Operations Manager in Falkirk

Salary: From £55,166.65 - £60,283.04 including allowances (inclusive of pay award from 1st April)

Location: Falkirk Wheel

About Us

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change. Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team – we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities and services, from boating, and mooring, paddling, walking and wheeling, to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland. As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

About the Role

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our Destinations team at The Falkirk Wheel. You will be responsible for the operational leadership of the Falkirk Wheel site. You will manage teams, oversee daily visitor operations and ensure the smooth delivery of services across the attraction. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will ensure the site continues to be a vibrant and welcoming destination for visitors from across Scotland and around the world. The role is offered on a permanent basis, working an average of 5 days out of 7, averaging 35 hours per week (flexibility required).

Primary responsibilities of the role:

• Leading and managing the operational teams across the Falkirk Wheel site.
• Ensuring safe, efficient daily operations of visitor services and activities.
• Drive the delivery of an outstanding visitor experience.
• Manage resources, operational processes and site performance.
• Support events, commercial activities and visitor programmes.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and organisational policies.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

About the Reward

This role offers a progressive starting salary of £49,588 (Band F), plus an additional 11.25% Variable Hours allowance. Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

About You

Qualifications and knowledge required:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in business management, tourism, hospitality, leisure management or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Management or leadership qualification (desirable).
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation and safe operational practices.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Good IT and digital skills, including experience using Microsoft Office systems and operational reporting tools.
• Financial awareness with the ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.

Skills and experience required:

• Proven experience in an operations management or supervisory role, ideally within a visitor attraction, tourism, leisure, hospitality or public-facing environment.
• Experience and understanding of the cycle of Performance Management.
• Demonstrated experience leading and motivating teams to deliver high performance.
• Experience managing day‑to‑day operational activities within a busy environment.
• Experience delivering excellent customer or visitor experiences.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, partners and contractors.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to operational challenges.
• Experience implementing and maintaining health and safety procedures and compliance.
• Experience analysing performance and identifying areas for operational and financial improvement.

Qualities & abilities required:

• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to inspire and support teams.
• Proactive and solution‑focussed, with strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm in busy operational environments.
• A strong visitor focus, with a passion for delivering memorable experiences.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing operational needs.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong relationships across teams and partners.
• High level of professionalism, integrity and accountability.

Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.