Dawn

Visitor Operations Manager

What is your job and how did you come to work for English Heritage?
I am one of three Visitor Operations Managers at Dover Castle. I've always had a passion for heritage, as I grew up living on National Trust properties. I went on to study history, archaeology and architecture at university, but it was really my skills and experience gained from three years in retail management that landed me the job.
 
Do you have a typical day?
Never! Between us we manage virtually all aspects of the site. Our primary role is to make sure our visitors have the best experience possible, so as managers we are about caring for our team to ensure they have the skills and support to deliver that. We work to targets and aim to generate income to support the organisation's work and look after our sites. We take care of events, health and safety, site presentation - the list is endless! No two days are the same. You have mundane tasks to complete right alongside the VIP visits and film crews.
 
What does it feel like to work for English Heritage?
Very proud. It is great to know that my hard work not only benefits my staff and visitors, but the work of the organisation as a whole. Our successes as a team help to secure the future of our heritage for generations to come. The job can be extremely satisfying, but also frustrating when the limitations of our funding impacts on our work and sites. You learn to make the most of what is available to you, but it also spurs you on as you gain a full awareness of how much difference every penny can make. I get the opportunity to work with such a wide variety of people, in one of the most spectacular work places in the country!