Shepherd's huts and afternoon teas planned as Wentworth Woodhouse launches recruitment drive to fill new management jobs

Despite a lockdown-affected year, the Trust, which has owned the Grade I-listed stately home near Rotherham since 2017, is pressing ahead with a recruitment drive that will enable the masterplan for the house and grounds to be fulfilled.

Senior management are seeking four highly-skilled professionals to oversee the next phase of the attraction's expansion as more areas of the house and gardens become accessible to the public.

There are now 52 paid employees of the Trust supported by a large volunteer force.

Three entirely new roles are being created - a head of hospitality, a digital programmes manager and a fundraising manager - while the outgoing events manager is being replaced.

The Trust's grant from the government's Cultural Recovery Fund for pandemic-hit organisations will fund the positions initially.

The head of hospitality will be in charge of developing the food and drink offer at Wentworth by adding new indoor and outdoor catering areas, introducing a 'high-class' afternoon tea experience and shepherd's huts for dining, and overseeing the transformation of the derelict Camellia House into a new garden cafe.

The digital programmes manager will lead efforts to offer a modern visitor experience by expanding the house's online presence and interactive activities.

The events manager will develop the annual events programme, and the fundraising manager will help to secure grants and donations.

Trust CEO Sarah McLeod said: “The people we appoint are key to the sustainability of Wentworth Woodhouse.

“Prior to Covid-19, the business was growing rapidly and will do again. It is an exciting time to play a significant part in transforming our business model over the next few years.

“We are jumping head first into the digital age and expanding the experiences we offer our visitors and our online presence."

Apply at https://wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk/supportus/join-us/