Visitor attraction general manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

There is no set entry route to become a visitor attraction general manager but it may be useful to do a relevant foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• tourism
• resort management
• marketing
• business management

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could work towards this role by doing a subject like a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Leisure and Tourism.

This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need and may help you to get a job as a trainee assistant manager.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Entry requirements:

Work

It may be possible to work your way into this job by starting in a customer service or hospitality role, with an attraction, and apply for promotion when you've got enough experience.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and knowledge. For example, you'll have an advantage if you've worked in visitor attraction management, or have experience in leisure, hospitality, catering or retail management.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• business management skills
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to sell products and services
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Visitor attraction general managers look after the operation and finances of an attraction, and the health and safety of staff and visitors.

In your day-to-day duties, you could:

• manage budgets
• work with suppliers, local government, trade bodies and the media
• oversee health and safety procedures
• recruit and train staff
• manage staff and lead meetings
• develop new business opportunities
• promote the attraction to increase visitor numbers

Location : You could work at an information centre, at monuments and castles, in a museum, at an art gallery or at a zoo.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to senior roles like divisional, regional or group director.