Visitor Experience Manager
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Location: West Dean, West Sussex
Hours: 35 hours per week, 5 days over 7 (including weekends and bank holidays)

Create unforgettable moments in one of the UK’s most inspiring gardens.

West Dean is more than just a beautiful space — it’s a place where creativity, heritage, and nature come together. We welcome thousands of visitors to our Gardens each year to explore our spectacular landscapes, rich history, and vibrant craft culture. Now, we’re looking for a dynamic Visitor Experience Manager to help us take that journey to the next level.

About the role
You’ll lead the entire visitor journey — from the first warm welcome to the last lasting impression. This is a varied and rewarding role, combining strategic leadership with hands-on front-of-house management, retail innovation, and creative programming.

Your focus will be on:

• Designing engaging, memorable visitor experiences.

• Leading and motivating a customer-focused team.

• Driving income across admissions, retail, and paid experiences.

• Curating a retail offer that celebrates artisan, sustainable, and locally made goods.

• Bringing the gardens to life with craft workshops, live demonstrations, and seasonal events.

About you
We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience in visitor experience, retail, or cultural tourism.

• Strong commercial acumen and a track record of boosting income.

• Leadership skills that inspire staff and volunteers alike.

• Creativity, curiosity, and a passion for connecting people with place.

Why join us?
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy:

• 33 days’ holiday per year.

• Generous pension scheme.

• Free entry to West Dean Gardens.

• Discounts on retail, events, and short courses.

• Access to facilities including a swimming pool, library, and tennis courts.

• A role in one of the UK’s most creative and beautiful settings.

If you’re ready to make a real impact on the visitor journey and create experiences that delight, inspire, and endure, we’d love to hear from you.

• Please view the Visitor Experience Manager Candidate Pack Summer 2025 document (opens in a pop up)