Job Title: Assistant Operations Manager
Location: Showtown, the Museum of Fun and Entertainment
Department: Operations
Reports to: Operations Manager
Salary: £15.50 per hours
Contract: Fixed Term
Hours: minimum 20 hours per week, including weekends and holidays as required. Hours likely to increase during holiday and high season periods

Job Purpose:

As the Assistant Operations Manager at Showtown Museum, you will play a keyrole in ensuring the smooth daily operation of the museum, leading on front-of-house (FoH) operations, retail, guest experience, live performance integration, and compliance with health & safety and museum protocols. You will support the Operations Manager in delivering a world-class visitor experience, supporting a dynamic team, and contributing to Showtown’s vibrant, performance-led museum culture.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Duty Management

• Assist in the day-to-day operational management of the museum, including opening and closing procedures, building checks, and coordinating security and facilities.
• Act as Duty Manager on a rota basis, ensuring a consistent and responsive management presence across all public-facing areas.
• Oversee front-of-house ticketing and admissions operations, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all visitors.

Retail & Commercial Services

• Support the Operations Manager in delivering excellent commercial performance through effective stock management, visual merchandising, and customer service.
• Drive income generation by promoting retail products and upselling special events and other museum activity.

Guest Experience & Team Development

• Lead and motivate the Guest Experience Team, including permanent staff, casuals, and volunteers, to deliver exceptional service and engagement with all visitors.
• Contribute to training, mentoring, and performance management, fostering a culture of inclusivity, creativity, and professional growth.

Live Performance & Interpretation

• Collaborate with the curatorial and learning teams to incorporate live performance using cast members as part of the visitor journey.
• Ensure cast-led performance is integrated into the operational schedule, supporting rehearsals, scheduling, and performance logistics.
• Champion high-quality storytelling and audience engagement through live and immersive engagement.

Health & Safety and Compliance

• Uphold and monitor health and safety standards across all public and staff areas, conducting risk assessments and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policies.
• Work with the Museum & Heritage team to ensure operational procedures align with museum protocols, collections care requirements, and safeguarding guidelines.
• Act as first responder for incidents, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, resolution, and follow-up.

Collaboration & Communication

• Support liaison between the Operations, Programming, Heritage, and Facilities teams to ensure integrated planning and delivery.
• Support event delivery to work in collaboration with the Museum curator and Learning and Engagement team, ensuring logistical readiness and guest safety.
• Maintain excellent communication across departments to promote operational efficiency and a joined-up visitor offer.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Experience in a supervisory or management role in a visitor-facing environment (e.g., museum, attraction, theatre, retail).
• Understanding of front-of-house operations, retail practices, and customer service standards.
• Experience managing or supporting live performance or public programming.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations and duty of care responsibilities.
• Proven ability to manage, motivate, and develop staff and volunteers.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Calm and professional under pressure, with a proactive and collaborative approach.

Desirable:

• Background in heritage, arts, or cultural institutions.
• First aid qualification and/or IOSH or similar H&S training.
• Experience using ticketing or CRM systems.
• Interest in performance-led interpretation and storytelling.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 9 months

Pay: £15.50 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 20 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person