At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Gapforce's growth and operational improvement in adventure travel.
- Company: Award-winning adventure travel operator with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences.
- Why this job: Shape the future of adventure travel while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leadership roles within travel or education sectors.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
About Gapforce
Gapforce is an award winning and accredited specialist adventure travel and gap-year operator offering expedition, conservation, volunteering and school-group programmes.
Gapforce is an arms-length subsidiary of Inter Exchange.
We are seeking an experienced Managing Director to lead the next stage of commercial growth and operational improvement.
The Role
The Managing Director will be the business leader of Gapforce, responsible for strategy, commercial performance, financial management, people leadership and day-to-day execution.
This is a hands‑on role in a small, ambitious organisation that needs clear direction, strong sales drive, disciplined delivery and a collaborative, agile approach.
The role reports to the President of Inter Exchange and includes quarterly reporting and participation in twice-yearly meetings.
Key Responsibilities
- Set and deliver the commercial strategy to return the business to sustainable profitability.
- Own the full P&L, cash flow and financial reporting.
- Lead and develop the senior team in a collaborative and agile way.
- Drive sales growth across school groups, individual adventure programmes and Camp USA pathways.
- Oversee marketing effectiveness, digital presence and brand positioning.
- Ensure high standards of programme delivery, safety, compliance (including BS 8848 and Learning Outside the Classroom – LOt C) and customer experience.
- Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, speed of execution and results.
- Provide quarterly reports and participate in twice-yearly meetings with Inter Exchange leadership.
- Support a smooth leadership transition.
Person Specification
- Proven track record as a Managing Director, Commercial Director or equivalent in travel, education, experiential learning or a related sector.
- Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable P&L ownership and experience of turning around or scaling a
- Excellent people leadership, interpersonal and remote collaboration skills.
- Comfortable with digital marketing, social media and modern customer acquisition channels.
- Resilient, decisive, collaborative and able to operate effectively in a lean, agile environment.
- Understanding of (or ability to quickly learn) regulatory and compliance requirements including BS 8848 and LOt C.
Gapforce is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates
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Managing Director employer: Gapforce
Gapforce is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those passionate about adventure travel and experiential learning. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company offers unique opportunities to lead impactful programmes while ensuring a high-performance environment that values accountability and results. Located in a vibrant sector, Gapforce provides its team with the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through travel and conservation initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨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 Managing Director at Gapforce!
✨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 Gapforce or be willing to refer you for that Managing Director 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 Gapforce who’s on the lookout for their next Managing Director 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 Managing Director role at Gapforce!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
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 Gapforce. 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 Gapforce
✨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 Gapforce. 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!
