Holiday Park Life: The Best Kept Secret in the Travel & Hospitality Industry?

Tell us a little bit about you outside work?

I am originally an East-Coaster and was born in Edinburgh and grew up in Fife. I studied Accounts and Economics at University there for 2 years but left as it really wasn’t for me. I love to go to concerts and have been to Glastonbury festival a few times – it’s amazing and so fun. You don’t know how good it is until you go.

What motivated your move from a central role to a park role?

I worked in Treasury in the central support office and felt like I had reached the ceiling in Treasury. I also wanted to come back to Scotland after living in Newcastle for quite a bit. The Administration Manager role at Sandylands came up and it was kind of intertwined with Treasury so I moved into that and really enjoyed it. As soon as I started on park, I realised I wanted to become a General Manager and that’s where I see myself in the future with Parkdean Resorts. When the Accommodation Manager on park stepped down, my General Manager approached me and encouraged me to go for the role. At the time Accommodation at Sandylands was facing a number of complications, so it offered me an exciting challenge and I managed a bigger team, so it was great for my development. I love working in accommodation – it’s different and you get to meet people from all walks of life. Working with people like young mums who are looking to get back into work. I love seeing people flourish and have independence.

Take us through your PDR journey?

I joined Treasury in Newcastle 6 years ago in March. I then moved to Sandylands as Admin Manager in 2019 and have now been at Southerness since the end of August last year. Long term I'm looking for an Assistant General Manager role.

Why do you stay at Parkdean Resorts?

Parkdean really develop their people. I’ve got to go on loads of development programmes, courses and training to develop myself which is great. It’s not just Head of Departments that get it too – Parkdean really recognise internal talent and want to boost you. They always want to progress you internally and there is no limit to where you can go in your career, you can come in as a seasonal team member on 10 hours and work all the way up to General Manager.

Parkdean Resorts has one of the best cultures I’ve ever worked in, I love the people I work with and there is such a close relationship between parks and between central. I can’t see myself ever wanting to leave or to leave holiday parks. I love holidays parks – no two days are the same and you actually feel like you’re on holiday! You get to meet lots of different types of people and there is such a buzz about the place.

Any programmes/development/training you’ve been on?

I’m currently on the ‘Be better than me’ course aimed at developing Head of Departments so they can be the leaders of the future, and I’m lucky enough to be a member of the first cohort. It’s run by 4 General Managers, and they are open about their mistakes and accomplishments.

We always want to create unforgettable moments for our people. We know the real value is in our people, and we care about their future and invest in their development with clear career pathways and opportunities to obtain widely recognised qualifications. Interested in learning more? Contact us today! We would be delighted to guide you on your journey.