At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and manage a diverse team to enhance visitor experiences.
- Company: Exciting visitor attraction in Stoke-on-Trent with growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60,000, flexible hours, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied schedule, including weekends and events.
- Why this job: Take ownership of park operations and make a real impact on guest satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
A growing visitor attraction in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to take full ownership of the day-to-day running of the park and play a key role in shaping how the business develops as it continues to grow.
This is a highly visible, hands-on role where you will manage teams, resolve issues, and maintain high standards across the visitor experience, while overseeing front-of-house operations, leading and developing a large diverse team, collaborating closely with other departments, and driving performance against key KPIs.
As the Operations Manager, your key responsibilities will be
- Take full ownership of the day-to-day operations, ensuring all areas are fully staffed, open, and operating to a high standard.
- Lead and manage a front-of-house team of approximately 40 staff across catering and guest services.
- Work closely with Operations Supervisors to develop team structure, performance, and capability.
- Collaborate effectively with the Animal Manager and wider teams to ensure smooth park operations across all departments.
- Maintain consistently high standards of guest experience, safety, and service delivery.
- Manage and resolve operational issues quickly and effectively to minimise disruption.
- Plan for seasonal peaks, busy periods, and events to ensure full operational readiness.
- Take ownership of key KPIs including guest satisfaction, complaint resolution, staff retention, health and safety compliance, operational efficiency, and revenue performance.
- Provide clear daily and weekly reporting to senior management, highlighting risks, performance, and improvements.
- Drive continuous improvement across all areas of park operations.
The Operations Manager will have the following skills and attributes
- Proven experience in an operations management role within a visitor attraction, leisure, hospitality, or retail environment.
- Strong track record of managing teams across multiple functions or departments.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver consistently against KPIs, including guest experience and operational performance.
- Experience managing high-volume trading periods, seasonal demand, and live events.
- Strong understanding of health and safety compliance and best practice.
- Experience with budgets, cost control, and commercial reporting.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
This is a full-time, permanent position requiring flexibility to work a varied schedule based on the operational needs of the business.
Working hours will include weekends, bank holidays, peak trading periods, seasonal events and other times of increased visitor demand.
The role offers competitive pay up to £60,000 depending on experience, along with the opportunity to take real ownership of park operations and progress into a senior leadership position as the business grows.
Appointment will be subject to DBS clearance, right to work checks and satisfactory references.
If this sounds like the Operations Manager position for you, click apply now to send us your CV!
Operations Manager employer: Recruitment Robin
Join a vibrant and growing visitor attraction in Stoke-on-Trent, where as an Operations Manager, you will not only lead a diverse team but also play a pivotal role in enhancing the guest experience. With competitive pay and opportunities for career progression into senior leadership, our supportive work culture fosters employee growth and collaboration across departments, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨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 Recruitment Robin. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Recruitment Robin
Don't be shy about reaching out to Recruitment Robin 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 Operations Manager
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 Recruitment Robin 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 Recruitment Robin
✨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!
