Life at
Center Parcs

After working in retail, Layla was ready for something new - something active, guest-facing and a little bit different. That’s exactly what she found when she joined Center Parcs as a Lifeguard.

“I really wanted a change. I still wanted to interact with guests, but I also wanted something fresh and more challenging.”

Layla completed her National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) after joining, with training fully funded by Center Parcs. She says the support from the management team was brilliant - not just during training, but also once she got started on the job.

“The team is amazing - such a diverse group of people, all at different stages in life, but we work together like a family.”

Many of our Lifeguards join us without a qualification - we cover the cost of training and support them through it. Whether they stay for the season or grow into longer-term roles, we make sure they’re set up to succeed. Some, like Layla, join from completely different careers, and bring brilliant people skills with them.

Our Lifeguard teams play a key role in the guest experience, and we’re proud to offer structured development, alternate weekends off, and great benefits including free day passes and discounted breaks. Whether someone’s just starting out or looking to grow, there’s plenty of support in place, with many Lifeguards going on to become trainers or move into management roles.

Rich has been with Center Parcs for over 15 years and has worked his way up through the kitchen team, from a college placement to Kitchen Manager.

He first joined as a one-day-a-week placement while studying catering at Wiltshire College. After finishing his qualifications, he became a Commis Chef with us and hasn’t looked back since.

Center Parcs supported Rich through his NVQ Level 3, and he’s completed in-house management training and advanced food hygiene too. Over the years, he’s worked in Sports Café and Vitale before taking on his current role in Pancake House.

“What I’m most proud of is the journey the Pancake House has been on. I truly believe we have one of the best teams on village.”

Many of our kitchen colleagues start their careers with little experience but with the right training and support, they develop into confident Chefs and managers. Our kitchens are fast-paced and collaborative, and we offer flexible shifts, a strong focus on development, and rotas planned weeks in advance to support work/life balance.

Emily has been a Level 3 Beauty Therapist at Aqua Sana Whinfell Forest for over five years. She trained at Carlisle College and joined Center Parcs shortly after qualifying.

What stands out most for Emily is the supportive, calm environment and the opportunity to keep learning: “We’re always up to date with the latest beauty products and training is provided.”

The role offers a consistent schedule and a real sense of balance: “I work alternate weekends with a fixed four-week rota, so I can plan my time outside work.”

She also makes full use of the staff benefits: “Even on my days off, I’ll come to Aqua Sana. I’ve used the discounted breaks too – it’s a lovely perk.”

Our Beauty Therapists are passionate about wellbeing, and we support them with regular training and product knowledge sessions which means guests get the best service and Beauty Therapists stay confident and current. We also offer a beautiful working environment, a range of working patterns, and the kind of team spirit that makes people want to stay.

John joined Center Parcs in 2019 and has always worked front of house in Sports Café – either on the floor or behind the bar.

“It’s a fast-paced environment, but we’ve got a great team. There’s strong support from management and it’s a fun place to work with a really good atmosphere.”

For John, one of the best parts of the job is the variety: “You meet so many guests, and no two shifts are ever the same.”

He also loves the benefits: “Free gym access, day passes for friends and family, discounts – there’s a lot on offer. My friends love that I work here!”

Working front of house means no two days are the same and our F&B teams get the training, support and structure they need to enjoy the pace, thrive in the energy, and feel part of something fun and rewarding, alongside clear rotas and a great work/life balance. Many team members go on to progress into leadership roles, or explore other opportunities across the village.

Kim started in Housekeeping at Center Parcs in 2001. Over the years, she’s worked in a variety of roles – but she always comes back to the Housekeeping team.

“I love chatting to guests – especially about the wildlife or the weather! And the team is amazing. If someone’s struggling, we always help each other.”

Kim says the job fits perfectly with her home life and she sees herself staying here for another 15+ years.

She uses the free bus travel to get to work: “It’s nice just to sit back and relax – and the fact I don’t have to pay to come to work, is a bonus.”

And like many colleagues, she makes the most of the benefits: “I’ve stayed here with the 60% off, and my son loves coming on day passes for the arcades and the animals.”

We know how important work/life balance is for our Housekeeping teams, and we offer consistent schedules, free travel options, and a huge amount of support from team leaders. Some colleagues stay for a season, while others (like Kim) build a whole career here.