About the role:

We have an exciting role to join one of the UK's most iconic visitor attractions as an Assistant Operations Manager. Joining a team of two other Assistant Operations Managers, you will focus on one of our business areas.

The role of Assistant Operations Manager plays a key part in supporting the day-to-day management of Cheddar Gorge & Caves by helping to lead a diverse operational team in delivering exceptional guest experiences while ensuring the safe, efficient and commercially successful running of a unique site.

This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility across multiple operational areas, including Guest Services, Attractions, Retail, Food & Beverage, education programmes, school visits, group bookings and corporate events. You will also act as a Duty Manager and Duty Cashier, support team leaders and team members, and ensure the highest standards of service, safety and operational excellence are consistently maintained.

The role requires a proactive and adaptable individual who can balance people leadership, operational delivery and commercial awareness within a fast-paced visitor attraction environment. You will be instrumental in creating memorable visitor experiences, driving team performance and supporting the continued success of Cheddar Gorge & Caves.

About you:

• A confident, hands-on leader who can motivate, support and develop a diverse team.
• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and high service standards.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• A calm and practical approach to problem-solving, decision-making and handling guest concerns.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of staffing costs, budgets and revenue opportunities.
• A strong commitment to health and safety and to maintaining consistently high operational standards.
• Flexibility, resilience and a willingness to work across operational areas, including weekends, bank holidays and peak periods.

About your contract: You will be employed on a permanent salaried contract working 40 hours a week. Working hours will vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evenings and bank holidays as required. The earliest start time is 8am, and the latest finish time is 8pm, varying in accordance with opening times.

A little about us

Cheddar Gorge and Caves is a world-famous site set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is one of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks.

Being England's largest gorge, with a depth of 400ft and a length of 3 miles, this site presents an unforgettable experience for visitors throughout the year.

Why join the Cheddar team?

This unique work environment will immerse you in the breath-taking scenery of awe-inspiring cliffs and remarkable subterranean stalactite show caves, holding numerous fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors and serving as a central location for caving and rock climbing enthusiasts worldwide.

You will receive attractive benefits that include:

• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 31 days at 5 years’ service.
• Unlimited free entry to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves for our employees
• Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
• 50% off Membership for Friends and Family
• Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
• Discounts on Longleat VIP Experiences and Accommodation
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Perks at work
• Range of flexible working schemes