Director of Operations

Start date: January 2026

Hours: 40 hrs per week - full time

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £80-90k

Holidays: 23 days holiday plus bank holidays

Benefits include (on completion of probationary period):

• Friend & Family tickets to Wake The Tiger
• Discount in café and gift shop
• Pension contributions
• Cycle to Work & Climate Perks Scheme
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical and mental health, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Group Life Insurance
• Income protection
• Ongoing development opportunities

Location: Wake The Tiger, London & Bristol offices

Reporting to: CEO

VISION & VALUES:

• INSPIRE - We inspire positive change through awe and amazement.
• DISRUPT - We disrupt by taking risks and challenging convention.
• BELIEVE - We believe action today can change the world tomorrow.

WHO WE ARE

Wake The Tiger is a radical creative company born in the South West and the visionary force behind the world’s first Amazement Park®. We fuse immersive art, storytelling, and purpose to create unforgettable experiences that disrupt the norm and ignite transformation. Our worlds are built to challenge perception, awaken collective imagination, and provoke real change; socially, environmentally, and culturally. We believe wonder is a catalyst, and amazement a tool - not just for escape, but for building a more connected, conscious, and courageous future.

THE ROLE

Wake the Tiger is seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Operations Director to join our senior management team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of our company, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and the delivery of exceptional experiences. Travel is an essential part of the role, across both attractions in Bristol and London, so a clean driver’s license is desirable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Visitor Experience:

• Oversee all aspects of the visitor experience, ensuring high-quality service and satisfaction.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the visitor experience and increase attendance.
• Implement visitor flow, queuing, and crowd control systems and review.
• Investigate visitor satisfaction data and review processes where necessary to increase positive engagement.

Operations Management:

• Reviewing operational working practices, including admissions, guest services, facilities maintenance, security, and cleaning to ensure they are efficient and in line with company values.
• Ensuring financial targets and other agreed targets are met in all supervised departments.
• Ensure correct staffing levels and risk assessments are carried out for all activities.
• Champion accessibility within the business and ensure compliance and best practice with all safety regulations.

Staff Management:

• Lead by example, mentor and develop Operations Managers/Duty Managers.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Sign off team payroll and assist the Finance department.
• Work closely with the HR department in handling HR processes effectively.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to line managers.
• Manage staffing levels to meet operational needs.

Facilities Management:

• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all facilities, including buildings, grounds, and exhibits.
• Ensure all compliance tests and checks are appropriately scheduled and logged for auditing purposes.
• Manage capital projects and renovations.
• Ensure the safety and cleanliness of the facilities.

Health & Safety:

• Implement and enforce health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure all annual inspections are carried out and logged.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Liaise with Local Authorities, HSE and any other relevant departments.
• Manage emergency response procedures.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with key vendors, including security, cleaning, and maintenance contractors.
• Negotiate contracts and analyse ongoing cost-effectiveness.

Strategic Contribution:

• Contribute to the development of the organisation's strategic plan.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and innovation to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and make data-driven decisions.

Industry Knowledge:

• Understand the unique operational challenges and opportunities of the visitor attraction industry.
• Ensure the logistics of special events and venue hire are smooth and hitting margins.
• Collaborate with marketing and development teams to promote the attraction.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• 5 year’s experience in operations management, preferably in the visitor attraction, hospitality, or entertainment industry.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex operations.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-focused and passionate about delivering a high-quality visitor experience.
• Highly motivated and results-oriented.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively.
• Prepared to work in a multi-venue business.

Desirable

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• IOSH/NEBOSH qualification as a minimum (others may be acceptable).
• First aid at work qualification.
• Full, clean UK driving license.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

At Wake the Tiger, we prioritise inclusive and fair recruitment practices. We value diversity in all its forms and welcome candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability status, age, or religion. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

APPLY

Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications/skills and more or less experience may apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications, and training. You can send your CV and covering letter, detailing specifically why you have the experience and passion to be our newest member of the Wake The Tiger team, to jobs@wakethetiger.com.

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