At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage recreation operations, ensuring an outstanding visitor experience.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a leader in sustainability and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts on various services, and free entry to national arboretums.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences while promoting sustainability and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and a passion for outdoor recreation.
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 in Suffolk 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. Join us to make a meaningful impact on visitor experiences while contributing to sustainability and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Suffolk
✨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 interviews by researching the company culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of sustainability and wellbeing. We love candidates who resonate with our goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your passion for recreation management show!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there, making your job search easier.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in operational excellence, facility management, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our values at High Lodge!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about recreation management and how you can contribute to our positive and inclusive culture. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have in budget management, health and safety leadership, or contract oversight. We love seeing how candidates have made an impact in their previous roles!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate – we promise!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the operations at High Lodge. Familiarise yourself with their current projects, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their operational goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team, managed conflicts, or implemented changes that improved operations. Be ready to discuss how you foster a positive and inclusive culture.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of potential challenges in recreation management and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Align with Their Values
Forestry England values sustainability, safety, access, and wellbeing. Make sure to highlight how your personal values and professional experiences align with theirs. Discuss any initiatives you've been part of that promote these values, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
