Experience Development Manager

The Dockyard; Chatham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A heritage site in Chatham is seeking an Experience Development Manager to oversee the creation of visitor-focused products and experiences. The role involves leading events, ensuring high-quality visitor experiences, and collaborating with teams to enhance growth in visitor engagement. Candidates should have a passion for heritage and experience in strategic roles. The position offers a salary between £35,000 and £39,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Experienced and strategically-minded professional with a passion for heritage and visitor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead flagship events and experiences for visitors.
• Co-lead a large staff group to ensure a cohesive visitor experience.
• Support the sustainable operation of the museum and preservation of heritage.
• Drive growth in visitor engagement and commercial income.
• Collaborate with teams to align products with strategic objectives.

Job description

Position

Experience Development Manager (EDM). Salary: £35,000 - £39,000 per annum, depends on experience.

About the Site

The Historic Dockyard Chatham, the best preserved Georgian dockyard, is the world’s most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail. Today it is a mixed‑use heritage estate delivering outstanding preservation, an award‑winning independent museum, commercial estate, higher education campus, leading film location and residential community.

Role Overview

The EDM will oversee the development and delivery of high‑quality, visitor‑focused products and experiences across the historic site, contributing to sustainable museum operation, preservation of our heritage buildings and ships, and growth in visitor engagement and commercial income.

Responsibilities

• Lead flagship events and experiences (family activities, Call the Midwife Official Location Tour, Mission Christmas, Armed Forces Day).
  
• Co‑lead one of CHDT’s largest staff groups together with the Visitor Operations Manager to ensure a high‑quality, safe, cohesive visitor experience.
  
• Support the sustainable operation of the museum and preservation of the Trust’s heritage buildings and ships.
  
• Drive growth in visitor engagement and commercial income.
  
• Collaborate with the Commercial and Operations team to align products with strategic objectives.

About You

We seek an experienced and strategically‑mindful professional with a passion for heritage and visitor engagement.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the online form and attach a copy of your CV by 5 pm on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Interviews will take place on 11 Dec (with second‑stage in w/c 15 Dec).

Recruitment

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

The Fitted Rigging House

The Historic Dockyard

Chatham

Kent

ME4 4TZ

Please note, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to contact all unsuccessful candidates.

Equal Opportunities

As part of our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we aim to ensure a balance of representation and lived experience across our teams. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds.