JUMP TO CONTENT

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

Posting date: 31/07/2023

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

There really is something special about arriving on shift in a beautiful location, ready to bring holiday happy to the holidaymakers and holiday homeowners of this nation. There is a unique buzz about the place, a positive energy that vibrates around every corner, whether that be in one of our boathouse restaurants, in our caravans or luxury lodges, in the swimming pool, or amongst our fantastic activities and retail stores. Speak to any of our fantastic team members on park and they will know that very feeling, as it’s what keeps them returning and is what drives them forward in their work life.

Holiday Park life is so unique, so special, that you’ll often find people of Parkdean make the move from a central support role to a park role for a number of reasons. We understand the importance of being able to offer team members flexibility, development and career growth, and an ability to move across departments or roles is often a path people decide to take. We sat down with Morvyn Cattanach, Accommodation Manager at Southerness Holiday Park who made the move from central support to park.

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.



Jodie Smith our consultant managing the role
Posted by Jodie Smith
List #1

Articles you might like

Image of two people chatting over a cup of coffee
Steph's Top Tips For A Top Interview

Teaser

Career Advice

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/19/2024

Summary

Looking for some last-minute interview advice for your next hospitality interview? We’ve got you covered! Whether it’s first or second interview advice you’re after, we know that interviews can be a

Teaser

Looking for some last-minute interview advice for your next hospitality interview? We’ve got you covered!

Read more
Stephanie Wood

by

Stephanie Wood

Stephanie Wood

by

Stephanie Wood

Our Apprentice Chef of the year 2024!
Parkdean’s Apprentice Chef of the Year 2024

Teaser

People of Parkdean

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

A Taste of Victory - Parkdean Resorts Apprentice Chef of the Year 2024. At Parkdean Resorts, we’re all about celebrating incredible talent, and this year’s Apprentice Chef of the Year competition

Teaser

At Parkdean Resorts, we’re all about celebrating incredible talent!

Read more
Parkdean Chef serving a plate of food.
What does a Chef de Partie do at Parkdean and how do you become one?

Teaser

Chefs

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/03/2024

Summary

If you’re familiar with the world of cheffing, there are quite a lot of different terms flying around depending on the experience and seniority of the chef in question. You’ve got Commis Chef, So

Teaser

Wondering what a Chef de Partie does? Discover this key kitchen role at Parkdean!

Read more
Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

hands typing on a keyboard
Build a thriving marketing career with Parkdean opportunities

Teaser

Career Progression

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/02/2024

Summary

You might think of Parkdean and imagine pretty standard hospitality roles: food and beverage, accommodation, and activities-based kinda stuff, right? But what if we told you those looking for a m

Teaser

Want a marketing career that stands out? Parkdean is the place to be.

Read more
Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Image of trouper outside in the sunshine smiling
What is our Employee Assistance Programme?

Teaser

Parks, People and Planet

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/21/2024

Summary

It doesn’t matter if you just join us for the summer or if you work at Parkdean year-round in one of our Head Office roles, if there’s one thing you can be sure of it’s that we take mental health pre

Teaser

Explore Parkdean’s EAP: 24/7 support for your well-being!

Read more
Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

A chef wiping down a kitchen surface.
Do you need qualifications to be a Commis Chef?

Teaser

Chefs

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/05/2024

Summary

Are you keen to get into the world of cheffing but don’t yet have tonnes of experience?  Working as a Commis Chef is a brilliant way to get your foot in the door of the restaurant industry—and we have

Teaser

Working as a Commis Chef is a brilliant way to get your foot in the door of the restaurant industry.

Read more
Holly Baldwin

by

Holly Baldwin

Holly Baldwin

by

Holly Baldwin

A lady dressed as santa with a smiling family and a reindeer!
What Happens at Parkdean in the Festive Period?

Teaser

Parks, People and Planet

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/31/2024

Summary

Parties, presents, and oodles of fun—the festive period really is the most wonderful time of the year, as Andy Williams once said. But what, exactly, happens at Parkdean during this season—and is it

Teaser

What exactly happens at Parkdean during the festive period? Read on to find out more!

Read more
Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Image of lifeguard laughing while in a swimming pool
How to Become a Lifeguard at Parkdean Resorts

Teaser

Career Advice

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/29/2024

Summary

Want to make a splash in our leisure teams as a Lifeguard? If you’ve got charisma, positive energy, and love to create amazing memories for others, then joining the team as a Lifeguard could be right

Teaser

Want to be a Lifeguard but not sure how to get qualified and where to start?

Read more
Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Parkdean guest experience advisor sat at a reception desk helping a guest.
What makes a great guest experience advisor?

Teaser

Career Advice

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

09/24/2024

Summary

No hospitality business can survive without great guest satisfaction. Enter: the guest experience advisor. “Okay, but what exactly is a guest experience advisor?”, you might be asking yourself: The r

Teaser

The best guest experience advisors are folks with pockets full of passion and tonnes of team spirit.

Read more
Hayley  Solvey

by

Hayley Solvey

Hayley  Solvey

by

Hayley Solvey

Two women sat at a table drinking coffee together and smiling.
What employee benefits do we offer at Parkdean?

Teaser

People of Parkdean

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

09/23/2024

Summary

In 2024, people are after more than just a stable job with reliable hours; we know that the jobs with the greatest employee satisfaction offer fun, flexible benefits and prioritise happiness at work.

Teaser

According to our team engagement survey 2024, Parkdean employees are delighted with their perks and benefits packages!

Read more
Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Jodie Smith

by

Jodie Smith

Browse Jobs