Deputy Centre Manager - Hertford in Watford

Location: Brickenden, Hertford

Salary: £33,000-£35,000

Closes: Ongoing, we are recruiting on a rolling process so recommend to apply as soon as possible.

Ready to lead the Adventure? Look no further! As Deputy Centre Manager at Celtic Harmony Camp, a busy Outdoor Prehistory Centre, you will supervise the education and events team; maintain a welcoming and safe environment and ensure a quality outdoor experience for schools, adult visitors and community groups.

As the Deputy Centre Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operation of Celtic Harmony Camp, supervising the team, maintaining a welcoming and safe environment, and ensuring quality outdoor experiences for schools, adult visitors and community groups. You will work closely with the Managing Director, take responsibility for key operational areas and provide on-the-ground leadership across the school and recreational activities. The role will be split equally between leading activities and team/customer support.

You will be responsible for the following in consultation with the Director:

• Inspire, lead and develop our talented team of outdoor educators
• Oversee safety management ensuring high quality adventurous learning
• Deliver sessions from archery to den building

You will need to:

• Be an experienced outdoor professional with strong technical skills across archery, axe throwing and bushcraft.
• Be experienced in coordinating the safe delivery of activities to groups of children, adults and families.
• Have excellent communication and organisation skills, able to lead an education and events team with confidence.
• Have a passion for delivering safe, fun and educational activities.
• Thrive in a dynamic working environment, enjoy working outdoors in all seasons and be flexible with working hours.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of risk management, safeguarding, health and safety and customer care and be committed to high standards, inclusion and continual improvement.

Celtic Harmony Camp is an award‑winning venue, with its thatched roundhouses and native woodland, awarded the Hidden Gem accolade by Visit England. For twenty‑five years, children and visitors have been rediscovering the natural world and traditions of life in ancient Britain through creative hands‑on activities and outdoor activities that engage the imagination and improve well‑being.

Main Duties:

• Conduct regular performance evaluations for staff members, working with the senior management to monitor performance and support for development.
• Oversee staff training to ensure inductions, activity logbooks / individual workbooks are completed and objectives logged on Breathe HR system.
• Draft the weekly work plan, assist with the monthly staff and the activity rotas are prepared and social events organised.
• Demonstrate high standards of personal and professional conduct, maintaining integrity and confidentiality at all times.
• Oversee running of trips and events, ensuring Celtic Harmony Camp and Learning Outside the Classroom standards are adhered to.
• Ensure activity areas prepared and the site tidied as per the camp standard.
• Manage day‑to‑day aspects of site management, including ensuring facilities, such as storage areas, workshops, roundhouse dorms, toilets and the Woodland Bistro, are clean and tidy.
• Handle customer communication with professionalism and ensure information noted on CRM.
• Ensure schools, visitors and community groups are led as per standards and impact measurement data collated.
• Undertake the general duties to open and close the venue.
• Assist with overseeing subcontractors and suppliers.
• Manage resources and equipment.
• Develop new activities and education programmes.
• Provision of refreshments / food in the Bistro.

Communications:

• Assist with communication of benefits and fundraising for new projects.
• Communications to schools to achieve retention targets.

Qualifications, experience & behaviours required for this role:

• Archery GB / NFAS Leader or equivalent.
• Experience (3‑4 years essential) working in outdoor education with strong understanding of session planning and risk management in outdoor environments.
• Excellent organisational, time management and communication skills with the ability to lead and support teams of educators, events assistants and volunteers.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, to meet operational and residential trip needs.
• A full UK driving licence and own transport as the site is in a rural location.
• Ability to self‑direct work and to prioritise effectively.
• Personal integrity and ethical decision making; taking responsibility for their actions and consequences.
• Displays resilience, flexibility, adaptability and drive.