Staffing & Training Manager

Job Description

• Job Title: Staffing & Training Manager
• Location: Edinburgh Zoo 134 Corstorphine Road EH12 6TS and Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Arboretum Place EH3 5NZ
• £34,000 Salary
• 40 Hours / 5days over 7days

The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role.

Job Introduction

We’re seeking a dynamic Staffing & Training Manager to oversee workforce planning and lead the design and delivery of training for our vibrant food and beverage operations at Edinburgh.

In this role, you’ll make sure we have the right people in the right place at the right time and that every member of our team is set up to succeed. From scheduling and onsite staff check-ins to designing training programmes that close skills gaps and support professional development, you’ll ensure our people are confident, compliant, and engaged.

You’ll also lead initiatives that improve employee retention, career growth, and customer service standards, making a real impact on both our teams and the experiences we deliver to guests.

If you have a passion for people development, a background in training or staffing, and the drive to thrive in a busy events and hospitality environment, we’d love to hear from you.

What You'll Do:

• Lead workforce planning and staff allocation across Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Botanic Gardens, ensuring the right mix of casual and salaried employees.
• Forecast staffing requirements for seasonal peaks, events and business growth, while managing staffing and training budgets effectively.
• Oversee staff rotas, workforce management systems, weekly payroll processing and reporting on staffing costs and performance metrics.
• Develop and deliver recruitment plans for casual roles, including assessment centres, early careers initiatives and talent-pipeline partnerships.
• Manage compliant and engaging onboarding and induction programmes, ensuring new employees are fully prepared for their roles.
• Own the annual training calendar and design, deliver and evaluate operational, compliance and skills-based training.
• Identify workforce skills gaps and support professional development, succession planning, employee engagement, retention and career progression.
• Ensure all staffing, recruitment and training activities comply with employment legislation, health and safety, right-to-work, licensing and client requirements.

What You Bring:

Essential

• Experience in event or venue staffing, recruitment, and training design/delivery.
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements (health & safety, right-to-work)

Desirable

• Operational experience in hospitality, events, or visitor attractions. xwzovoh
• Familiarity with workforce management and time & attendance systems
• Competent in Microsoft Office and HR systems.