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 supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in the picturesque High Lodge within Thetford Forest, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, a comprehensive employee benefits scheme, and opportunities for continuous learning and development, all while contributing to sustainable recreation management and enhancing visitor experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Forestry England. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching High Lodge and its operations. Understand their values around sustainability and visitor experience, and think about how your skills align with their goals. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive team culture or managed operational challenges. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your fit for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations management. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've fostered a positive team culture and managed operational excellence.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of operations management, especially in a recreational context. Familiarise yourself with High Lodge's current operations, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills can enhance their operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've fostered a positive team culture in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would implement this at High Lodge to ensure a collaborative environment.
✨Health and Safety is Key
Given the emphasis on health and safety in the job description, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed health and safety in past roles and how you plan to uphold these standards at High Lodge.
✨Budget Management Know-How
Since budget management is a crucial part of the role, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in the past. Discuss any strategies you've used to optimise resources while still achieving operational goals, as this will demonstrate your financial acumen.
