At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a top adventure tourism destination and inspire high-performing teams.
- Company: Join McArdle Adventure Group, a leader in Ireland's tourism and adventure sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, professional development, and potential relocation support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a vibrant adventure industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while building your leadership career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in management, strong leadership skills, and a passion for customer experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Lead one of Ireland's most unique tourism, hospitality and adventure operations. Carlingford Adventure Centre, Skypark Carlingford and Carlingford Holiday Homes are seeking an experienced Attraction Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a rare opportunity to take operational leadership of a diverse, high-volume tourism business spanning adventure activities, hospitality, accommodation, events and visitor experiences. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will play a key role in leading performance, developing teams, maintaining exceptional guest experiences and helping shape the future growth of the business.
About the Business
Carlingford Adventure Centre, Skypark Carlingford and Carlingford Holiday Homes welcome more than 50,000 guests annually and are recognised as one of Ireland's leading adventure tourism destinations. The operation includes:
- 50,000+ annual visitors
- 40+ adventure activities
- 336 guest beds
- Catering for up to 450 guests per sitting
- School tours, family breaks, corporate programmes and international groups
- Festivals, events and seasonal attractions
This is a substantial operational leadership role with responsibility across multiple departments and business units.
The Role
You will lead and support managers across activities, hospitality, accommodation, housekeeping, retail, guest services and maintenance, ensuring high standards of safety, service delivery and operational performance. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading day-to-day operations across multiple sites
- Supporting and developing departmental managers and supervisors
- Driving operational excellence and guest satisfaction
- Managing staffing, rotas and operational resources
- Monitoring budgets and commercial performance
- Maintaining strong health, safety and compliance standards
- Supporting the successful delivery of major events and programmes
- Acting as Duty Manager as part of the leadership rota
About You
You are an experienced operational leader with the ability to manage complex, customer-focused environments and inspire high-performing teams. You will ideally bring:
- 5+ years' management experience in hospitality, tourism, leisure, visitor attractions, holiday parks, outdoor education or similar sectors
- Experience leading managers and multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong commercial awareness and operational judgement
- Experience managing budgets, resources and staffing
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- A hands-on approach and willingness to lead from the front
Adventure industry experience is welcome but not essential.
What We Offer
- Salary from €55,000 per annum
- Performance-related bonus of up to €10,000
- Full-time permanent employment
- Senior Leadership Team position
- Direct reporting line to the General Manager
- Professional development opportunities
- Team activity benefits
- Relocation support, including potential access to a 3-bedroom house in Carlingford, subject to availability
- Long-term career progression opportunities within a growing tourism and adventure group
This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing business and build a long-term leadership career within McArdle Adventure Group.
Centre Operations Manager in Carlingford employer: Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited
Join McArdle Adventure Group, a leader in Ireland's adventure tourism sector, where you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment. With a focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and unique team activity benefits, we foster a culture of excellence and collaboration. Located in the picturesque Carlingford, this role not only offers a chance to lead a diverse team but also provides long-term career progression opportunities in a vibrant community that welcomes over 50,000 guests annually.
Contact Details:
Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Operations Manager in Carlingford
✨Get Involved in Local Travel Events
Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Centre Operations Manager.
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We think you need these skills to ace Centre Operations Manager in Carlingford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Centre Operations Manager role at Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Centre Operations Manager position at Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited.
Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Centre Operations Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited
✨Show Off Your Travel Knowledge
For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion
In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at Carlingford Adventure Centre Limited.
