At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage recreation operations, ensuring an outstanding visitor experience.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a leader in sustainable recreation management.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts, free parking, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for national travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences while promoting sustainability and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operations management.
The predicted salary is between 33854 - 33854 £ per year.
Grade: PB5
Salary: £33,854
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hrs per week
Closing Date: 23:55, 5th June 2026
Location: High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Thetford Road, Brandon IP27 0AF. Occasional national travel with overnight stay may be required.
Responsibilities
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.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday a year, rising by one day for each year of service up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus bank holidays.
- STaR employee benefits scheme: discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothes, mobile phones, other electrical items, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym discounts, household bills, and the Headspace wellbeing app.
- Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to national arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- Commitment to lifelong learning through career development – continual professional development, support for individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
Forestry England is part of the Civil Service and operates under the Disability Confident Scheme, guaranteeing an interview for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. We also offer a redeployment interview scheme for current civil servants at risk of redundancy who meet the role’s minimum requirements. All applicants will undergo criminal record checks and the government baseline personnel security standard check.
Operations Manager 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
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
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!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Forestry England or be willing to refer you for that Operations Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Forestry England who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
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 role at Forestry England!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
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.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
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!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
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.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
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!
