At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage recreation operations at High Lodge, ensuring an outstanding visitor experience.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to growing forests for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension contributions, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth within the Civil Service and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying a dynamic work culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and a passion for outdoor recreation.
The predicted salary is between 33854 - 33854 £ per year.
Apply for Operations Manager at Forestry England in Brandon, ENG, GB.
This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth.
Job Introduction We are Forestry England.
We live and breathe forests.
Job title – Operations Manager - High Lodge Salary - £33,854 per annum Contract type – Permanent Hours – 37 hours per week Vacancy closes - 6th September 2026, 23:58 Join us.
We're foresters, professionals and experts.
We are a passionate team who love to share our enthusiasm and want to make a positive difference for you and the environment.
Together, we’re using our scale and expertise to grow the nation’s forests for everyone.
We’re already adapting our landscapes for tomorrow, and getting stuff done today, like creating amazing places and experiences for you to enjoy.
We're providing vital homes for wildlife, making our air cleaner to breathe and producing sustainable timber.
What you’ll do…
High Lodge is one of Forestry England’s flagship outdoor recreation destinations, receiving over 500,000 visitors annually and offering high‑quality facilities, trails, heritage features, play areas, cycling, events, and commercial partnerships.
As the Recreation Operations Manager, you will lead the delivery, management and development of recreation operations across High Lodge and support recreation management across wider beat areas.
The role is responsible for day‑to‑day operational excellence, facility and asset management, health and safety leadership, contract oversight, budget management, and developing a positive and inclusive “one‑team” culture.
You will play a central role in ensuring that High Lodge provides an outstanding visitor experience while contributing to the wider East District recreation strategy, commercial growth targets and Forestry England’s values of sustainability, safety, access and wellbeing.
Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.
Where you’ll work…
High Lodge Thetford Forest, Thetford Road, Brandon IP27 0AF. Occasional national travel with overnight stay may be required.
Benefits…
- Alongside your salary, Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension.
- You will become a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- 25 days holiday a year, raising by one day every year’s service, up to 30 days (pro-rated for part time employees) plus additional days off such as bank holidays.
- STa R is our employee benefits scheme offering discounts on everyday supermarket shopping, as well as other things such as hotel stays clothes, mobile phones, other electrical items, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym discounts, household bills, Headspace wellbeing app.
- free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to our National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- a commitment to lifelong learning through career development.
- Forestry England will support your career development in a variety of ways, including continual professional development, support for individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
- Working for the Civil Service…
Forestry England is part of the Civil Service.
The Civil Service has a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).
This means candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria during the application process will be guaranteed an interview.
We also offer a Redeployment Interview Scheme to current civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the role.
This role is also part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leaver Recruitment initiative.
Within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, it is essential that applicants should have the ability to provide conversation in accurate spoken English.
Our recruitment process makes appointments based on fair and open competition and merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.
The Behaviours being assessed at interview are – Leadership Communicating & Influencing Managing a Quality Service Making Effective Decisions Working Together.
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Operations Manager at Forestry England in Brandon employer: Forestry England
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises health and well-being while fostering a deep connection with nature. As a Forest Wellness & Activity Coordinator, you will benefit from a generous holiday allowance, pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team dedicated to lifelong learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager at Forestry England in Brandon
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations Manager at Forestry England at Forestry England!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations Manager at Forestry England role at Forestry England!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager at Forestry England in Brandon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Forestry England. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
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We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Forestry England. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!