At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver exceptional outdoor learning experiences in a stunning natural setting.
- Company: Join an inspiring environmental education charity dedicated to connecting people with nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team that values growth, teamwork, and environmental action.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a beautiful location surrounded by nature.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in customer-focused environments and a passion for the outdoors.
The predicted salary is between 40375 - 40375 £ per year.
Do you have the leadership skills to run a busy residential centre and inspire a team to deliver outstanding outdoor learning experiences?
We’re looking for you to join our Environmental Education Charity as our new Centre Manager. Starting salary is circa £40,375 per annum with an excellent benefits package, including generous annual leave, life assurance and health & wellbeing support. Work in a stunning location, with nature on your doorstep every day.
At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment. Every role plays a vital part in making that happen. As our Centre Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day management, performance and development of the residential learning centre, ensuring exceptional experiences for every visitor while helping deliver our charitable mission.
This is a varied, hands-on leadership role where you'll:
- Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the centre operates safely, efficiently and delivers an outstanding experience for every visitor.
- Recruit, develop and support colleagues, overseeing induction, training and professional development while supporting our commitment to being an Investor in People.
- Drive commercial performance by maximising occupancy, managing budgets, growing income and identifying new opportunities to diversify revenue.
- Build partnerships with local and regional organisations and contribute to funded projects that support our charitable mission.
- Care for the learning location, overseeing the buildings, grounds and estate while improving environmental performance in line with our Carbon Net Zero and Nature Recovery Plan.
- Take operational responsibility for the successful running of a busy residential learning location, including participating in the centre's duty and on-call rota to ensure support is available whenever visitors are on site.
Please refer to the vacancy pack on our website for full details of the responsibilities of this position.
Field Studies Council Nettlecombe Court is a unique and inspiring place to work. Set in a peaceful valley on the edge of Exmoor National Park, the house is a striking Tudor and Georgian mansion surrounded by ancient woodland, heritage parkland, and a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest. With the Somerset coast, Exmoor and the Quantock Hills National Landscape close by, it's a beautiful place to lead a team and help people connect with nature every day.
You'll be an experienced operational leader with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and a track record of successfully managing teams and services. You'll have experience working within a residential, leisure, hospitality, education or similar customer-focused environment and be confident managing budgets, developing people, building partnerships and driving continuous improvement. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking for someone who shares them: let’s learn and grow, inspire action for the environment, work as a team, and deliver great service.
Your benefits whilst working with us will include:
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
- 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
- Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary
- Health and Wellbeing Support for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy plus financial & legal support
- 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
- Cycle to work and EV schemes
- Discounts and cashback opportunities
- Flexible working options where roles permit
- Quality learning and development opportunities
The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 16 August 2026. 1st interviews are scheduled to take place online in the week of 24 August 2026 with 2nd interviews at Field Studies Council Nettlecombe Court in the week commencing 7 September 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
We want to create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it. As an Investors in People charity, we realise that to achieve our vision we need diverse teams of staff who have a wide range of skills, a real passion for the work of the charity and pride in their role within it. No matter what role you perform at the Field Studies Council, everyone can make a difference and every role is vital to delivering our mission and vision… if this inspires you, we would love to hear from you.
Centre Manager Residential OEC - Somerset employer: Institute for Outdoor Learning
The Institute for Outdoor Learning is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred around adventure and personal growth. Located in the picturesque town of Whitby, employees benefit from hands-on experience in outdoor education, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives through engaging activities. Join us to embark on a rewarding journey where your passion for the outdoors can flourish while contributing to unforgettable experiences for youth.
Contact Details:
Institute for Outdoor Learning Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Manager Residential OEC - Somerset
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Institute for Outdoor Learning.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Institute for Outdoor Learning and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Manager Residential OEC - Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Institute for Outdoor Learning.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Institute for Outdoor Learning will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Centre Manager Residential OEC - Somerset at Institute for Outdoor Learning. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Outdoor Learning
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Institute for Outdoor Learning, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Institute for Outdoor Learning that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
