We are seeking an experienced and people-focused Operations & Visitor Services Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of London's only Elizabethan ship and living history museum. This hands-on management role is responsible for ensuring the ship is safe, welcoming, well-organised and operationally effective. The postholder will oversee visitor services, schools programmes and daytime activities while managing the onsite team and supporting wider organisational objectives. As part of the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will line manage the Operations Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Front of House Administrator and Deck Hand, alongside coordinating freelance educators and facilitators. The role has responsibility for operational planning, staffing schedules, health and safety compliance, emergency procedures, visitor services and maintaining high site standards. Working closely with the Venue & Events Manager, the postholder will ensure the ship is prepared for evening events and hires, although they will not directly manage event delivery. The Golden Hinde is a unique historic workplace requiring a practical and proactive approach. The role involves working onboard a historic ship with uneven surfaces, steep ladders, low ceilings, confined spaces and both indoor and outdoor conditions. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a nationally significant heritage attraction while leading a dedicated and collaborative team. The Golden Hinde is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Essential requirements: Experience managing operations within a visitor attraction, cultural venue, hospitality environment or similar public-facing organisation. Desirable: Health & Safety, First Aid or Fire Marshal qualifications. Lead the day-to-day operation of The Golden Hinde during public opening hours. Please send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for this role to [email protected] by Wednesday 22 July at 12pm (BST). We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may interview candidates before the closing date. We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as we are keen to appoint this role promptly and the advert may close early if the right candidate is found. We look forward to hearing from you!Job Summary
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced operations manager from a visitor attraction, heritage, cultural, leisure, hospitality or similar public-facing environment. Museum experience is welcome but not essential.Job Requirements
Experience leading, supervising and developing teams.
Experience managing staff rotas, scheduling and operational planning.
Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and best practice.
Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
Experience delivering high standards of customer or visitor service.
Strong IT and administrative skills, including Google Workspace.
Ability to work independently, make sound decisions and take a practical, hands-on approach.
Experience in heritage, museums or educational programming.
Knowledge of safeguarding practices.
Experience using booking or visitor management systems.Job Responsibilities
Line manage the onsite team and coordinate freelance educators.
Create staff rotas and ensure effective operational coverage year-round.
Deliver excellent visitor experiences across admissions, schools programmes and public activities.
Maintain high standards of presentation, accessibility and customer service.
Lead health and safety procedures, risk assessments, fire drills and emergency planning.
Monitor incidents, compliance and safeguarding practices.
Manage operational records, schedules, reports and visitor systems.
Work closely with the Education Coordinator and Venue & Events Manager to support programme and event delivery.
Act as the senior operational lead and key point of contact onsite. How to Apply