Operations Manager

Summary In this role you’ll be leading a team, providing excellent operational management at Sandham Memorial Chapel and managing and developing an exceptional visitor experience. This is a fixed term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave.At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months. **Hours**:30 hours per week What it's like to work here This modest red-brick building tucked away in a quiet corner of Hampshire houses an unexpected treasure; an epic series of large-scale murals, by the acclaimed war artist Sir Stanley Spencer. Built to honour the 'forgotten dead' of the First World War, who were not remembered on any official memorials, the series was inspired by Spencer’s own experiences as a medical orderly at the Beaufort Hospital in Bristol and both orderly and soldier onthe Salonika front. It is peppered with personal and unexpected details and uniquely shows the everyday activities rather than the horrors of war. Inspired by Giotto's Arena Chapel in Padua and made possible through the generous patronage of Mr & Mrs Behrend,Spencer referred to Sandham Memorial Chapel as his "Holy Box". The 19 oil paintings covering three walls of the chapel took six years to complete and are considered by many to be the artist’s finest achievement. The chapel holds services throughout the year, the most important of these being the annual Remembrance Day event. There are also regular talks in the Chapel about its creation and the paintings themselves, as well as a lively programme of workshops andevents. What you'll be doing We’re looking someone with exceptional people skills to lead a small, committed team of staff and volunteers.. You’ll havea good understanding of commercial acumen and be able to control costs to increase footfall and income. You will be responsible for security, safety and all operational detail including arranging duty and out of hours cover. This is a really exciting role as it provides ample opportunities to work with the wider leadership and operational teams to assist in your management of Sandham and to support in developing the visitor experience there, ensuring that all visitors are givena great experience and leave with a special sense of history, people and place. Please be advised that internally this role is known as 'Site Manager' Who we're looking for - Operational experience in a customer facing environment and / or historic properties. - Some previous leadership experience including supervisory, coaching and training experience. - Flexible customer focused approach with experience in delivery high standards of customer service. - Competent in managing budgets to maximise sales, income and control costs. Experience of record keeping and cash handling. - Strong people and communication skills, enabling good working relationships with those in your team and across the property portfolio. - Ability to communicate effectively and confidently with diverse groups of people of varying ages, abilities and experience. - Awareness and understanding of the core purpose and work of the National Trust. - Experience of assessing and managing risk. Knowledge of Health & Safety and compliance requirements. - Good written and verbal communication skills including public presentation. 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 audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too. Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you - and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome. Benefits for working at the National Trust include: - Flexible working whenever possible - Free parking at most locations - Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18) - Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.