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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and ensure exceptional guest experiences at Dunfield House.
- Company: Dunfield House, a charitable venue with a focus on community and hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape the venue's future.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a beautiful estate while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong financial management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Kington, Herefordshire (On-site)
Salary: £45,000- £50,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Reporting to: Chairman of the Board
Governance: Position on the Board of Directors (Monthly Meetings)
Start date: Immediate start preferred
Application Deadline: 24th April 2026 5pm
The Role Purpose:
The Operations Director (OD) will hold total accountability for the day-to-day running of Dunfield House. As a Board member, you will translate the Board’s long-term vision into operational reality. Your mission is to maximise the potential of our 15-acre estate, ensuring exceptional guest experiences across all potential revenue streams, while maintaining the financial health and charitable ethos of the venue.
Organisational Structure:
You will act as the "hub" of Dunfield House, providing leadership, mentorship, and accountability to a dedicated senior management team.
Direct Reports:
- Sales & Marketing Manager: Driving occupancy and commercial revenue.
- Admin Assistant: Oversight of HR, budgets, cash flow, and financial reporting.
- Site Caretaker: Ensuring the 15-acre site, indoor pool, and historic buildings are safe, compliant, and well-maintained.
- Head of Kitchen: Managing food safety, gross profit (GP), and quality of service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Prepare and present monthly operational reports to the Chairman and the Board.
- Present Key financial reports in collaboration with the admin assistant.
- Lead the annual business planning process.
- In collaboration with the sales and marketing manager, implement the marketing strategy.
- Act as a guardian of Dunfield’s culture, ensuring the venue remains a "home from home" for all guests.
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Work with the admin assistant to optimise margins, particularly focusing on energy efficiency and food costs.
- Work with the sales & marketing manager to implement dynamic pricing and improve mid-week occupancy.
- Understand the importance of financial management and has the ability to compile financial reports for Board meetings.
- Operational Excellence & Compliance
- Oversee the site caretaker to ensure rigorous health and safety standards, particularly regarding the indoor pool and fire safety in a high-capacity residential setting.
- Oversee the head of kitchen to ensure 5-star hygiene ratings and efficient volume catering for up to 90 guests.
- Streamline internal processes (booking systems, staff rotas, guest check-ins) to improve efficiency.
- Share duty manager responsibilities.
- People & Culture
- Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment between the distinct departments.
- Manage recruitment, appraisals, and professional development for the senior team.
Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Financial & Efficiency KPIs
- Primary KPI: Achievement of 103 FHE days.
- Secondary KPI: 15% conversion rate of OTA guests to direct bookers.
- Tertiary KPI: Average TRevPAG of £2.00+ per guest.
- Operational & Capacity KPIs
- Full House Equivalent (FHE) Readiness: While Sales books the days, Operations must ensure the site is "Turnaround Ready." A KPI for "Zero Down-Time" between back-to-back groups.
- The "Pool Availability" Score: A KPI of 98%+ uptime (excluding scheduled maintenance).
- Catering Margin: 70% Gross Profit (GP) on meals by managing waste and seasonal purchasing.
- Compliance & Duty Management KPIs
- Health & Safety Audit Score: 100% compliance on monthly internal safety checks (Fire, Water/Legionella, Pool, Safeguarding).
- Guest "Home from Home" Satisfaction: A score (derived from post-stay surveys) specifically measuring Cleanliness and Facility Functionality.
- Staff Retention & Training: A target for Staff Turnover.
Operations Director employer: Dunfield House
Contact Detail:
Dunfield House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for an Operations Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help us tailor our responses and show that we're genuinely interested in making Dunfield House a success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and operational expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational achievements that align with our mission at Dunfield House.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for maximising our estate's potential and how you can enhance guest experiences while maintaining our charitable ethos.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: Since financial management is key, include examples of how you've optimised budgets or improved margins in previous roles. We want to see your ability to compile and present financial reports effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Dunfield House.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunfield House
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Operations Director role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with the company's goals. This will help you articulate how your experience can directly contribute to maximising the potential of Dunfield House.
✨Prepare Your Financial Insights
Since financial management is crucial for this position, be ready to discuss your experience with financial reporting and optimisation. Bring examples of how you've improved margins or managed budgets in previous roles. This shows you can handle the financial health of the venue effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Board member, your leadership approach is vital. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and high performance within teams. Highlight your mentorship experiences and how you've successfully led diverse departments to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety standards in this role, come equipped with knowledge about compliance regulations relevant to hospitality. Discuss any past experiences where you ensured safety and quality, particularly in high-capacity settings, to show you're the right fit for maintaining Dunfield's standards.