Deputy Centre Manager (Folly Farm)
Supporting the Centre Manager in areas of planning, sales, compliance and operations with an energetic ‘can do’ approach.
Folly Farm is an unique conference, wedding, event and educational venue, located between Bristol and Bath.
Principle Elements and Responsibilities;
Overall responsibility of the site in absence of the Centre Manager. Operate and lead larger events and weddings including set up and problem solving. Ensure the smooth running of conferences and training rooms across the Centre from guest arrival through to departure.
Set and adhere to an impeccable set of standards to meet and exceed customer and facilitator expectations.
Be aware of future business levels to allow proactive planning for staff and security scheduling and rota’s.
Understand the requirements of the Fire safety, health and safety policies. Risk assessments and compliance. Play an active role in keeping these records up to date and communicated to the team. Maintain a safe and secure environment and follow all legislative requirements.
- Manage the job rotas and responsibilities, assessing demand and resourcing accordingly.
- Sales activity – answer wedding and commercial enquiries promptly and efficiently to maximise secured sales.
- Administration of secured bookings, detailed planning and efficient use of in house booking system.
- Understanding of annual financial budget and cost planning.
- Cost control, stock management, wastage and monitoring of outgoings.
- Ensuring a supportive team environment with all necessary training and mentoring to deliver the highest standards of customer service.
- Assisting with recruitment, selection and retention of staff, performance reviews, training and development of the team.
- Revenue generation through awareness and implementation of industry trends and changes.
- To carry out any other additional duties as requested by the Centre Manager.
Folly Farm operates 7 days per week on a shift system with hours to suit business needs.
Deputy Manager is required 5 days out of 7.
40 Hours per week.
33 days annual leave per annum, including bank holidays
Opportunity for training and future development.
Required Experience;
Minimum 1 years management experience in similar environment, covering conferencing, events and weddings.
Additional Requirements;
- Sound decision making abilities (essential)
- Ability to work under pressure and self-motivated individual (essential)
- Proven organizational and managerial expertise (essential)
- Bar and Stock experience (essential)
- Experience with hotel/hospitality booking systems (preferred)
- Positive, energetic, hands on approach and flexibility (essential)
- Organised with exceptional attention to details (essential)
- Driving licence and transport (essential)
- Warm, welcoming and friendly with strong sales skills (essential)
- Good team player (essential)
Folly Farm Centre is a fully owned trading subsidiary of Avon Wildlife Trust.
Avon Wildlife Trust is a charity dedicated to working with local people for local wildlife, covering the West of England region (former county of Avon). It is supported by more than 17,500 members, manages over 30 nature reserves and is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts in the UK.
The Wildlife Trusts value diversity and are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.
Contact Details and How to Apply
To apply please send your CV to info@follyfarm.org
To apply by post, please send your CV completed application marked 'confidential' to: Centre Manager, Folly Farm Centre, Stowey, Bristol BS39 4DW to arrive by the closing date.
Closing date: 16th October 2025
If you would like to discuss this role or have any questions, please email info@follyfarm.org for an informal chat.
Charity No: 280422