At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a new mindfulness practice centre, fostering community and wellbeing.
- Company: Being Peace Centre, a vibrant Buddhist community in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential accommodation, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join us in creating a transformative environment for mindfulness practice.
- Why this job: Shape a meaningful space for mindfulness and connect with diverse individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing residential or retreat centres and a collaborative leadership style.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Help Us Build Something Beautiful
A new Buddhist practice centre in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside is looking for an experienced and compassionate leader.
Are you drawn to creating mindful spaces where people can truly connect with themselves and others?
The Being Peace Centre, founded in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition, is seeking a full-time Centre Director, who can balance practical management skills with a deep commitment to mindful living. You'll shape this emerging community from the ground up, managing our operations, leading our team, and helping create something meaningful.
We’re looking for someone with:
- Proven experience running a residential or retreat centre (or similar complex project)
- A collaborative, people-centred leadership style
- The flexibility and creativity to thrive in a start-up environment
In return, we offer a competitive salary, potential on-site accommodation, good benefits, and the rare opportunity to help birth a center that will support countless people's wellbeing for years to come.
Our vision is to create a vibrant, inclusive community where people from all backgrounds can experience the transformative power of mindfulness practice in the Plum Village tradition.
About Being Peace Centre
Being Peace Centre is a new mindfulness practice centre founded by Plum Village UK in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Located on a beautiful historic farm in Abenhall, Gloucestershire, the centre will provide a peaceful environment for retreats and mindfulness practice throughout the year.
The centre will accommodate:
- 30+ residential guests year round
- Visiting teachers throughout the year
- The potential to grow this number to 60+ guests over the coming years
- A resident lay community of 6-8 people
- Working volunteers and regular local volunteers
- A sustainable "Happy Farm" mindful organic growing space, developing over the coming years.
- Walking meditation paths and dedicated practice spaces
Role Purpose
As Centre Director, you will provide leadership and operational management for this exciting new project during its critical establishment phase. Working collaboratively with the Plum Village UK Trustees, resident community, dharma teachers and visiting monastics, you will help bring this vision to life and ensure the centre's long-term sustainability.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the foundation and culture of a significant new Buddhist centre in the UK, combining practical management skills with deep alignment to mindfulness principles.
Applications close on 21st October 2025.
Plum Village UK is committed to being a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome inquiries and applications from all suitably experienced individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, relationship status and neurodiversity. An enhanced DBS check will be applied.
Centre Director in Mitcheldean employer: Plum Village UK
Being Peace Centre offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about mindfulness and community building to lead a new centre in the serene Gloucestershire countryside. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide competitive salaries, potential on-site accommodation, and a collaborative work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Join us in creating a vibrant space where mindfulness can flourish and transform lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Director in Mitcheldean
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for mindfulness and community shine through. We want to see how your values align with our vision at the Being Peace Centre.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have in running a residential or retreat centre. We’re looking for someone who can balance practical management with a compassionate approach, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity! Share your personal journey and how it has shaped your leadership style. This helps us understand who you are beyond your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Plum Village UK
✨Understand the Mindfulness Philosophy
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition. This will not only show your genuine interest in the role but also help you connect with the values of the Being Peace Centre.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative and people-centred leadership approach. Think about specific situations where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, especially in a residential or retreat setting, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Creativity
Since this is a start-up environment, be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to change in previous roles. Share instances where your creativity helped solve problems or improve processes, as this will resonate well with their vision for the centre.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Inquire about the centre's future plans, community engagement strategies, or how they envision the balance between operations and mindfulness practice. This shows your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
