Operations Manager

with Manor Adventure


 
Watersports
Management
locationLocation:
UK, East
start dateStart date:
Please ask for details
salarySalary:
£50,000 per annum. Pool Car. Share Options
training providedTraining provided

Lots of activity centres are just about having fun. While this is an important part of learning, we like to make the most of the educational and personal benefits of outdoor pursuits by maximising the experience for every child who stays with us.

We invest our profits back into the training of our instructors, and into the equipment and facilities at each of our six centres.



Operations Manager
typical day
The job description
Operations Manager: a typical day

This is a key operational leadership position, combining strategic oversight with a strong hands-on presence within the centres.

You will work closely with the Managing Director, Centre Leadership Teams and central support functions to ensure that our centres continue to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality adventure experiences.

You will work within the existing Manor Adventure ethos, culture and tried-and-tested procedures that have contributed to the company's success over more than three decades.

This is not a role for someone looking to change things for the sake of change. We want someone who can understand what already works, support our existing leadership teams, maintain high standards and identify sensible opportunities for improvement.

Protect what works. Improve what can be improved. Help shape our future.

Your Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

· Take full accountability for operational performance, safety and quality across the East Region.

· Develop strong and supportive relationships with Centre Leadership Teams.

· Ensure consistent delivery of company policies, procedures and standards.

· Maintain a high-quality adventure product and customer experience.

· Work collaboratively with the UK Operations Manager – West to share best practice and ensure consistency across the wider business.

· Represent Manor Adventure and the interests of the Managing Director and Directors professionally and positively.

· Take ownership of issues and provide practical, solutions-focused support.

Safety & Compliance

· Ensure compliance with operating procedures and risk assessments.

· Maintain required external accreditations, including AALA and LotC.

· Liaise with Catering and Maintenance teams on HSE matters.

· Manage incidents and statutory reporting.

· Ensure industry best practice is applied consistently.

People & Leadership

· Support recruitment and interviews.

· Ensure appropriate qualifications and NGB requirements are maintained.

· Support HR with welfare and disciplinary matters.

· Advise Centre Managers on HR matters.

· Organise staff training and development.

· Ensure training requirements are met.

· Help develop a positive, professional and accountable culture.

Customer Experience

· Support teams with complex bookings, customer queries and complaints.

· Ensure professional customer communication and consistently high service standards.

Centre Operations

· Spend regular time at each centre.

· Walk the operation and assess standards.

· Build relationships with Centre Leadership Teams and staff.

· Lead by example.

· Maintain safety, presentation and operational standards.

· Resolve issues and provide practical support.

· Identify opportunities for development and improvement.

Procurement & Financial Management

· Support procurement and supplier management.

· Manage equipment ordering and external servicing.

· Support budget adherence and effective use of resources.

· Ensure expenditure is properly authorised.

Training, Development & Continuous Improvement

· Coordinate staff training and development.

· Review operational performance and identify opportunities to improve the business.

· Coordinate Technical Advisor visits, specialist advice and accreditation support where required.

· Provide regular reporting and operational insight to the Managing Director.




ideal candidate
Who are we looking for?
what makes you the ideal candidate

We are looking for an experienced operational leader who is confident managing people, standards and multiple locations.

Current operational experience within the outdoor adventure industry would be a clear advantage. Experience of working within outdoor activities, adventure centres, residential centres, leisure, tourism or a similar operational environment would be highly relevant.

Experience involving multi-site operations, seasonal staffing, activity delivery, safety management, NGB qualifications or external accreditation would be particularly valuable.

However, above all, we are looking for someone with the leadership ability, operational experience, judgement and personality to work successfully within the Manor Adventure environment.

· A strong leader – able to motivate, support and challenge Centre Leadership Teams.

· Operationally experienced – understands how to run successful operations and translate strategy into practical action.

· Safety focused – has the confidence to maintain high standards and challenge where necessary.

· People focused – able to build excellent relationships and develop the people around them.

· Commercially aware – understands budgets, procurement, resources and operational efficiency.

· A problem solver – does not simply identify problems but takes ownership and finds solutions.

· Practical and hands-on – comfortable being in the centres and involved in the operation.

· Organised and accountable – able to manage three centres, competing priorities and regular reporting to the Managing Director.




our offer
What can we offer you?
why choose Manor Adventure for your next adventure job

· £50,000 per annum

· Pool car for business travel

· Share options following successful completion of the qualifying period

· The opportunity to join an employee-owned business at an exciting stage in its evolution

· Direct reporting to the Managing Director

· Senior responsibility for three established adventure centres

· The opportunity to work with and develop experienced Centre Leadership Teams

· A hands-on role with genuine autonomy and influence

· The opportunity to help shape the future of Manor Adventure

 



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