Powderham Castle, Exeter · On-site
Attraction Manager
Job Specification
Role Title Attraction Manager
Reports To Heritage Manager
Location Powderham, Devon
Terms Full Time / Permanent
Days Typically Monday–Friday, including two Sundays per month, with additional evening work required during peak seasonal periods
Annual Leave 30 days per year
Pension Eligible to join the company pension scheme
Salary Band 4 (£30,000 - £35,000)
As Powderham embarks on the “growth” phase of its 5-year strategic plan, we are investing in our future by expanding our management team to help deliver this exciting vision for the future. These roles will play a key part in expanding and supporting our established team, working closely with an experienced and supportive senior leadership group.
Purpose
The Attraction Manager will lead the day-to-day operational management of Powderham’s visitor attraction. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Attraction Manager will play a key role in planning, coordinating and delivering the operational activities that support the smooth running of the site and the achievement of organisational goals.
Reporting to the Heritage Manager, the Attraction manager will manage visitor services, gardens, guides, and volunteers, ensuring high standards of customer service, presentation, safety and engagement across all visitor facing areas.
The role is focused on operational delivery, ensuring that every aspect of the visitor experience runs efficiently, safely, and in line with Powderham’s heritage and core values.
Key Responsibilities
Attraction Operations
Manage the daily operation of the visitor attraction including the Castle, gardens and grounds ensuring smooth visitor flow, safety and an excellent visitor experience
Manage the scheduling, staffing and performance of the visitor services, gardens, guides, and volunteer teams
Work with the Castle Manager on maintenance and collection care, and furniture moves to minimise operational disruption
As a member of the Facilities Committee, work with the Castle Manager to ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, risk assessments and emergency plans
Contribute to continuous improvement in operations, visitor satisfaction and team development
Guide Management
Manage and support the team of guides to deliver engaging and accurate talks, talks and interpretation
Ensure that all guides are trained in customer service, storytelling, and historical knowledge
Manage the scheduling of tours and guide availability to meet visitor demand
Work with the Guide and Interpretation coordinator to maintain accuracy and consistency in interpretive content and tour delivery
Monitor feedback from visitors and guides to enhance to the overall experience
Offer specialist tours on request
Volunteer Management
Manage volunteer engagement across the attraction, ensuring volunteers are welcomed, valued, and effectively integrated into the attraction
Carry out recruitment, induction and training of volunteers
Develop and maintain a positive and inclusive volunteer culture, recognising contributions and supporting development
Ensure volunteers are briefed on health, safety and safeguarding procedures
Maintain volunteer records and ensure effective communication with all volunteer groups
Gardens Management
Line manage the Garden Manager to ensure high standards of horticultural presentation and maintenance in the Walled Garden
Work with the Heritage Manager and Gardens Manager in the reinstatement to the Victorian Walled Garden into the attraction
Support the planning and delivery of seasonal displays, planting scheme and garden interpretation
Coordinate gardens operations with events and visitor programming to maximise the visitor experience
Ensure the gardens are maintained safely and and sustainably, with due care for heritage and biodiversity
Visitor Services Management
Line manage the Visitor Services Manager to ensure the team delivers a warm, informed and professional welcome to all the visitors
Oversee ticketing, point of sale systems and visitor support
Monitor customer service standards, visitor feedback and operational efficiency
Support the development of the retail offer and other income-generating opportunities
Oversee education and group bookings against target
Financial and Administrative Responsibilities
Contribute to budget planning, cost control and income monitoring
Ensure efficient scheduling and resource allocation to meet operational targets
Contribute to reporting on visitor numbers, feedback and operational performance
Person Specification
Essential
Proven experience in attraction or visitor services management within a heritage, museum, tourism or leisure attraction
Strong team management skills, with experience managing staff and/or volunteers
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Sound understanding of visitor experience principles and customer service excellence
Knowledge of health and safety, safeguarding and risk management in public facing environment
Ability to work flexibility including weeks and evenings
Desirable
Experience working within a heritage or historic house setting
Knowledge of horticultural or grounds management
First Aid
Experience in commercial operations or volunteer engagement
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Powderham is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Powderham – in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities – is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public. Our full EDI policy is available on request.
Application Process
To apply, please submit a CV.
All applications should be submitted through our vacancy page by 30th January 2026.
Powderham Castle
Attraction Manager
Full-time
Powderham Castle, Exeter · On-site
Negotiable
30th Jan 2026
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