Retreat Venue Manager

Contract:
37.5 hours per week, permanent,

5 days out of 7, including a minimum of one weekend day per week

We are looking for a well-organised, experienced and flexible person to join our team. We are a registered charity caring for the historic Grade 1 listed Sharpham House and Estate on the banks of the River Dart near to Totnes. At the heart of the Sharpham Trust ethos is our desire to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally sustainable world.

We connect people with nature and foster mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats,mindfulness courses, public events,outdoor learningandthe arts.

This management team role is vital to the effective and smooth running of the organisation. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of our retreat venues including Sharpham House, the Coach House, our seasonal campsite and holiday lets. Managing a team of house assistants and cooks and supported by two Assistant Managers, you will help ensure that all guests are well looked after and have a comfortable and rewarding experience during their stay  role will include liaising with staff and leaders from our own retreats, as well as those from external hire groups.

You will be responsible for staff rotas, record keeping, responding to enquiries, venue show rounds, overseeing catering staff, implementing Health & Safety, ordering provisions, monitoring costs and ensuring the smooth turnover of the venues on changeover days. The role will also be involved in the delivery of the limited number of weddings we host annually. The retreats and hires are planned and delivered by other members of the team and our freelance leaders.

The Manager will line manage and be supported by two part‑time Assistant Managers (3 days pw each) as well as various members of the Trust Staff team who are responsible for: programming, finance, marketing, bookings, health and safety, property management, gardening and catering. The overall Trust is governed by a board of volunteer Trustees who set the overall direction and strategy.

This is a varied role, within a small team, in an organisation that has seen significant growth in the last few years.

This is a role for someone with relevant hospitality experience who is well organised with excellent communication skills and the ability to work on their own initiative, as part of a small team. We are looking for someone who understands that hospitality at Sharpham is about creating a welcoming, caring and grounded environment in which people can rest, connect and participate in our programmes.

You will have previous experience in a management role and be able to manage multiple priorities and always achieve high standards. Alignment with the Trusts values and an interest our charitable work and mindfulness would also be an advantage. Staff are able to access the Trust’s programme of courses and retreats and employer’s pension scheme.

For this role you will need to be able to travel to Sharpham House which is not served by public transport.

9am Wednesday 14th October 2026

Monday 19th October 2026

Please see our website for further information.

The day-to-day operation of our venues is being integrated and will be overseen by the Retreat Venue Manager, supported by the two Assistant Managers, with the aim that one of them is onsite most days. This will enable more consistency, efficient staffing, integrated management and cost control. There is a core team of contracted housekeepers and cooks supplemented by casual staff when required.

The Main House is a Georgian mansion dating from 1765 which now operates as a mindfulness retreat centre. There are 24…