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

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.

• 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.

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.
• Familiarity with workforce management and time & attendance systems
• Competent in Microsoft Office and HR systems.

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan
• A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help…