanent Position

Are you wild about creating memorable experiences?

Do you want to work in a place where you can hear calls from troops of Howler Monkeys, or the roars from a pride of Lions?

We’re looking for a strategic leader to shape and deliver our estates and maintenance strategy across both Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park. You’ll oversee the upkeep of buildings, park infrastructure, and grounds - ensuring everything operates efficiently and looks exceptional for our guests.

With a strong focus on forward planning, you’ll develop 1–5-year strategies, lead in-house projects, and continuously review processes to minimise risk and improve standards. From compliance and cost control to project delivery and staff supervision, you’ll be the driving force behind high-performance operations.

You’ll build strong relationships across departments, ensuring your team is motivated, goal-focused, and aligned with organisational values. Working collaboratively with departments - including animal care - you’ll also help enhance visitor experience and animal environments.

This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives on challenge, delivers to a high standard, and brings vision and structure to a fast-paced environment.

Who We Are Looking For

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to take on the role of Head of Estates, Maintenance & Parks. You’ll have a strong background in engineering or facilities management - ideally with experience in luxury hospitality, multi-site estates, or visitor attractions. You’ll also have a proven ability to lead teams, deliver effective strategies, and manage complex projects and suppliers. A full UK driving licence is essential.

You’ll be a strategic thinker with sharp commercial acumen, balancing operational excellence with an unwavering commitment to guest experience. Organised, detail-driven, and highly computer literate, you’ll bring outstanding leadership, negotiation, and communication skills to the table.

You’ll embody our core values - Pride, One Team, and Unrivalled Service - and inspire those around you to do the same. With a hands-on approach, you’ll drive high standards across multiple sites, manage budgets and deadlines, and foster a positive, motivated staff environment.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and precision, we’d love to hear from you.

Contract Details

This is a full-time position, worked five days out of seven, 8am-5pm - or as necessary to ensure the fulfilment of your duties. This position is based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, although the successful candidates will be required to work across both sites on occasion. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.

The location:

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks, animal safaris, encounters, and dining experiences. Our staff contribute directly to conservation efforts, helping species like the black rhino and western lowland gorillas return to their habitats, in collaboration with The Aspinall Foundation.

Why You Should Join Us

We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter. Our Core Values ‘One Team’, ‘Customer’, and ‘Pride’ drive us daily. Working here, you’ll enjoy unique surroundings and a passionate team.

Join our pride and enjoy benefits such as:

• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays, rising with service.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Enhanced sickness, maternity, and paternity policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a guest into both parks, plus family tickets.
• Discounts on food, retail, and accommodation.
• Access to retail discounts and a 24-hour counselling line.
• Company Pension.
• And more rewards based on length of service.

Your adventure awaits

#joinourpride

A full job description is available on request. To apply, email your CV and cover letter to [e-mail].