At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations at a vibrant visitor attraction and manage a diverse team.
- Company: Exciting wildlife park in Stoke-on-Trent with a focus on guest experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000, career progression, and hands-on leadership role.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the park while making a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong team leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ 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 of Peak Wildlife Park, 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 Head Keeper 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.
Hours of work include Monday to Friday as well as some weekends, bank holidays and peak trading periods. Appointment will be subject to DBS clearance, right to work checks and satisfactory references. The role offers competitive pay up to £50,000 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.
If this sounds like the Operations Manager position for you, click apply now to send us your CV!
Operations Manager in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Recruitment Robin
Join a dynamic and growing visitor attraction in Stoke-on-Trent, where you will have the opportunity to lead a diverse team and shape the future of the park. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive pay, and a collaborative work culture, this role offers a rewarding environment for those passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences. Embrace the chance to take ownership of operations and drive continuous improvement while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a popular local attraction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at the attraction. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the park's operations and recent developments. Show us you’re genuinely interested and ready to take ownership of the role by discussing how you can drive performance against those key KPIs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've successfully managed teams or resolved issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and show us you’re keen on the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your operations management experience, especially in visitor attractions or similar environments, to show us you're the right fit.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Include specific examples of how you've motivated and developed staff, as well as any achievements related to team performance and guest satisfaction.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities to make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment Robin
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the day-to-day operations of a visitor attraction. Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced in this role, such as staffing issues and guest experience management. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take ownership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing diverse teams. Think of specific examples where you've motivated staff or resolved conflicts. Highlight how your leadership style aligns with the values of the attraction, and be ready to explain how you would develop the team at Peak Wildlife Park.
✨Demonstrate KPI Knowledge
Since KPIs are crucial for this role, come armed with examples of how you've successfully met or exceeded KPIs in previous positions. Discuss your approach to guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and health and safety compliance, and be ready to suggest ways to improve these areas at the park.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle busy periods, operational disruptions, or guest complaints. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
