What does this role entail?
The Santa Express experience is a long-established attraction at Longleat. The train departs from the Longleat railway station in the Main Square and travels past half mile lake and through the tunnel. The highlight of the journey is the arrival at Santa’s snowy Grotto, deep in the forest. A Special Elf greets every train and escorts the guests up to the Grotto, where Santa greets all families and hands out presents to all those on the nice list.
Key duties will include:
There will be a number of different positions that you will rotate into throughout the day, including;
1. Greeting families as they arrive at the Grotto leading them up to where Santa is awaiting them.
2. Entertaining the families whilst they wait for their turn to go in and visit Santa.
3. Assisting Santa inside the Grotto room and controlling the flow of families going into visit Santa.
4. Handing out a present to every child.
5. Preparing the presents for booked sessions, ensuring there is a present for all children booked on.
6. Ensuring the next trains boxes of presents are on the shelves ready for the arrival of the train to the Grotto.
7. To fully engage with all guests throughout the duration of their visit to the Grotto and have the ability to appropriately ad-lib and respond to individual guest’s questions and comments, ensuring their experience is a magical one and to provide a Guest focused service at all times ensuring that all work is completed to the highest standards of the brand.
8. Represent the Company at all times by being smart in appearance and presentable whilst behaving in an appropriate manner in line with our cultural values.
9. To fully support the Grotto Team Leader in all aspects of the Grotto Operation, including helping with the preparation of presents and the whole grotto area ready for daily operation.
About you
10. Previous experience in customer service environment
11. Due to the daily schedule of trains, you must have strong time keeping skills and be confident in sticking to a tight time schedule.
12. Able to work on a rota basis including weekends as required
13. Can demonstrate team working skills
14. Strong interpersonal skills
15. Outgoing and enthusiastic personality
16. Ideally you will have previous experience in similar role.
A little about us
At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.
With a core business welcoming around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Our values
We believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.
Why join the Longleat team?
In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats during your lunch break.
You will receive attractive benefits that include:
17. 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 31 days at 5 years’ service.
18. Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
19. Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
20. 50% off Membership for Friends and Family
21. Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
22. Discounts on VIP Experiences and Accommodation
23. Discretionary bonus scheme
24. Employee Assistant Programme
25. Employer contributory pension scheme
26. Life assurance scheme
27. Perks at work
28. Range of flexible working schemes
29. Great progression opportunities available.
Your contract
This is a fixed term contract ending from 27th October 2025 and ending 24th December 2025, with working hours to vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required. The earliest start time is 8am, and the latest finish time is 8pm, varying in accordance with opening times.
Sounds great! How do I apply?
If you are interested in this role, please apply online. Interviews may take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if enough suitable applicants are received.
No Agency Please.