Activity Manager (Fixed Term Summer Contract) in Ardingly

Company Description

Alpadia’s mission is to encourage language development through immersion and to expand the horizons of our students and staff. Our vision for your employment is an exciting opportunity to grow your professional and personal skills as an educator and youth practitioner. Deepen your understanding of child development by applying solution‑focused Positive Behaviour Support strategies and conflict resolution techniques to create a stimulating and supportive learning environment. Stay ahead in the field of education and youth practice with our professional development programme designed to advance your career. You will get the opportunity to work in an international team of like‑minded, positive people who are dedicated to making a difference through their work. Alpadia employment reflects our values of integrity, support, diversity, knowledge growth, and opportunity. In 2025 we welcomed 64 different student nationalities to the UK and we are proud of creating this uniquely diverse working environment for our staff members.

Job Description

Join ALPADIA’s team to make summer 2026 an unbelievable experience! We are looking for highly motivated people, who have the ability to engage and inspire young students, and who are looking for an enriching and educational experience themselves.

Your role:

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of students in our care.
• Ensure afternoon activities and/or Premium activities are properly prepared and delivered, giving particular thought to staging to ensure all students enjoy each activity.
• Ensure session plans and risk assessments are prepared for all afternoon and evening activities.
• Hold daily meetings with the activity team, delegating sessions to them as per their skills and interests.
• Ensure quality excursions are prepared and delivered, which inspire and motivate our students.
• Take a lead in ensuring the Excursion Pack is ready before each outing containing student lists, itineraries, risk assessments and tasks.
• Create and display the student lists for excursions and activities in good time.
• Assist in the management of student attendance for activities and excursions.
• Manage the student arrival activity sign‑up process for weekly activity planning.
• Deliver the standard of quality that our students and stakeholders expect of Alpadia across the co‑cultural programme.
• Be friendly and approachable to develop positive relationships with students that help to enhance their overall experience.
• Manage students’ behaviour at all times, with a judicious awareness of the need to sanction or encourage as appropriate.
• Prioritize the safety of students above all else, following our Safeguarding and Health and Safety regulations, ensuring other Activity Leaders do the same.
• Liase with and respond to the Customer Care Team about activity programme issues, incidents and enrolments.
• Lead & assist with the training and induction of staff members.
• Assist Activity Leaders with their preparation/delivery of activities and complete session observations to ensure they are of a high quality.
• Validate and confirm the reservations with excursions and Premium+ providers as well as coach companies.
• Adapt participant numbers compared to the initial reservation when needed.
• Validate and confirm the payment method with excursions providers.
• Ensure sufficient provision of public transport tickets where needed.
• Prepare and distribute staff rotas for the activity leader team.
• Supervise students’ free time actively and professionally, taking a lead in ensuring ALPADIA’s ratios are maintained at all times.
• Ensure the rules in the residence are followed at all times and the accommodation is kept tidy.
• Ensure the students go to bed and wake up at the appropriate times, with staff cover provided as necessary.
• Assist in the check‑in/check‑out procedure if necessary.
• Ensure the proper supervision of students at meal times.
• Contribute to or lead the Reviews and Appraisals of other Activity Leaders.
• Contribute to daily staff meetings to feedback camp process improvements and pass on important information.
• Take a lead to control all booking and administrative requirements of the co‑cultural part of the programme, updating our systems as appropriate.

Qualifications

Your profile

Essential:

• Proven experience managing or coordinating activities in a summer camp, youth programme, or educational/recreational environment.
• Experience supervising and supporting Activity Leaders or similar staff teams.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organise, and deliver a varied and engaging activity programme.
• Experience ensuring the safety and welfare of children and young people.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with staff and participants.
• Good understanding of health and safety, safeguarding, and risk assessment procedures.
• Ability to handle logistics, scheduling, and last‑minute changes efficiently.
• Creative approach to designing and improving activity programmes.
• Confident in managing behaviour and resolving conflicts calmly and fairly.
• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in education, recreation, youth work, sports, or event management.
• Energetic, proactive, and dependable.
• Strong sense of responsibility and professionalism.
• Positive, approachable, and motivating leader.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and camp demands.
• Passionate about providing a fun, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants.
• A high degree of IT competency – Outlook & MS Office (specifically Excel).

Desirable:

• Experience working in an international or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) summer camp.
• Formal qualification in leadership, education, sports coaching, outdoor education, or creative arts.
• Experience in staff training, mentoring, or performance management.
• Knowledge of another language.
• Strong administrative and IT skills (Google Workspace, Excel, or camp management systems).
• Experience organising large events or excursions.
• Up‑to‑date First Aid and Safeguarding certifications (or willingness to obtain before camp begins).

We offer you:

• A developing and enriching summer experience.
• The chance to make long‑term connections and friends.
• Meaningful engagement with international students and the chance to give back.
• A sense of belonging with many returning staff members each year.
• Development of your social, relationship and leadership skills.
• Join a booming community of Alpadia staff members who return each year.
• Start or continue your professional development (CPD) in a supportive coaching environment.
• An industry competitive salary.
• Role training and the opportunity for experiential learning throughout.
• An unforgettable experience in a dynamic atmosphere.
• Attractive bonus options for returners and the possibility of career progression.

Location of our course centre and dates of commitment:

Ardingly: 22.06.26 – 09.08.26

Miscellaneous:

Typically a residential position with accommodation provided on site. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students; therefore all staff employed will be required to provide / undergo an Enhanced DBS check, 3x referee details and overseas conduct certificates where applicable. Equality and diversity is part of our core purpose. Alpadia summer schools are for everyone. This applies to both our students and our brilliant team of staff.

How To Apply:

Please apply via SmartRecruiters with your application, CV and cover letter. Please note, we have multiple roles available, and this vacancy will remain open until all positions are filled. We recommend that you apply at your earliest convenience. Only applicants invited to an interview will receive a reply.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

At Alpadia Language Schools, we are committed to working in a diverse organisation and strive to provide equality of opportunity for all. We encourage and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership. If as a disabled applicant (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) you would like to request that your application is considered under Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) please let us know using this form.