The Great Garden Escape is launching for the 2023 season, offering guests a unique opportunity to escape the city for a perfectly packaged day trip from London Paddington to The Newt in Somerset. We’re looking for someone to steer the ship (or train, rather), leading guests on a journey deep into the West Country to experience the best Somerset has to offer.

Capturing the essence of The Newt’s hospitality style, the Great Garden Escape is hosted from start to finish by our passionate and knowledgeable team, catering for guests’ every whim. All meals and refreshments are included, as well as expert tours and talks in the gardens, and a supper hamper on the return journey with wines from our sister estate, Babylonstoren in South Africa. It’s the perfect day out for groups, garden lovers, gourmands and international visitors to London.

The Great Garden Escape Manager will deliver this first-class experience, gauging the needs of each individual guest to deliver above their expectations throughout the day. You’ll be naturally charming with exceptional service skills, exemplary organisation skills…and a sense of adventure.

Your role 

Based in London or Somerset, the Manager of our Great Garden Escape Experience will be responsible for tailoring the guest experience, as well as managing sales and promotion. The goal is to delight our guests with a world-class, whistle-stop visit to The Newt, and memories that will last long after their return trip.

We are looking for someone to whom superlative service is the norm. Confident, personable and hugely guest focused, with the drive and commitment to manage a team of excursion operators. The candidate will develop the overall experience, from pre-arrival communications through to itineraries in sync with seasonal estate themes. Seamlessly coordinating between relevant departments to deliver a consistent experience for guests, while they’re aboard the train and around the estate.

The role requires a highly organised, self-motivated operator who is excellent with time and resource management. An interest in day excursions and experience of charter services will be an advantage, handling all aspects of groups and events.

Our ideal candidate will have a positive approach when dealing with all situations. You’ll keep calm under pressure (cow on the line? You’ll have a plan B) and will develop positive working relationships at all levels, supporting, developing and encouraging your team.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide the highest level of guest experience and deliver this across all parts of the Great Garden Escape journey, from booking to guest departure and feedback.
• Take control and accountability for the day-to-day operations and management of the Great Garden Escape.
• Will line manage the Sales manager and assist and support selling the Great Garden Escape tickets, with the sales team
• Be part of the promotional activity of the Great Garden Escape with support from our creative team
• Managing the excursion host team
• Deep understanding of the hotel and estate facilities, including food service offering and times, promotions, and seasonal events. Expect a lot of food tasting!
• Support and participate in hosting tours for VIPs and press
• Build relationships with local suppliers and partners to develop our offering.
• Over deliver guest expectations – you’ll go above and beyond to make their trip memorable
• Keep records and reports to ensure programmes and guest history are managed effectively
• Fostering great working relationships with all other departments on the estate to enhance the guests’ visit
• Maintain financial awareness and understanding of how the role impacts on the hotel’s Profit and Loss account and the Company’s business.
• Coordinating with estate teams, ensuring information is recorded, stored, and communicated timely and effectively.

Skills and Experience

• Sales and Customer oriented with positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills. 
• Proven track record in handling group tour or excursions with related responsibilities.
• Practical Event Management at a high level
• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite
• Teamworking skills and enjoying working in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Punctuality and appreciation of schedules and remaining organised
• Full clean driving licence
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Excellent oral and written skills.  Excellent organisation skills.
• Degree level education with evidence of sales and high-end guest service experience
• Proficient in Microsoft office suite

The Great Garden Escape is launching for the 2023 season, offering guests a unique opportunity to escape the city for a perfectly packaged day trip from London Paddington to The Newt in Somerset. We’re looking for someone to steer the ship (or train, rather), leading guests on a journey deep into the West Country to experience the best Somerset has to offer.

Capturing the essence of The Newt’s hospitality style, the Great Garden Escape is hosted from start to finish by our passionate and knowledgeable team, catering for guests’ every whim. All meals and refreshments are included, as well as expert tours and talks in the gardens, and a supper hamper on the return journey with wines from our sister estate, Babylonstoren in South Africa. It’s the perfect day out for groups, garden lovers, gourmands and international visitors to London.

The Great Garden Escape Manager will deliver this first-class experience, gauging the needs of each individual guest to deliver above their expectations throughout the day. You’ll be naturally charming with exceptional service skills, exemplary organisation skills…and a sense of adventure.

Your role 

Based in London or Somerset, the Manager of our Great Garden Escape Experience will be responsible for tailoring the guest experience, as well as managing sales and promotion. The goal is to delight our guests with a world-class, whistle-stop visit to The Newt, and memories that will last long after their return trip.

We are looking for someone to whom superlative service is the norm. Confident, personable and hugely guest focused, with the drive and commitment to manage a team of excursion operators. The candidate will develop the overall experience, from pre-arrival communications through to itineraries in sync with seasonal estate themes. Seamlessly coordinating between relevant departments to deliver a consistent experience for guests, while they’re aboard the train and around the estate.

The role requires a highly organised, self-motivated operator who is excellent with time and resource management. An interest in day excursions and experience of charter services will be an advantage, handling all aspects of groups and events.

Our ideal candidate will have a positive approach when dealing with all situations. You’ll keep calm under pressure (cow on the line? You’ll have a plan B) and will develop positive working relationships at all levels, supporting, developing and encouraging your team.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide the highest level of guest experience and deliver this across all parts of the Great Garden Escape journey, from booking to guest departure and feedback.
• Take control and accountability for the day-to-day operations and management of the Great Garden Escape.
• Will line manage the Sales manager and assist and support selling the Great Garden Escape tickets, with the sales team
• Be part of the promotional activity of the Great Garden Escape with support from our creative team
• Managing the excursion host team
• Deep understanding of the hotel and estate facilities, including food service offering and times, promotions, and seasonal events. Expect a lot of food tasting!
• Support and participate in hosting tours for VIPs and press
• Build relationships with local suppliers and partners to develop our offering.
• Over deliver guest expectations – you’ll go above and beyond to make their trip memorable
• Keep records and reports to ensure programmes and guest history are managed effectively
• Fostering great working relationships with all other departments on the estate to enhance the guests’ visit
• Maintain financial awareness and understanding of how the role impacts on the hotel’s Profit and Loss account and the Company’s business.
• Coordinating with estate teams, ensuring information is recorded, stored, and communicated timely and effectively.

Skills and Experience

• Sales and Customer oriented with positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills. 
• Proven track record in handling group tour or excursions with related responsibilities.
• Practical Event Management at a high level
• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite
• Teamworking skills and enjoying working in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Punctuality and appreciation of schedules and remaining organised
• Full clean driving licence
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Excellent oral and written skills.  Excellent organisation skills.
• Degree level education with evidence of sales and high-end guest service experience
• Proficient in Microsoft office suite