Summary
We’re looking for someone dynamic and creative with great people skills who loves to inspire individuals and communities by providing memorable, high-quality experiences, to join us as a Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Rufford Old Hall. The role will also support the Property Operations Manager in ensuring everything runs smoothly in a complex and lively visitor business.
This is a fixed‑term contract ending 24 October 2027, for 22.5 hours per week. Usual working days are Monday, Tuesday and Friday, with a minimum of one weekend per month and bank holidays, and some evening work to support events. Interview dates are Friday 7 August and Tuesday 11 August.
What it’s like to work here
Located directly next to the Leeds and Liverpool canal, you’ll be working on a property with nearly 500 years of Lancashire history, attracting up to 60,000 visitors each year. Rufford Old Hall is a Tudor house surrounded by formal Victorian gardens at the heart of the local community, with a focus on the National Trust’s strategy priorities of ending unequal access and restoring nature.
You will be part of a small and ambitious team, collaborating with department heads and working closely with volunteers to ensure visitors can access and engage with nature and heritage.
What you’ll be doing
Report to the Property Operations Manager and work with other department heads to deliver great visitor experiences that encourage repeat visits. Design and implement an engaging, dynamic programme of core and seasonal events and activities for all ages.
Supervise volunteers and collaborate with external facilitators and partners to deliver creative workshops and experiences, maintaining high standards of presentation and customer care.
Work weekends on a rota basis and support Duty Management duties to keep the property running smoothly. Be available to assist across the property where needed.
Support the property’s wider aim of ending unequal access by overseeing the monthly dementia café and working with partners to improve accessibility at all events.
Who we’re looking for
- Experienced in devising and running activities that inspire and engage people.
- Skilled at communicating and building good working relationships with team members and others.
- Aware of ways to interpret precious collections of art and objects to a wide variety of people.
- Well‑organised, able to work at pace and meet deadlines.
- Confident in dealing with all kinds of people in a variety of situations.
- Flexible, yet focused on delivering high standards of customer service.
- Used to working with and supervising volunteers.
The package
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% of basic salary.
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18).
- Season ticket loan.
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria).
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts.
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days in relation to length of service, plus a holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
National Trust place
Rufford Old Hall, 200 Liverpool Road, Ormskirk, L40 1SG
Documents
Full role profile: Senior Visitor Experience Officer – Career Level B.pdf
Requirements
Eligibility to work in the UK.
Additional information
Closing date: 26 July 2026.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff or volunteers for the role and responsibilities. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions about your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the People Service Centre.
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