Visitor Services Officer

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC622026
Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum
Work Location: Calshot Activities Centre, Calshot
Hours per week: 37 
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 8 September 2025
Interview Date: w/c 15 September 2025

A unique opportunity has come up at Calshot Activities Centre. As we grow our business and our internal catering provision we are looking for someone with both hospitality, catering and team leading experience to support the delivery of excellent visitor services across our site.

The Role:

Calshot Activities Centre is a unique outdoor education facility and visitor attraction in the New Forest National Park. 

We offer outdoor education to 10,000 children each year through a range of residential packages, whilst also boasting a thriving and busy campsite, boat park, Tudor Castle and a busy seafront café. The beach brings thousands of people to our centre every year and this role is at the heart of ensuring all these customers have the best experience possible.

This role sits in the visitor services team, reporting to the visitor services manager. The team consists of the facilities maintenance team, the catering operations and front of house and together; we look after catering operations, facilities, site maintenance and projects, accommodation, the campsite, boat park and castle. It is our responsibility to ensure that all customers have the best experience with high quality, value for money experiences that make them want to come back.

What you’ll do:

In this role, you will focus on delivering excellent customer experiences while maintaining operational efficiencies aligned with key performance indicators. You will lead by example, demonstrating professionalism and outstanding customer engagement at every opportunity. By developing and implementing effective ways of working, you will ensure compliance and uphold high standards across the team. You'll foster a collaborative "one team" culture, encouraging teamwork and shared success.

Additionally, you will be responsible for developing a catering operation that is high quality, cost-effective, and adaptable to changing needs. Building strong working relationships will be key to promoting efficiency and meeting the evolving demands of the business.

What we’re looking for:

• An understanding of the needs of specific catering units - we operate one policy but two operational models
• Demonstrating the core values of Hampshire Outdoor Centre
• Understanding the vision of Hampshire Outdoor Centres and the passion to bring it to life
• A team player with strong collaborative skills
• Excellent communication skills - able to coach, demonstrate and motivate a team
• Leadership skills, someone who is able to lead a team through periods of change and inspire people to be proud and understand their role within the journey
• Sound IT skills and able to accurately record information

Why join us?

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment. 

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

The role also offers:

• A vibrant place to work, where no day is the same
• Opportunities for personal growth and development
• Discount opportunities for activities and courses
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Sunday and bank holiday enhancements
• Free on site parking

Additional Information:

Visitor Services Officer Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Kelly Metcalfe, Visitor Services Manager at kelly.metcalfe@hants.gov.uk