We are looking for candidates who can clearly demonstrate their suitability for this role. To be considered, please submit a covering letter and your CV. Applications without a covering letter will not be shortlisted, so take this opportunity to show us why you are the right fit!
We are looking for a customer focused Bus Driver to play a key role in delivering truly exceptional customer service across the Visitor journey here at the stunning location of Waddesdon Manor | A French Renaissance-style château. The Bus Driver is a positive and helpful individual who enjoys what they do, and is passionate about creating safe and memorable experience for our visitors. This role is a fixed-term position until 29 November 2026.
What you will do:
In this role, you will greet all visitors, ensuring that they have an enjoyable and safe journey on the shuttle bus, and offering assistance where required. The bus runs both to and from the Visitor Car Park, and you will announce the current and following location at each stop. Providing exceptional service is your primary responsibility at Waddesdon, so you will need to be friendly, efficient and proactive.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide a warm, friendly, helpful and efficient welcome to all visitors to Waddesdon Manor and to proudly represent us
- Drive one of our shuttle buses on the prescribed route throughout open hours
- Provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, including adhering to speed restrictions and driving within the agreed site regulations
- Complete the daily vehicle and safety checks to a high standard, including paperwork as required, and report any defects at the beginning of each shift
- Keep driver hours log up to date and ensure accuracy at all times
- Work alongside the Visitor Experience team to ensure that visitors’ needs are met
- Ensure effective communication between the bus drivers and efficient responsive service to the needs of visitors
- Keep the vehicles clean and tidy
- Provide clear and accurate information to our visitors
- Assist visitors with boarding and alighting as required, in particular visitors with mobility requirements and families with large equipment (pushchairs and buggies)
- Upsell and assist with the purchasing of on the day bus tickets using a card machine, keeping note of the figures to share with the Head of Security and Transport
- Report and take responsibility for any lost property and ensure this is logged and delivered to the Security Office
- Inform the Head of Security and Transport of all the road traffic accidents and near misses immediately as they occur
- Report any issues or grievances to the Head of Security and Transport at the first opportunity
You will be a great fit if:
You are a passionate and customer-focused individual who enjoys playing a key part in our Visitor’s journey around Waddesdon Manor. You enjoy helping people and have a genuine desire and ability to work in a front-line environment, ready to step in and support colleagues during busy periods. You must have a valid driving license carrying a minimum of D entitlement, with driver CPC complete and up to date.
Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role:
To help us select candidates for interview, we will be looking for evidence of the following experience and skills within your application:
- A driving licence carrying a minimum of D entitlement, with driver CPC complete and up to date
- Experience of working with members of the public, including providing excellent customer service
- Flexible approach and attitude and be prepared to be called upon at short notice when required (within reason)
- Smart and tidy appearance
- Excellent communication skills and a friendly and welcoming manner
Additional Requirements:
The safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults are of the utmost importance for any role at the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Manor. Consequently, this position may require a basic or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to uphold the safety and security of all our guests, staff and volunteers.
Rewards for working with us:
- We are proud of where we work and want to share Waddesdon Manor with family and friends by offering a number of complimentary tickets to the house and grounds.
- Waddesdon Manor Discounts – 50% discount in the food-to-go outlets at the Manor. 20% in the Manor gift shop and restaurant, Stables Café, Five Arrows Hotel, and The Bow Pub. 20% discount on special event tickets made available to staff.
- Staff Card – A National Trust staff card entitles two adults and children under 18 years of age free admission to all National Trust properties and 20% discount in NT retail and catering outlets.
- Annual Leave – Your statutory annual leave is 28 days (20 days plus 8 public holidays), or 5.6 weeks. This will be pro-rated based on actual hours you work. If you work a public holiday, you will be paid double your hourly rate, but your statutory annual leave entitlement will reduce accordingly (i.e. you are being paid double on that date, so therefore not entitled to holiday pay or TOIL for that date).
- Pension – We will top up your pension by matching any contribution you make, up to 10% of your basic salary.
- Long Service Awards – every 5 years of service, you are invited to a celebration to recognise your contribution to the organisation. A cash sum is awarded as a thank you.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support – access to a wellbeing platform and fully funded 1:1 counselling service.
- Flu Jabs – free flu jabs in October.
EDI
At the Rothschild Foundation, we place Equality, Inclusion and Diversity at the core of our values. We strive to be an organisation that actively addresses inequality and prejudice while fostering a truly anti-racist culture. Our approach is centered on meaningful and equitable support and development for you and others throughout your time with us. We are committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, where every team member feels valued, respected, and has a true sense of belonging.
Application:
The vacancy advert may be taken down from job boards earlier than the stated deadline if a high standard of applications is received.
We welcome applications from everyone and particularly encourage applications from people from an ethnic minority background, and people with a disability to help us achieve a balanced representation in our workforce, especially at senior grades.
To reduce bias in our shortlisting process, we operate an anonymised application process.
All candidates invited to interview have the opportunity to request adjustments to the recruitment process when scheduling your interview, for example accessible parking, communication support or breaks.
To apply, please send a current CV and covering letter explaining how your experience and skills match those outlined above to [email protected].
Closing Date: Ongoing. This vacancy may be taken down from job boards when we see fit if a high standard of applications is received.
If you apply for this role and are selected to interview, here is what you can expect:
- Round 1: In-person interview with the EA to the Head of Security and Transport, and the Head of Security and Transport
