At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage visitor facilities, ensuring safety and compliance at beautiful Wendover Woods.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a leader in environmental management and visitor experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension contributions, discounts, and free entry to stunning arboretums.
- Other info: Fixed-term role with opportunities for career development and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences while working in a stunning natural environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for enhancing visitor services.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Operations Manager position within the East England Forest District, responsible for the safe, compliant and efficient management of visitor facilities and services at Wendover Woods and other sites across the Chilterns National Landscape.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage staff and volunteers for visitor facilities and services.
- Oversee Health and Safety compliance and site facilities management.
- Take ownership of planned and reactive facilities management.
- Manage budgets and contracts, ensuring effective maintenance and long‑term performance of site assets.
- Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive operational improvements and enhance the visitor experience.
- Contribute to the commercial and environmental success of the wider business.
Benefits
- Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% toward your pension, enrolling you in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day each year up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus bank holidays.
- Employee benefits scheme offering discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothing, mobile phones, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym discounts, household bills, 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, including continued professional development and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
Contract
Fixed Term appointment until 30 July 2027, with possibility of extension or permanency (no guarantee).
Working Hours
37 hours per week, working a 7‑day rota including weekends and public holidays.
Location
Wendover Woods, East England, Chilterns National Landscape.
EEO Statement
Forestry England is an equal opportunities employer. The Civil Service has a Disability Confident Scheme, providing guaranteed interviews to candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Operations Manager in Wendover employer: Forestry England
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a commitment to lifelong learning, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to the conservation of the beautiful Chilterns National Landscape. The Operations Manager position at Wendover Woods not only provides a chance to lead a dedicated team but also to enhance the visitor experience in a stunning natural setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Wendover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Forestry England. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around visitor facilities and environmental success. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate!
✨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 share your unique experiences managing teams and improving operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're keen and ready to jump into the role of Operations Manager with both feet.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Wendover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Operations Manager role. We want to see how you can lead and manage staff effectively, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership experience!
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge:Since health and safety compliance is a big part of this role, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have in managing compliance or facilities management. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement:This position involves working closely with various stakeholders, so share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. We love seeing candidates who can drive operational improvements and enhance experiences for visitors!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 visitor facilities. Familiarise yourself with Health and Safety regulations relevant to the role, as well as any recent operational improvements made at similar sites. This will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, leading staff and volunteers is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your approach to motivation and conflict resolution. Be ready to discuss how you would foster a positive environment at Wendover Woods.
✨Budgeting Brilliance
Since managing budgets is part of the role, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget oversight and contract management. Bring specific examples of how you've maximised resources while ensuring compliance and efficiency.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Collaboration is crucial in this position. Think about times when you've worked closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive improvements. Be ready to share how you would enhance the visitor experience through effective communication and partnership-building.