Vacancy – General Manager
Barnards Miniature Railway
Christabella Charitable Trust CIO
Salary: Competitive, with flexibility depending on experience and working arrangement.
A Unique Opportunity
Barnards Farm is home to Barnards Miniature Railway, set within beautiful gardens and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. It is owned by the Christabella Charitable Trust CIO.
We are now looking to recruit a practical, reliable, and hands-on General Manager to join our team in a varied and rewarding role supporting predominantly the Miniature Railway and also the wider Barnards Farm site.
This is not a typical job. It’s an opportunity to play a key role in the day-to-day running and future development of a unique visitor attraction.
About The Role
The role will combine operational railway duties, engineering and maintenance responsibilities, and general support for the wider activities of Barnards Farm. The successful candidate will be required to undertake all operational roles associated with the miniature railway and assist with the upkeep and presentation of the gardens and site.
As the successful candidate you will normally be required to work on both Thursdays and Sundays, which are key operational days at Barnards Miniature Railway. Around those key working days there is potential to adapt the remainder of the working week to include days which suit the candidate to make up the rest of the standard 40 hour working week. It may be possible to further adjust working hours to further suit the successful applicant if necessary.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake all operational roles on the miniature railway, including driving, signalling, ticket sales, and operational safety duties
- Support the engineering and maintenance of railway infrastructure, locomotives, rolling stock, and associated equipment
- Work closely with the Estate Manager to assist with the day-to-day running of Barnards Farm
- Assist with the maintenance and presentation of the gardens and surrounding areas
- Support public opening days, events, and visitor activities. In particular help with the future development of the site in order to expand and scale our operations.
- Work alongside and support volunteers, helping coordinate and rostering of volunteer staff
- Assist in maintaining health and safety procedures across the site
- Help ensure the safe and efficient operation of the railway and wider facilities
Full training in all areas of the role to be provided, although previous experience in at least some if not all of the areas would be beneficial. You will be required to be self-disciplined and carry out all tasks to a consistently high standard. You will be required to communicate with colleagues and customers in a polite and courteous manner at all times.
What We’re Looking For:
It’s a unique job and the successful candidate will no doubt grown into the role —but we are looking for the right attitude.
Essential:
- A practical, hands-on approach
- Reliable, self-motivated, and able to take responsibility
- Willingness to learn and develop personal knowledge and skills
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
- Strong teamwork and communication skills with practical experience in leading volunteers.
- Willingness to learn and take on a wide variety of tasks
- Proven leadership and management skills.
- Be able to problem solve and think creatively.
Desirable:
- Mechanical and/or engineering experience
- Interest in railways or heritage operations / Knowledge of railway operations.
- Grounds maintenance or horticultural skills
- Experience in a visitor attraction or similar environment
- Competent IT skills, ideally including Microsoft Office.
Why This Role Matters:
Barnards Miniature Railway is a major part of the charity’s work and a key income stream. This role will help the railway to:
- Operate more frequently
- Improve reliability and capacity
- Support our volunteers
- Maintain and look after our unique assets
You will be joining at an important time, helping to shape the future of Barnards Farm.
Interested?
We’d love to hear from you.
Please apply with a CV and a short covering statement explaining why you’re interested in the role and what you could bring to Barnards Miniature Railway