Operations Director (Big Ducks)

UK Operations Director/ Senior Operations Manager – Big Duck Tours (Initially based in Windsor, supporting the launch of London)

Help build the future of amphibious sightseeing. Big Duck Tours is redefining sightseeing. Part of Big Bus Tours, we're building a new generation of fully electric amphibious sightseeing experiences. Following the success of our operations in Singapore and the recent acquisition of Windsor Duck Tours, we're preparing to launch our flagship London operation before expanding further across the UK and internationally. We're looking for an experienced operational leader to join us during this exciting growth phase.

Initially, your focus will be on leading and growing our Windsor operation, strengthening the existing business, developing our team and preparing it for expansion. As our London operation moves towards launch, you'll play a leading role in helping establish the operation, recruit and develop the team, implement systems and processes, and ultimately assume responsibility for both UK locations. This is a rare opportunity to help shape a business from the ground up and become a key member of the leadership team as Big Duck Tours grows.

The Role

As UK Operations Director, you'll be responsible for the safe, efficient and commercially successful operation of Big Duck Tours in the UK. During your first phase with the business, your priority will be Windsor, where you'll lead day-to-day operations, develop our people, improve operational performance and help grow the business from its current single-vehicle operation into a seven-day-a-week service. Alongside this, you'll work closely with senior leadership on the planning and mobilisation of our new London operation. As the project progresses, you'll help recruit crews, establish operational procedures, engage with regulators, oversee training and ensure the business is ready for launch. Following the London launch, you'll lead the operational, financial and commercial performance of the UK operation across both locations, delivering revenue, profitability and EBITDA targets and helping shape future expansion into additional cities.

Why Join Big Duck Tours?

You'll join at the start of an exciting journey. Rather than stepping into a mature business, you'll have the opportunity to learn the operation in Windsor, work alongside experienced teams, and then play a pivotal role in bringing our new London operation to life. From recruiting crews and introducing our next-generation electric amphibious vehicles to shaping operating procedures and building a high-performing culture, you'll have genuine influence over the future of Big Duck Tours in the UK. If you're looking for a role where you can combine operational leadership, commercial responsibility and the excitement of launching a new business, we'd love to hear from you.

About you

You'll be an experienced operational leader with a strong maritime background and a passion for delivering safe, high-quality passenger operations. Whether your experience comes from sightseeing, passenger transport, ferries or another marine environment, you'll be comfortable leading safety-critical operations while maintaining an exceptional customer experience. You'll have significant experience operating passenger vessels on tidal waterways and understand the importance of working within a highly regulated environment. You have successfully managed seven-day operations, led multidisciplinary teams, and built a culture where safety, compliance and operational excellence go hand in hand. As a leader, you're visible, approachable and hands-on. You enjoy spending time with your teams, supporting them on the ground and on the water, while also being comfortable making strategic decisions, managing performance and driving continuous improvement. You'll be equally focused on delivering commercial success, developing people and ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable experience.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience operating passenger vessels on Thames.
• Experience leading safety-critical, customer-facing operations running seven days a week.
• Proven leadership experience within a regulated operational environment.
• Experience in the sightseeing, tourism, passenger transport or wider maritime sector.
• Experience managing teams across operational disciplines.
• Willingness and ability to undertake the responsibilities of Designated Person Ashore (DPA).

Desirable Qualifications

• Boatmaster Licence (Tier 1 Level 2).
• Passenger Boat Endorsement.
• London Local Knowledge Endorsement (LLKE) – Thames.
• CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) – Transport Manager.
• PCV Licence.
• Current ML5 or ENG1 medical certificate.
• STCW Basic Safety Training, including Basic Sea Survival, Basic Firefighting and Elementary First Aid.
• Enrolment in the Thames CPD Scheme with the appropriate points required under PLA General Directions.
• Additional language skills would also be an advantage.

You'll Also Bring

• Strong operational leadership and sound decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the confidence to lead by example.
• A high level of safety awareness and risk management expertise.
• The ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
• Excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• A genuine passion for delivering safe, memorable, world-class experiences for guests while developing high-performing teams.