How We Work

Every individual working for the Trust has the opportunity to make a direct, measurable contribution to the achievement and advancement of our strategic aims. We approach our work with passion, creativity and diligence. Join our team and work in an environment rich in heritage and culture, with people who really care about what they do.

As an organisation we are ambitious and collaborative. We work with community organisations, businesses and local government partners in Portsmouth and Gosport to support economic, community and cultural development in these areas. At a national level we are an active member of the Heritage Alliance, contributing to consultations on issues that impact the heritage sector. We are also a member of the National Historic Ships Shipshape Network and recently were part of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Task Force that made recommendations to Government on skill requirements in the UK shipbuilding industry.

As an employer we are committed to:

  • Paying our employees competitive salaries – we are a Real Living wage employer
  • Investing in the development of our people
  • Supporting flexible working
  • Providing benefits that support good health and financial security in the present and the future
  • Making it fun!

Available Roles

VISITOR OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Salary £26,000 

Full-time, permanent position

Location – Site-based (Portsmouth)

About Us
Portsmouth Historic Quarter is a charitable organisation dedicated to creating authentic, educational, and enjoyable places, experiences, and opportunities that celebrate maritime history.  We are custodians of historic buildings, boats, and spaces in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and at Priddy’s Hard in Gosport.   

We are looking for a highly organised and visitor-focused Visitor Operations Assistant to support the Head of Visitor Operations in delivering outstanding experiences for our visitors. 

About the role 

As Visitor Operations Assistant, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of our visitor operations in Boathouse 4 and coordinate and support the Visitor Host team.  Working closely with PHQ colleagues and external parties, you will support the organisation and successful delivery of events and boat trip and charter services, ensuring paperwork and contracts are in place and providing hands-on support when needed. 

About You
We’re looking for someone who: 

  • Has previous experience in visitor operations or events delivery, in a heritage or visitor attraction environment. 
  • Has strong organisational skills and is able to multi-task. 
  • Can demonstrate a track record of excellent customer service with strong communication abilities. 
  • Has proficiency in managing bookings, and administrative tasks. 
  • Thrives in a collaborative environment. 
  • Has the flexibility to work ad hoc weekends and evenings when required. 

A driving licence and access to a vehicle for work are essential for this role. 

What we offer: 

  • The opportunity to work in a unique, engaging visitor environment. 
  • Competitive salary and holiday entitlement. 
  • Group pension scheme. 
  • Life insurance and income protection cover. 
  • Health screening. 
  • Employee assistance programme. 
  • On site parking. 
  • Site discounts. 

As an organisation we are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and to implementing these through our work.  We expect our colleagues to have a commitment to this too. 

Please note: this role requires MOD security clearance, a requirement of which is residency in the UK for a least three years preceding employment with PHQ. 

How to apply: 

If you are passionate about visitor experience and events we’d love to hear from you.  Please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@portsmouthhq.org.  Closing date: 21 February 2025. 

If you are shortlisted for interview, we will contact you within a week of the closing date.   

Job Description Person Specification

Information for applicants

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criterion. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So, if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we would still like to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this or other roles.

Our working environment is one where diversity is valued and equality of opportunity is promoted.

We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of job applicant’s personal information. Our applicant privacy notice describes how we collect and use personal information during the recruitment process in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Applicant Privacy Notice
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