At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic adventure tourism operation and enhance customer experiences.
- Company: Exciting adventure tourism company in Aberdare, South Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Ideal for energetic leaders passionate about adventure and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a £2m+ operation and drive growth in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing high-volume customer-facing operations and leading teams.
We're looking for an exceptional General Manager to take overall responsibility for the operational performance, customer experience, team engagement, and commercial success of a high-profile adventure-tourism operation located in Aberdare. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to take genuine ownership of a £2m+ operation, leading a large team and driving admissions and performance across corporate, group and direct bookings, F and B and retail.
This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with your team and senior leadership to deliver operational excellence, maintain the highest standards of health and safety, maximise customer satisfaction and identify opportunities to grow revenue and improve profitability.
The role
- You'll take overall responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the site, leading your teams to:
- Deliver operational excellence and consistently high customer service standards
- Lead, engage and develop a high-performing site team
- Take overall responsibility for health, safety and operational compliance
- Manage site performance, budgets, P&L and key commercial targets
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve efficiency and grow the business
- Drive groups, school, and corporate bookings, working closely with the Central teams
- Monitor customer feedback and continuously improve the customer journey
- Oversee site presentation and deliver cap-ex projects
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Lead seasonal events and initiatives to support the continued growth of the site
- Oversee a 150-cover bistro with locally sourced ingredients, a retail shop and photography
We are keen to hear from candidates who have:
- Proven GM experience within leisure, hospitality, attractions, adventure or another high-volume customer-facing business
- Managing a complex, customer-facing operation with a multi-million-pound turnover
- Strong understanding of health & safety and operational compliance
- A strong track record of leading, developing and engaging high-performing teams
- Experience managing budgets, KPIs and commercial performance
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
- A customer-focused approach with a genuine passion for delivering exceptional experiences
- The ability to make confident decisions, challenge constructively and drive continuous improvement
- A resilient, energetic and visible leadership style
The package:
In addition to a basic salary of up to 60k, there is the potential to earn a bonus of up to 25% of the basic salary, benefits include Vitality health insurance, 25 days holiday with a stakeholder pension scheme. You will typically be working 3 weekends out of 4, on a 40-hr working week. It is important that you live within a 45-minute travel time to Aberdare making it potentially accessible from areas including Cardiff, Bridgend and Swansea. Due to the anticipated high level of interest in this opportunity, only those candidates meeting the criteria highlighted will be considered.
General Manager - Adventure Tourism in Aberdare employer: Leisure People
Join one of the UK's most prestigious private members' clubs as an Executive Housekeeper in Surrey, where you will lead a dedicated team in maintaining exceptional accommodation and hygiene standards. With a focus on employee development, the club offers a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive remuneration and opportunities for career progression within a luxury hospitality environment. Experience the unique advantage of working in a setting that prioritises excellence and sustainability while delivering an unrivalled member experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Adventure Tourism in Aberdare
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Leisure People. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Leisure People
Don't be shy about reaching out to Leisure People directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Adventure Tourism in Aberdare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Leisure People and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leisure People
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
