Current Vacancies
Front of House Manager
Overview
The Front of House Manager plays a key role in delivering an exceptional visitor experience at the Vale & Downland Museum. This position oversees front‑of‑house reception, the café, and the museum shop, ensuring that all three areas operate smoothly, efficiently, and in line with the museum’s welcoming, community‑focused values. The manager leads a diverse team of staff and volunteers, maintains high standards of service, and supports the museum’s commercial and visitor‑engagement goals.
Key Responsibilities
Visitor Reception & Front‑of‑House
- Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the museum’s reception area, ensuring every visitor receives a warm, informative, and inclusive welcome.
- Oversee visitor flow, signage, accessibility, and general presentation of public spaces.
- Train staff and volunteers to deliver excellent customer service and accurate information about exhibitions, events, and facilities.
- Manage visitor enquiries, feedback, and complaints with professionalism and care.
- Support the coordination of school visits, group bookings, and community activities.
- Sell tickets to museum events
- Contribute to redevelopment of front of house experience
Café Management
- Oversee the café, ensuring high standards of food quality, service, hygiene, and hospitality.
- Manage menu planning, stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships.
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene, allergen, and health and safety regulations.
- Lead the café team to deliver efficient, friendly service during peak periods.
- Monitor café performance and identify opportunities to increase revenue and visitor satisfaction.
Shop Management
- Manage the museum shop, ensuring it is well‑presented, engaging, and aligned with the museum’s identity.
- Oversee stock management, ordering, merchandising, and supplier coordination.
- Develop product ranges that reflect local heritage, crafts, and seasonal opportunities.
- Track sales performance and implement strategies to increase visitor spend.
Team Leadership
- Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise staff and volunteers across reception, café, and shop functions.
- Foster a positive, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
- Ensure all team members understand and uphold the museum’s values and visitor‑experience standards.
Financial & Administrative Duties
- Contribute to budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting for reception, café, and shop operations.
- Oversee cash handling, reconciliation, and EPOS systems.
- Maintain accurate records for stock, suppliers, compliance, and operational procedures.
- Contribute to commercial planning and strategic development.
Cross‑Museum Collaboration
- Provide updates on visitor trends, café performance, and shop activity to inform wider planning.
- Support museum events, exhibitions, and community programmes with tailored reception, café, and retail offerings.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience managing a café, retail outlet, visitor‑facing environment, or similar operational setting.
- Strong leadership and people‑management skills, including experience working with volunteers.
- Excellent customer‑service skills and a warm, approachable manner.
- Knowledge of food hygiene standards and café operations.
- Experience with stock management, merchandising, and basic financial reporting.
- Ability to multitask, prioritise, and remain calm in a busy environment.
Desirable
- Experience in a museum, heritage site, or cultural venue.
- Barista or food‑service training.
- Familiarity with EPOS and stock‑management systems.
- Interest in local history, arts, culture, or community engagement.
Personal Qualities
- Friendly, community‑minded, and visitor‑focused.
- Organised, proactive, and able to take initiative.
- Creative thinker with a commercial mindset.
- Strong communicator who enjoys working collaboratively.
- Passionate about delivering memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
How to apply
Send a covering letter and CV to Lisa Gale, Museum Manager
manager@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk or apply through Indeed .
Closing date :11.03.2026