Head of Visitor Operations - Full-time

Burghley House Preservation Trust Limited; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Burghley House Preservation Trust Limited is seeking a visionary Head of Visitor Operations to join the Senior Leadership Team and shape every aspect of the visitor experience at one of England’s great heritage destinations. This site-based role, with potential for seasonal hybrid working, leads Visitor Services, Learning & Education, Retail, Catering, Hospitality, Security and wider site operations.

The role focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences while balancing heritage,

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex visitor operations and engaging diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of shaping customer experiences in heritage, culture or high-volume environments.
• Strong leadership, change management and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Burghley House visitor operations strategy and shape the organisation's future.
• Champion outstanding visitor experiences, accessibility and public engagement.
• Drive innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams across visitor-facing departments.
• Use data and technology to deliver strong commercial performance while protecting heritage and charitable purpose.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, security and operational resilience.

Skills

Experience in visitor operations

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Job description

Principally site-based at Burghley House (with potential for seasonal hybrid working).

Job Summary

Be part of the future of one of England's greatest heritage destinations.

Burghley House is one of the UK's most iconic Elizabethan estates, welcoming c180,000 visitors every year to its magnificent House, Gardens and Parkland.

We're looking for an inspiring, commercially minded Head of Visitor Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team and shape every aspect of the visitor experience. This is a rare opportunity to lead the teams that bring Burghley to life - from Visitor Services and Learning & Education to Retail, Catering, Hospitality, Security and wider site operations.

This isn't a traditional estates or facilities role. We're seeking a modern operational leader who understands today's audiences, can deliver exceptional customer experiences and knows how to balance heritage, education and commercial success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Burghley's visitor operations strategy and help shape the organisation's future.
• Champion outstanding visitor experiences, accessibility and public engagement.
• Drive innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams across multiple visitor-facing departments.
• Use data and tech to deliver strong commercial performance while protecting Burghley's heritage and charitable purpose.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, security and operational resilience.

Skills Required

You will be an experienced leader with a track record of managing complex visitor operations, leading change and inspiring people. You'll combine strategic thinking with hands‑on operational expertise and be passionate about creating memorable experiences for diverse audiences.

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience in heritage, culture, tourism, leisure or other high‑volume visitor attractions, along with strong commercial awareness and exceptional leadership skills.

Why Burghley?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact at one of Britain's finest heritage attractions. You'll work alongside a passionate team, influencing the future direction of the estate and helping ensure Burghley continues to delight and inspire generations of visitors.

If you're an ambitious, collaborative leader with a passion for visitor experience, heritage and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

We welcome applications from individuals of underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. Burghley is an Equal Opportunity Employer.