Operations Manager
The National Trust
North West England
February 2010-August 2010, acted as property manager on a secondment. I managed property finances, ensured that that K.P.I targets were met, and recruited new members of staff. I also established external partnerships with several local heritage organizations, and the ‘heart of Lancashire’ tourism groups. I acted as project manager for several building and refurbishment projects, and worked with the regional buildings department in organizing a plan of repairs and improvements to the fabric of the property. Working with the regional catering manager, I helped develop a new menu for the property café and project managed its redesign and decoration. I also established good working relations with the local BBC television and radio networks. • As House Manager, was responsible for the presentation and care of the house and its collections, and the daily running of the property. I ensured that the visitor had a very positive experience and worked with other staff to improve the visitor’s enjoyment . I also introduced new methods of visitor engagement, such as making the rooms more assessable and having a ‘lived in’ look. I helped organized and led on numerous events, such as Christmas Fairs, Food Markets and Historical re-enactments. I worked with the events manager in developing the properties weddings hire business. • I was responsible for the security of the house, and established weekly fire alarm tests and bi- yearly fire drills. I maintained close links with the local fire brigades. In addition I was responsible for the compliance register • was responsible directly for 4 permanent staff and 8 seasonal staff, along with some 120 volunteers. I interviewed and recruited staff, and introduced a training and induction programme for them. I held regular staff review and planning meetings with staff. Working with other members of the house team, I have carried out National Trust ‘room guide’ training days for the property volunteers’