Holiday Park Life: The Best Kept Secret in the Travel & Hospitality Industry?
Holiday Park Life: The Best Kept Secret in the Travel & Hospitality Industry?
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.
Sign up to our blogs alerts!
Tags
Sign up to our blogs alerts!
Already work at Parkdean Resorts?
If you're already a member of our team and are looking to apply for an internal job opportunity, click the apply button below.
Roles you might be interested in
Salary
Hourly Rate: £14.00
Location
Camber Sands, New Lydd Road, Rye
Contract Type
Seasonal
Department
Security
Location
Camber Sands
Description
Are you a people person, passionate about keeping others safe? Join us as a Security Officer where guest safety and security are your priority. You’ll be a keen observer, making sure our guests fee
Reference
9715
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Hourly Rate: £11.44
Location
Warmwell, Dorchester
Contract Type
Seasonal
Department
Food and Beverage
Location
Warmwell
Description
Join our kitchen team as an assistant and pot wash for a career with a little more sizzle! Nothing beats good team camaraderie and the buzz of a busy shift, and our kitchen porters enjoy both in spa
Reference
9997
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Hourly Rate: £11.44
Location
Whitley Bay, The Links
Contract Type
Seasonal
Department
Maintenance
Location
Whitley Bay
Description
Join our maintenance team as a Maintenance Operative for a career with a little more life! Nothing beats good team camaraderie and the buzz of a busy shift, and our maintenance teams enjoy both in s
Reference
10197
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Salary: £60000.00
Location
Newquay
Contract Type
Established
Department
Food and Beverage
Location
Newquay
Description
Food and Beverage Operations Manager - Regional Field Based - up to £60,000 depending on experience. South / South West Coast Or North & Scotland Are you a passionate foodie with a knack for leading
Reference
12969
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Hourly Rate: £11.44
Location
Ruda, Croyde Bay, croyde
Contract Type
Seasonal
Department
Food and Beverage
Location
Ruda
Description
They say gold can be found at the end of a rainbow, but we fry it right here! Do you love fried chicken? Are you passionate about food and being a hero of hospitality? Since opening as a street fo
Reference
9067
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Hourly Rate: £11.96
Location
Pendine Sands, Carmarthen
Contract Type
Seasonal
Department
Accommodation
Location
Pendine Sands
Description
Join our housekeeping team as a cleaner for a career with a little more shine! No experience? No worries! If you’ve got buckets of passion, positivity and Parkdean team spirit, we’ll give you a budd
Reference
10593
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Salary: £26614.00
Location
Trecco Bay, Porthcawl
Contract Type
Established
Department
Holiday Home Sales
Location
Trecco Bay
Description
Base salary £26,615. On target earnings in excess of £65,000. Join the Holiday Home Sales team as an Advisor and help turn our customers’ dreams of owning a holiday home into reality! You’ll encoura
Reference
12928
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Hourly Rate: £25358.00
Location
Heacham Beach, South Beach Road, Hunstanton
Contract Type
Established
Department
Holiday Home Sales
Location
Heacham Beach
Description
Join the Holiday Home Sales team as an Advisor and help turn our customers’ dreams of owning a holiday home into reality! You’ll encourage our customers to take their first steps on a path to joinin
Reference
12690
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Hourly Rate: £23795.20
Location
Valley Farm, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea
Contract Type
Established
Department
Administration
Location
Valley Farm
Description
Methodical? Well-organised? Then you would make a fantastic Administrator! At Parkdean Resorts, it truly is administration with a difference as you become the organisational backbone of a bustling a
Reference
12884
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsSalary
Salary: £50960.00
Location
Fallbarrow, Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Contract Type
Established
Department
Holiday Home Sales
Location
Fallbarrow
Description
Fallbarrow Holiday Park - Holiday Home Sales Manager £50,960 & OTE 150K Holiday Home Sales Manager experience needed. Ready to drive sky-high standards? Join us in a leading role as Holiday Home S
Reference
12991
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Parkdean ResortsAuthor
Parkdean ResortsArticles you might like
Teaser
ChefsContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Holly Baldwin
Teaser
Parks, People and PlanetContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Jodie Smith
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Jodie Smith
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Hayley Solvey
Teaser
People of ParkdeanContent Type
BlogPublish 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.
by
Jodie Smith
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/19/2024
Summary
With over 250 different hospitality careers of all shapes and sizes to choose from here at Parkdean Resorts, it comes as no surprise that many members of the team have enjoyed changing roles througho
by
Jodie Smith
Teaser
Career ProgressionContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/06/2024
Summary
Working in our accommodation team brings with it a busy and exciting atmosphere, no two days are the same and the work you do directly contributes to the memories guests make at our parks! The locati
by
Hayley Solvey
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/03/2024
Summary
It’s no secret that the bar can be a pretty fast-paced place to work. You’ve got orders coming in, drinks to serve, cocktails to mix, guests to chat with, and a bunch of other on-shift responsibilit
by
Jodie Smith
Teaser
Holiday Home SalesContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
In today's ever-evolving job market, the traditional, cookie-cutter career path is quickly losing its charm. Instead, picture your career as a thrilling journey filled with diverse experiences, uniq
by
Jodie Smith
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/30/2024
Summary
You’ve found yourself researching food and beverage jobs, have you? Maybe you’re looking for something a bit outside of the standard 9 - 5 desk-bound job and you fancy stepping into the buzzing
by
Jodie Smith