WONDERSEEKERS

Job Advert: Customer Service (Casual) Make a Difference Every Day - Join Our Customer Service Team! 
Looking for a role that’s fun, flexible, and full of purpose? At Winchester Science Centre, part of the charity Wonderseekers, you’ll be at the heart of an exciting visitor attraction that inspires children and families through hands-on science experiences. As a Customer Service team member, you’ll help create unforgettable moments while supporting a mission to make science accessible to all. 
Whether you're looking to gain experience, earn extra income, or be part of something meaningful, this casual role offers varied shifts, great perks, and the chance to work with a passionate, friendly team. Ready to spark curiosity and make a real impact? 

Job details Pay:  £10.00 (up to 20yr) and £12.21 (age 21yr+). Contract: Casual Start date: ASAP Line manager: Duty Manger   Location: Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, SO21 1HZ. Hours available: Casual (no fixed hours/work pattern). Up to 15 hours per week approximately (1-2 days per week) however this operates on a casual basis where shift availability fluctuates depending on business needs with additional hours being available in school holidays. Winchester Science Centre runs a vibrant programme across weekdays, weekends, daytime, and evenings. As a casual team member, you’ll have the flexibility to choose the shifts that suit your schedule, with no obligation to work every week or weekend. A rota of available shifts is usually shared at least one month in advance, giving you plenty of time to let us know your availability.Deadline: We’re actively arranging interviews, so don’t wait -  apply as soon as you can, and we’ll be in touch very soon. 
 About our Charity 
Wonderseekers (the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre) strives to engage all children with science so they can live happier, healthier and more sustainable lives and contribute to improving life on Earth. The Charity runs Winchester Science Centre - a vibrant, hands-on experience for young children. Promising an exciting day out for families, with curriculum-linked trips for schools and an evening events programme, the Science Centre welcomes over 170,000 visitors every year. Through our magnificent planetarium and live science experiences, science is brought to life in imaginative, fun and accessible ways that means everyone is included.  
 The Role 
Are you looking for a fun, flexible and rewarding role where no two days are the same? Join our fantastic Customer Service team at Winchester Science Centre, part of the charity Wonderseekers. You’ll work alongside brilliant colleagues in a vibrant visitor attraction, supporting our mission while enjoying great perks like free parking, uniform provided, and a generous discount in our café and gift shop. Whether you're juggling studies, family, or other commitments, we offer casual shifts that fit around you. 
 Key Responsibilities 
As part of our Customer Service team, you’ll play a vital role in delivering a brilliant visitor experience across admissions, retail, and catering. Your responsibilities will include: Admissions & Visitor Support: Welcoming visitors, processing tickets, and helping visitors navigate the Centre. Café Service: Preparing and serving food and drinks (e.g. paninis, nachos, jacket potatoes) in a fast-paced environment, maintaining high hygiene standards and a clean workspace. Gift Shop: Advising customers, handling payments, restocking and merchandising to maximise sales. 
Centre Maintenance: Supporting cleanliness across public areas including exhibits, picnic spaces and toilets, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. 
Teamwork & Flexibility: Working under the guidance of Duty Managers, supporting other areas of the Centre as needed. 
 Person Specification Essential: 
A flexible and proactive attitude 
Strong attention to detail and customer focus 
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment 
Confidence to take initiative and work independently 
 Desirable: 
Experience in a café or catering setting 
Food hygiene certification(s) 
Experience with cash handling or retail systems 
 Ready to apply? Here’s how! 
When you're ready, head over to our recruitment portal to get started: Get Started

Through our recruitment portal you’ll be asked to share your contact details and answer a few short questions, this is your chance to shine, so keep your answers concise but impactful. Once that’s done, simply upload your cover letter and CV. Easy! 
 Got questions? Want to chat before applying? Need information in a different format or would like to apply in an alternative way? No problem! Drop us a line at hr@wonderseekers.charity or by calling our People and Culture team on 07483 371391 and we’ll be happy to arrange an informal conversation. We’re a friendly bunch and always happy to answer any queries and give you an insight in to what it’s like working for our Charity! 
 
No recruitment agencies, thank you. 
 

Are you passionate about supporting children to live healthier and more sustainable lives?

The Role

Wonderseekers has a clear and important mission - to create a more equitable world where all children can treasure science and are equipped and empowered to improve lives and protect and heal our planet. Our strategy, For People and Planet 2030, sets out a clear vision for Wonderseekers and the outcomes we aim to influence for children and nature. While our impact is already significant, we know that, through the delivery of this ambitious strategy and masterplan, we can achieve even more.

If you share our values, ambition and commitment to our charity’s mission, we would love to hear from you.

We value diversity on our Board of Trustees and the unique contributions each trustee brings through their lived, loved, laboured and learned experiences. In addition to ensuring the Board has the key skills needed to effectively govern the charity, we aim to reflect the communities we serve across all levels of the organisation.

Our Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and governance to ensure Wonderseekers delivers on its mission, always aligned with Our Promise to Children and our regulatory obligations.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity. As a trustee, you will help shape our strategic direction, oversee the financial sustainability of our charity, influence future projects, and support good risk management. You will bring your financial expertise to advise the Executive Team and play a key role in setting the charity’s long-term future.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee of Wonderseekers - we look forward to receiving your application.

What we’re looking for

General:

• Engage effectively and constructively in Board and Committee discussions
• Develop strong working relationships with fellow trustees and the executive team to constructively challenge and support our work
• Understand the voluntary sector and the legal responsibilities of a trustee, including risk management and safeguarding
• Think creatively and innovatively - Wonderseekers is a forward-thinking organisation and we value ambitious thinking
• Commit time to the charity by attending meetings, reviewing papers, and engaging with the team as needed
• Analyse proposals and assess their impact on our mission and operations
• Be passionate about using science to inspire children to live healthier, more sustainable lives and build a better world

Specific Responsibilities – Trustee with Commercial Experience:

We are particularly seeking a trustee with a strong commercial background, especially in the visitor experience sector. We are looking for someone with financial acumen and senior experience in either a commercial and/or charitable setting.

In this role, you will:

• Work closely with the Board and Executive Team to maintain strategic oversight of Wonderseekers' commercial performance, especially at our visitor centre in Winchester.
• Guide and advise trustees on matters relating to commercial performance and support the Chief Operating Officer in developing long-term plans for growth.
• Lead or support on key areas of risk related to commercial performance, ensuring these are appropriately monitored and managed.
• Become a director and chair effectively the Charity’s wholly owned trading subsidiary Sparking Curiosity Limited.

Trustee Requirements

In addition to your specific expertise, all trustees should:

• Be committed to the purpose, values, and objectives of the charity
• Be constructive and respectful of other trustees’ and staff members’ contributions
• Act reasonably and responsibly in carrying out duties
• Maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues
• Understand the importance of meetings and be prepared and present
• Analyse information effectively and constructively challenge when necessary
• Participate in collective decisions and support agreed-upon outcomes
  

Trustee Arrangements

Wonderseekers is governed by a Board of up to 12 trustees who share collective responsibility for the charity’s strategy and governance. Trustee roles are voluntary. Once elected, trustees can serve a maximum of three terms of three years each.

• Board meetings: Held quarterly (January, April, July, and November), with a mix of day and evening sessions
• Committees: Trustees are expected to sit on at least one (ideally two) committees, which meet up to four times a year
• Strategy Day: An annual planning day is held each September
• Time commitment: Attendance at Board/committee meetings, preparation time, informal engagement with the team, and attendance at key events

Board meetings take place in person. All committee meetings take place online. Reasonable expenses can be claimed in accordance with our trustee expenses policy.

Trustee induction and ongoing training are provided, and we encourage and support the continued development of our Board members.

Board Diversity

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the children and communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring lived experience and perspectives that are currently underrepresented on our Board. We believe that diverse leadership strengthens our decision-making and helps us better serve our mission.

Vice-Chair (Optional Additional Opportunity)

In addition to this role, we’re looking to appoint a Vice-Chair (or two Co-Vice Chairs). If you are interested in taking on this role alongside a trustee position, please state this in your application. A full Vice-Chair role profile can be emailed upon request.

Ready to apply?

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to Meika Young, Executive Assistant on meikayoung@wonderseekers.charity. We are operating a rolling deadline – please apply as soon as possible.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to this application process please do not hesitate to get in touch. If you would like to arrange an informal conversation prior to submitting an application, please contact us using the details above.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you passionate about supporting children to live healthier and more sustainable lives?

The Role

Wonderseekers has a clear and important mission - to create a more equitable world where all children can treasure science and are equipped and empowered to improve lives and protect and heal our planet. Our strategy, For People and Planet 2030, sets out a clear vision for Wonderseekers and the outcomes we aim to influence for children and nature. While our impact is already significant, we know that, through the delivery of this ambitious strategy and masterplan, we can achieve even more.

If you share our values, ambition and commitment to our charity’s mission, we would love to hear from you.

We value diversity on our Board of Trustees and the unique contributions each trustee brings through their lived, loved, laboured and learned experiences. In addition to ensuring the Board has the key skills needed to effectively govern the charity, we aim to reflect the communities we serve across all levels of the organisation.

Our Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and governance to ensure Wonderseekers delivers on its mission, always aligned with Our Promise to Children and our regulatory obligations.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity. As a trustee, you will help shape our strategic direction, oversee the financial sustainability of our charity, influence future projects, and support good risk management. You will bring your financial expertise to advise the Executive Team and play a key role in setting the charity’s long-term future.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee of Wonderseekers - we look forward to receiving your application.

What We’re Looking For

General Responsibilities (All Trustees):

• Engage effectively and constructively in Board and Committee discussions
• Develop strong working relationships with fellow trustees and the executive team to constructively challenge and support our work
• Understand the voluntary sector and the legal responsibilities of a trustee, including risk management and safeguarding
• Think creatively and innovatively - Wonderseekers is a forward-thinking organisation and we value ambitious thinking
• Commit time to the charity by attending meetings, reviewing papers, and engaging with the team as needed
• Analyse proposals and assess their impact on our mission and operations
• Be passionate about using science to inspire children to live healthier, more sustainable lives and build a better world

Specific Responsibilities – Development Trustee:

We are particularly seeking a trustee with experience in strategic development, income generation and fundraising ideally within the charity sector. In this role, you will:

• Work closely with the Board and Executive Team to maintain strategic oversight of Wonderseekers' forward plans, major initiatives and campaigns.
• Guide and advise trustees on building external relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders to increase the visibility and credibility of Wonderseekers
• Support the Development Team in developing and evolving strategies to identify and cultivate new fundraising opportunities, including individual giving, grants, trusts, and corporate partnerships
• Help shape and review strategies for income generation, sponsorship, and donor stewardship
• Contribute insight and strategic thinking to our work in public relations, communications, and marketing
• Champion Wonderseekers’ mission and work to connect new supporters with our vision
• Serve and Chair the Fundraising Committee, and contribute to other strategic working groups where appropriate

We welcome candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Fundraising strategy and donor engagement
• Charity or museum development
• Marketing and communications
• Public relations and brand visibility
• Partnership building and stakeholder engagement

Trustee Requirements

In addition to your specific expertise, all trustees should:

• Be committed to the purpose, values, and objectives of the charity
• Be constructive and respectful of other trustees’ and staff members’ contributions
• Act reasonably and responsibly in carrying out duties
• Maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues
• Understand the importance of meetings and be prepared and present
• Analyse information effectively and constructively challenge when necessary
• Participate in collective decisions and support agreed-upon outcomes

Trustee Arrangements

Wonderseekers is governed by a Board of up to 12 trustees who share collective responsibility for the charity’s strategy and governance. Trustee roles are voluntary. Once elected, trustees can serve a maximum of three terms of three years each.

• Board meetings: Held quarterly (January, April, July, and November), with a mix of day and evening sessions
• Committees: Trustees are expected to sit on at least one (ideally two) committees, which meet up to four times a year
• Strategy Day: An annual planning day is held each September
• Time commitment: Attendance at Board/committee meetings, preparation time, informal engagement with the team, and attendance at key events

Board meetings take place in person. All committee meetings take place online. Reasonable expenses can be claimed in accordance with our trustee expenses policy.

Trustee induction and ongoing training are provided, and we encourage and support the continued development of our Board members.

Board Diversity

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the children and communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring lived experience and perspectives that are currently underrepresented on our Board. We believe that diverse leadership strengthens our decision-making and helps us better serve our mission.

Vice-Chair (Optional Additional Opportunity)

In addition to this role, we’re looking to appoint a Vice-Chair (or two Co-Vice Chairs). If you are interested in taking on this role alongside a trustee position, please state this in your application. A full Vice-Chair role profile can be emailed upon request.

Ready to apply?

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to Meika Young, Executive Assistant on  meikayoung@wonderseekers.charity. We are operating a rolling deadline – please apply as soon as possible.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to this application process please do not hesitate to get in touch. If you would like to arrange an informal conversation prior to submitting an application, please contact us using the details above.

We will organise interviews on a rolling basis. The panel will include existing Trustees and the CEO, and candidates will also have the opportunity to meet the leadership team and some staff. There will be an induction session for the successful new Trustee.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Job details

Work Pattern: 20–26 hours per week, worked across 4–5 days, typically weekdays during core office hours. For example, this could look like 9:30am–2:30pm over 5 days, or 9am–3pm for 3 days and 9am–1pm for 2 days. We’re flexible for the right candidate, and exact hours can be discussed at interview. Please let us know your preferred working pattern on your application form.

Salary: Pro-rata based on £25,298 per annum 1 FTE. E.g. 26 hours per week is 0.69 FTE – Salary £17,456.

Contract: Permanent

Line manager: Office Manager

Holiday: Pro-rata based on 25 days per annum plus bank holidays FTE. Option to buy/sell some leave and gain additional days for continuous service after four years. Bank holiday working required.

Location: Between Winchester Science Centre and Wonderseekers HQ, Eastleigh. Onsite presence is essential for the majority of this role, with remote working possible for 1 day per week when working 5 days - this must remain flexible with some weeks full onsite presence being required.

Benefits: Cash health scheme, life assurance, buy/sell annual leave, long service holiday bonus, café and shop discount, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, free tickets to WSC and partner attractions, family friendly leave, wellbeing policy, mental health first aiders, cycle to work scheme, financial loans, flexible IT, casual dress, staff events, enhanced pension contribution, inflationary pay rise subject to charity performance and more.

Deadline: We're operating a rolling deadline for this position and actively shortlisting, so don’t wait! Apply as soon as you can, and we’ll be in touch.

The Role

We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented, and customer-focused Business Administrator to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role supports the smooth operation of our organisation by combining front-line customer service with essential administrative and operational support. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within the Business Administration team and with other departments to ensure a high-quality experience for all visitors and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for general enquiries via phone, email, and in person.
• Manage end-to-end bookings for school visits, outreach programmes (ECO), sleepovers, badge nights, and special events.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring all communications are clear, accurate, and empathetic.
• Collaborate effectively as a key member of the Business Administration team, contributing to shared goals with a proactive, communicative, and team-oriented approach - welcoming feedback, avoiding siloed working, and ensuring smooth, efficient processes at all times.
• Support the development and maintenance of business process documentation, actively contributing to the creation of new procedures and ensuring all documents remain accurate, relevant, and up to date.
• Ensure consistent and professional communication by adhering to standardised templates for emails, letters, and other correspondence, promoting clarity and alignment across all business administration activities.
• Coordinate teacher preview sessions and manage post-visit follow-ups.
• Liaise with schools and groups to accommodate SEND requirements and ensure accessibility.
• Maintain up-to-date shared calendars and booking systems to reflect organisational activities and staffing needs.
• Assist the leadership team and Officers with regular project based administrative tasks, as assigned by the Office Manager.
• Ensure smooth office operations, including stock control and implementation of sustainability practices.
• Maintain accurate financial records, including purchase orders, invoices, and purchasing card reconciliations.
• Assist in tracking department KPIs, budgets and evaluation data to support reporting.
• Provide general office administration support, including managing supplies, coordinating equipment and facilities needs, and ensuring the office environment is well-maintained and efficient.
• Coordinate the distribution of staff lanyards and uniforms.
• Perform general administrative tasks such as data entry, photocopying, and scanning or any other such tasks as reasonably required.
• Regular data entry and updating of CRM, website and other data management systems.
• Provide hands-on support for other teams during busy periods, including café/shop service and basic food preparation.
• Assisting with customer facing tasks including school shopping, service on customer admission etc.
• Trained first aider - Provide immediate first aid assistance to visitors and staff, ensuring prompt and effective response to accidents, injuries, or medical emergencies until professional medical help is available.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in a busy administrative or customer service role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively under pressure.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative team player.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.
• Willingness to support across departments and adapt to changing priorities.

Additional Information

• The post-holder will be subject to a basic DBS check.
• Flexibility to support events or operational needs outside of standard hours may be required.

Ready to apply?

When you are ready to apply, please submit your application through our recruitment portal. No recruitment agencies, thank you. 

You will be asked to submit your contact details and answer a few questions so we can get to know you. Please keep your responses concise, this is your opportunity to really stand out. After answering these questions, please upload your cover letter and CV.

Need information in a different format or would like to apply in an alternative way? Just get in touch with hr@wonderseekers.charity or by calling our HR team on 07483 371391.

No recruitment agencies, thank you.

Join Wonderseekers, the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre as our Visitor Operations Manager and help inspire the next generation of science lovers!

Job details

Work Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Worked across 5 in 7 days on a rota basis but will include frequent weekend shifts, bank holidays, and evenings. We are open to discussing flexible working

Salary: £30,000-£33,000 (37.5 hours per week, 1 FTE). Salary pro-rata'd depending on agreed hours.

Contract: Permanent

Line manager: Head of Visitor Operations

Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays. Option to buy/sell some leave and gain additional days for continuous service after four years. Bank holiday working required.

Location: Usually Winchester Science Centre with occasional working required at Wonderseekers HQ, Eastleigh. Onsite presence is essential for the majority of this role.

Benefits: Cash health scheme, life assurance, buy/sell annual leave, long service holiday bonus, café and shop discount, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, free tickets to WSC and partner attractions, family friendly leave, wellbeing policy, mental health first aiders, cycle to work scheme, financial loans, flexible IT, casual dress, staff events, enhanced pension contribution, inflationary pay rise subject to charity performance and more.

Closing Date: Wednesday 28th January 2026 Please note, we’ll accept applications until the closing date, but we may start interviewing earlier - so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Interviews:

Our interview process is designed to be relaxed and informative, and will include an in-person interview, tour and a brief task. Depending on the number of applicants, we may also arrange an informal Teams call prior to meeting in person. We look forward to getting to know candidates through a two-way process, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about us and what it’s like to work at Wonderseekers.

About our Charity

Wonderseekers (the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre) strives to engage all children with science so they can live happier, healthier and more sustainable lives and contribute to improving life on Earth. The Charity runs Winchester Science Centre - a vibrant, hands-on experience for young children. Promising an exciting day out for families, with curriculum-linked trips for schools and an evening events programme, the Science Centre welcomes over 170,000 visitors every year. Through our magnificent planetarium and live science experiences, science is brought to life in imaginative, fun and accessible ways that means everyone is included.

The Role

To lead the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused and commercially sustainable experience for all visitors, guests and users of Winchester Science Centre. From ticket purchase to departure, the Visitor Operations Manager ensures that every touchpoint is welcoming, accessible, efficient and inspiring, supporting Wonderseekers’ charitable mission to spark curiosity in science and nature.

The role combines operational leadership, team management, customer service excellence, and responsibility for ticketing systems, visitor reporting and insight. As part of the Commercial Operations team, the Visitor Operations Manager plays a key role in ensuring that the Science Centre is data-led in understanding and improving the visitor journey across all activity on site — from general admission days to special events and experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as part of the Duty Manager team, taking lead responsibility for operational delivery of all activity on site (general admission, schools, groups, planetarium shows, special events, private hires and evening programmes) including troubleshooting incidents, complaints, accidents and emergencies.
• Ensure the site is always clean, safe, accessible and well-presented, working closely with Estates and external contractors as needed.
• Lead daily operational briefings and deploy staff dynamically in response to visitor demand, events and challenges.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Science Centre’s offer, ensuring staff and visitors receive accurate information and a seamless experience.
• Monitor and uphold visitor experience standards, resolve escalated complaints, and role-model excellent customer care that is inclusive and accessible.
• Take lead responsibility for the ticketing system, including event set-up, pricing, allocations, memberships, group bookings and promotions, working with Marketing & Audiences to ensure campaigns and events are correctly configured.
• Generate and share regular data and insight reports (ticketing, sales, visitor surveys, feedback, benchmarking), identifying trends and supporting operational and strategic decision-making.
• Line manage the Visitor Operations team, providing recruitment, induction, training, regular reviews and constructive performance management.
• Design rotas and schedules that balance operational coverage, staff wellbeing and budget efficiency, ensuring payroll and absence records are accurate.
• Champion team culture through regular engagement opportunities, coaching, and recognition, embedding inclusivity and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Food and Beverage Manager and Retail Manager to ensure a joined-up commercial and visitor experience across all touchpoints.
• Work closely across departments to integrate visitor-facing teams into wider organisational projects.
• Lead and deliver special projects that improve operational efficiency, resilience or visitor impact.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience leading visitor or customer operations within a visitor attraction, cultural venue or hospitality environment, with responsibility for service delivery, team performance and commercial outcomes.
• Track record of developing and implementing visitor experience strategies and processes that improve satisfaction, efficiency and profitability.
• Strong leadership and people management experience, including recruitment, training, performance development and wellbeing support for a large, rota-based team.
• Demonstrable ability to use data, insight and visitor feedback to inform decisions, measure impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience managing budgets and staffing models, ensuring effective deployment, cost control and alignment with business targets.
• Proven success in cross-departmental collaboration, working with marketing, retail, catering and estates teams to deliver an integrated visitor journey.
• Sound understanding of operational risk, health and safety, safeguarding and accessibility, with confidence to lead compliance and emergency response on site.
• A proactive and strategic thinker, able to balance day-to-day operational priorities with long-term organisational goals, championing innovation and continuous improvement.

Personal Attributes

• Calm, resilient and decisive under pressure.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail.
• Collaborative and approachable, with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional visitor experiences and customer care.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a proactive problem-solving approach.

Additional Information

• The post-holder will be subject to a basic DBS check.
• Flexibility to support events or operational needs outside of standard hours will be required.

Ready to Apply?

Click here to visit our recruitment webpage. When you’re ready, please submit your application through our recruitment portal here for this vacancy. 

You’ll be asked to share your contact details and answer a few short questions so we can get to know you better. Keep your responses clear and concise - this is your chance to really shine! After that, you’ll upload your cover letter and CV.

We’re always happy to chat about the role before you apply - just reach out using the details below.

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We want to make sure the process works for you.

Job Details

Work Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Worked across 5 in 7 days on a rota basis but will include a mixture of office hours, and evening/weekend work in line with the needs of the programme. We are open to discussing flexible working

Salary: £30,000–£33,000 per annum (FTE, dependent on experience)

Contract: Permanent

Line manager: Head of Programming

Responsible for: Inspirers

Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays FTE. Option to buy/sell some leave and gain additional days for continuous service after four years. Bank holiday working required.

Location: Usually Winchester Science Centre with occasional working required at Wonderseekers HQ, Eastleigh. Onsite presence is essential for the majority of this role.

Benefits: Cash health scheme, life assurance, buy/sell annual leave, long service holiday bonus, café and shop discount, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, free tickets to WSC and partner attractions, family friendly leave, wellbeing policy, mental health first aiders, cycle to work scheme, financial loans, flexible IT, casual dress, staff events, enhanced pension contribution, inflationary pay rise subject to charity performance and more.

Closing Date: Wednesday 28th January 2026 Please note, we’ll accept applications until the closing date, but we may start interviewing earlier - so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Interviews:

Our interview process is designed to be relaxed and informative, and will include an in-person interview, tour and a brief task. Depending on the number of applicants, we may also arrange an informal Teams call prior to meeting in person. We look forward to getting to know candidates through a two-way process, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about us and what it’s like to work at Wonderseekers.

About our Charity

Wonderseekers (the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre) strives to engage all children with science so they can live happier, healthier and more sustainable lives and contribute to improving life on Earth. The Charity runs Winchester Science Centre - a vibrant, hands-on experience for young children. Promising an exciting day out for families, with curriculum-linked trips for schools and an evening events programme, the Science Centre welcomes over 170,000 visitors every year. Through our magnificent planetarium and live science experiences, science is brought to life in imaginative, fun and accessible ways that means everyone is included.

The Role

The Creative Programme Producer is a dynamic and imaginative individual who brings projects from concept to delivery with creative flair and precision. Responsible for a portfolio of events, live demonstrations, exhibitions, and content strands, the role will inspire, entertain, and connect with audiences, particularly children and families.

The Creative Programme Producer plays a key role in embedding new exhibitions and spaces into the public programme, ensuring they deliver their intended objectives and remain fresh, engaging, and commercially effective. The role works closely with the Creative Learning Producer, Planetarium Officer, Business Development Officer, ECO team, and Children’s Voice steering group to ensure joined-up, inclusive, and child-centred programming across all areas of the visitor offer.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Creative Design

• Design and deliver the creative vision of the public programme, ensuring all content is bold, imaginative, and of consistently high quality.
• Develop and produce shows, exhibitions, events, and digital content that align with organisational strategy.
• Seek out, negotiate with, contract, and collaborate with creatives, performers, and scientists to deliver innovative experiences.
• Support the transition of new exhibitions and capital projects into the live programme, embedding them into the visitor offer and sustaining long-term engagement.
• Work with the Children’s Voice steering group to test ideas, shape activities, and ensure young people’s perspectives are central to programming.
• Collaborate with the ECO team to ensure accessibility and inclusion are embedded across all activities, and that Inspirers are equipped and supported to deliver successfully.

Project & Production Management

• Lead projects from start to finish, managing planning, resourcing, scheduling, and delivery.
• Provide production oversight, ensuring technical, logistical, and creative elements are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.
• Collaborate with the Visitor Experience team to ensure seamless delivery and excellent visitor journeys.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, licensing, copyright, and accessibility standards.

Audiences & Collaboration

• Use insight and evaluation to shape public programmes that respond to audience needs.
• Collaborate with the Creative Learning Producer to integrate science engagement and educational value into public-facing content.
• Work alongside the Planetarium Officer and Business Development Officer to deliver integrated programming across exhibitions, planetarium shows, learning offers, and events.
• Embed insights from Children’s Voice into evaluation cycles, ensuring their perspectives inform decision-making.

Finance, Evaluation & Growth

• Manage project budgets, ensuring effective and responsible use of resources.
• Identify opportunities and partnerships that deliver both mission and commercial value.
• Use data, evaluation, and feedback to evidence impact and inform future planning.

Leadership & Team Development

• Line manage the Inspirer team, setting objectives, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, fostering creativity, collaboration, and accountability.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience producing or leading multidisciplinary creative projects from concept to delivery, working with artists, producers, makers and other practitioners to design and deliver innovative audience experiences.
• Proven experience programming or curating artistic or cultural content in an arts, culture, or visitor attraction setting, with a focus on creative collaboration.
• Experience commissioning new creative work, including developing briefs, selecting collaborators, negotiating fees and managing rights and licensing agreements.
• Proven ability to manage creative teams and contractors across multiple disciplines such as performance, installation, digital media and design.
• Experience negotiating and contracting with artists, producers, and external partners to ensure clarity of scope, deliverables and intellectual property ownership.
• Strong understanding of audience development, inclusivity and accessible programming, grounded in cultural best practice.
• Project management experience that ensures creative, technical and operational partners deliver their elements on time and within budget.
• Knowledge of production processes including staging, AV, installation and technical theatre practice, with the ability to translate creative intent into practical delivery.
• Budget management and financial reporting experience within creative or cultural projects.
• Excellent collaboration, communication and stakeholder management skills, particularly across creative and operational teams.
• Line management or leadership experience, including supporting creative freelancers and emerging practitioners.
• Deep commitment to creativity, culture and child-centred engagement, with an understanding of the role of art and culture in inspiring curiosity.

Desirable

• Experience embedding learning or science content in public programmes.
• Experience of fundraising, sponsorship, or partnership development.
• Experience with digital or hybrid programme delivery.

Additional Information

• The post-holder will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• Flexibility to support events or operational needs outside of standard hours may be required.

Ready to Apply?

Click here to visit our recruitment webpage. When you’re ready, please submit your application through our recruitment portal here for this vacancy.

You’ll be asked to share your contact details and answer a few short questions so we can get to know you better. Keep your responses clear and concise - this is your chance to really shine! After that, you’ll upload your cover letter and CV.

We’re always happy to chat about the role before you apply - just reach out using the details below.

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We want to make sure the process works for you.

Join Wonderseekers, the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre as our Visitor Operations Supervisor and help inspire the next generation of science lovers!

Job Details

Work Pattern: 35 hours per week. Worked across 5 in 7 days on a rota basis but will include frequent evenings, weekends and bank holidays. We are open to discussing flexible working

Salary: £26,681.20 per annum (35 hours per week, 0.93 FTE). Based on a full-time equivalent of £28,587 per annum. Salary pro-rata'd depending on agreed hours.

Contract: Permanent

Line manager: Visitor Operations Manager

Holiday: Pro-rata based on 25 days per annum plus bank holidays FTE. Option to buy/sell some leave and gain additional days for continuous service after four years. Bank holiday working required.

Location: Winchester Science Centre. Onsite presence is essential for this role.

Benefits: Cash health scheme, life assurance, buy/sell annual leave, long service holiday bonus, café and shop discount, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, free tickets to WSC and partner attractions, family friendly leave, wellbeing policy, mental health first aiders, cycle to work scheme, financial loans, flexible IT, casual dress, staff events, enhanced pension contribution, inflationary pay rise subject to charity performance and more.

Closing Date: Wednesday 28th January 2026 Please note, we’ll accept applications until the closing date, but we may start interviewing earlier - so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Interviews:

Our interview process is designed to be relaxed and informative, and will include an in-person interview, tour and a brief task. Depending on the number of applicants, we may also arrange an informal Teams call prior to meeting in person. We look forward to getting to know candidates through a two-way process, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about us and what it’s like to work at Wonderseekers.

About our Charity

Wonderseekers (the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre) strives to engage all children with science so they can live happier, healthier and more sustainable lives and contribute to improving life on Earth. The Charity runs Winchester Science Centre - a vibrant, hands-on experience for young children. Promising an exciting day out for families, with curriculum-linked trips for schools and an evening events programme, the Science Centre welcomes over 170,000 visitors every year. Through our magnificent planetarium and live science experiences, science is brought to life in imaginative, fun and accessible ways that means everyone is included.

The Role

As Visitor Operations Supervisor you will lead from the front to deliver exceptional visitor service across everything that happens at Winchester Science Centre, including public days, school visits, evening programmes, private hires and special events.

You will be the day to day lead for the Visitor Operations team, ensuring our staff are motivated, well briefed and supported to deliver an excellent experience for all our visitors.

You will work closely with the Visitor Operations Manager, Retail Manager and Food and Beverage Manager to create a seamless visitor journey across all areas of the site. The duty manager will hold the overall site responsibility while you lead the Visitor Experience team to deliver their plans effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Visitor Operations team on shift, allocating roles, setting the tone and ensuring delivery of the Duty Manager’s daily briefing
• Reinforce the Duty Manager’s briefing to ensure all Visitor Operations Assistants understand the day’s plan, show times, access needs and priorities
• Provide visible leadership on the floor, directing the team to take ownership of their areas and tasks rather than stepping in to do everything personally
• Maintain a strong presence across the exhibition floor, ensuring staff are positioned effectively, actively engaging visitors and managing queues
• Monitor team performance and energy throughout the day, giving clear, constructive feedback and support to maintain high standards
• Maintain presentation, cleanliness and signage standards across public spaces, escalating issues promptly to Estates or the Duty Manager
• Handle first line visitor queries and complaints with empathy and professionalism, escalating significant issues as needed
• Support safe opening, daily checks and secure close down procedures under the Duty Manager’s direction
• Act as Duty Manager for small-scale events (typically under 250 visitors), including opening and closure of Winchester Science Centre, taking responsibility for the safe and smooth operation of the site, coordinating teams across Visitor Experience, Retail and Food & Beverage, and ensuring excellent guest service throughout.
• Carry out safety and accessibility checks in visitor areas, reporting hazards and incidents in line with procedures
• Ensure smooth ticketing and entry processes, including event and planetarium set ups, capacity checks and late changes
• Support the Duty Manager by providing accurate and timely information for the Daily Report, including visitor feedback, incidents, maintenance issues and team updates
• Encourage upselling of memberships, Gift Aid and add ons, sharing daily performance insights with the Visitor Operations Manager
• Manage breaks and deployment within the Visitor Operations team to balance service quality and budget efficiency
• Provide coaching and support for new starters, building confidence, consistency and a positive team culture
• Champion accessibility and inclusion, anticipating visitor needs and removing barriers
• Keep accurate records of incidents, near misses, lost property and maintenance issues
• Liaise with Retail and Food and Beverage colleagues to coordinate queues, visitor flows and service peaks
• Contribute ideas for continuous improvement and support projects that enhance the visitor experience

Person Specification

Essential

• Supervisory experience in a busy customer-facing environment such as a visitor attraction, leisure, heritage or hospitality venue.
• Confidence leading teams on the floor, staying calm under pressure and making good decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and support diverse teams.
• Strong customer service skills with experience resolving complaints and delivering memorable experiences.
• Familiarity with ticketing and/or EPOS systems and the ability to complete simple shift or incident reports.
• Understanding of health and safety, safeguarding and accessibility responsibilities. First aid and fire warden training provided if needed.
• Reliable and organised, able to manage rotas, breaks and shift priorities effectively.
• Positive attitude, approachable style and a genuine enthusiasm for creating great visitor experiences.

Desirable

• Experience supervising or supporting events, private hires or evening programmes.
• Knowledge of museum, attraction or theatre operations and visitor flow management.
• Experience with stock management, cash handling and reconciliation processes.
• Awareness of sustainability and environmental good practice in visitor settings.
• Basic training or qualifications in customer service, first aid or health and safety.

Additional Information

• The post-holder will be subject to a basic DBS check.
• Flexibility to support events or operational needs outside of standard hours may be required.

Ready to Apply?

Click here to visit our recruitment webpage. When you’re ready, please submit your application through our recruitment portal here for this vacancy. 

You’ll be asked to share your contact details and answer a few short questions so we can get to know you better. Keep your responses clear and concise - this is your chance to really shine! After that, you’ll upload your cover letter and CV.

We’re always happy to chat about the role before you apply - just reach out using the details below.

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We want to make sure the process works for you.