Sales Assistant SA/SAL/0826

Location

Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU

Salary

National Minimum Wage

Application Deadline

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Job Summary

Paignton Zoo in Devon and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall are among the South West’s most loved and leading wildlife attractions. With rich, fascinating histories, strong foundations in conservation, education and research, and a diverse collection of over 2,800 animals across both sites, these zoos offer an exciting and dynamic environment to lead.

Both zoos have recently become part of Libéma, one of the Netherlands’ leading leisure organisations, bringing new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth.

Sales Assistant

Permanent

20 hours per week

National Minimum Wage

We are looking for an enthusiastic and customer-focused

Sales Assistantto support the commercial success of our organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving sales and visitor engagement across our both of our sites.The Role

As the primary point of contact for customer enquiries, bookings and sales, you will deliver outstanding customer service while supporting revenue growth through effective sales administration, cross-selling and upselling opportunities. You will work closely with colleagues across Sales, Marketing, Guest Experience, Food & Beverage and Animal teams to help create memorable visitor experiences and maximise commercial performance.

As a Sales Assistant, you will:

• Process bookings, issue tickets and maintain accurate booking and pricing information.
• Support promotions, group reservations and sales campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell and upsell memberships, experiences and other products.
• Handle customer enquiries, feedback and complaints professionally and efficiently.
• Work closely with colleagues across departments to ensure a seamless visitor experience.
• Produce sales and visitor reports, ensuring data remains accurate and up to date.
• Manage payments securely in line with company procedures.
• Contribute ideas and initiatives to increase visitor numbers, sales and memberships.
• Assist on occasion with events such as corporate away days

About you:

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional customer service.
• Confident communicating with customers and colleagues at all levels.
• Commercially aware and able to identify sales opportunities.
• Comfortable working with databases, booking systems and reporting tools.
• Proactive, adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities.
• A strong team player with a positive and enthusiastic approach.

• Previous experience in a customer service, sales support or administration role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience handling customer enquiries and resolving issues professionally.
• Good numerical skills and experience handling payments.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and databases.

At Paignton Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata (yes, even Bank Holidays!) and access to top-tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site. We’ll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme. Fancy joining the Firearms team? Opportunities await—pending a few conditions, of course.

We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.

We’ll be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview throughout the advertising period—so don’t wait! If this opportunity speaks to you, send your application in as soon as possible. The role may be filled before the closing date

Job Profile

Job Profile document