At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at the Falkirk Wheel, ensuring a fantastic visitor experience.
- Company: Scottish Canals, dedicated to preserving Scotland's canal network and enhancing community spaces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 32 days leave, health cash plan, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences while managing a vibrant attraction.
- Qualifications: Degree in management or related field, with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on sustainability and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 55166 - 60283 £ per year.
Apply for this permanent role. You will work an average of 35 hours per week, typically 5 days out of 7, with flexibility required.
About Us
Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change. We value every team member, collaborate across partners and stakeholders, and deliver a range of activities and services that enhance the visitor experience.
About The Role
You will provide operational leadership at the Falkirk Wheel site, managing teams and overseeing daily visitor operations to ensure a smooth delivery of services across the attraction. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will keep the site vibrant and welcoming for visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
Primary Responsibilities Of The Role
- Leading and managing the operational teams across the Falkirk Wheel site.
- Ensuring safe, efficient daily operations of visitor services and activities.
- Driving the delivery of an outstanding visitor experience.
- Managing resources, operational processes and site performance.
- Supporting events, commercial activities and visitor programmes.
- Working collaboratively with internal departments and external partners.
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety and organisational policies.
- Monitoring performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
About The Reward
Progressive starting salary of £49,588 (Band F), plus an additional 11.25% Variable Hours allowance. Benefits include 32 days annual leave plus 6 public holidays, enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, a health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
About You
Qualifications and knowledge required:
- Degree or equivalent qualification in business management, tourism, hospitality, leisure management or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Management or leadership qualification (desirable).
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation and safe operational practices.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- Good IT and digital skills, including experience using Microsoft Office systems and operational reporting tools.
- Financial awareness with the ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
Skills And Experience Required:
- Proven experience in an operations management or supervisory role, ideally within a visitor attraction, tourism, leisure, hospitality or public-facing environment.
- Experience and understanding of the cycle of Performance Management.
- Demonstrated experience leading and motivating teams to deliver high performance.
- Experience managing day-to-day operational activities within a busy environment.
- Experience delivering excellent customer or visitor experiences.
- Experience working with multiple stakeholders, partners and contractors.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to operational challenges.
- Experience implementing and maintaining health and safety procedures and compliance.
- Experience analysing performance and identifying areas for operational and financial improvement.
Qualities & Abilities Required:
- Strong leadership presence, with the ability to inspire and support teams.
- Proactive and solution‑focused, with strong problem‑solving abilities.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure and remain calm in busy operational environments.
- A strong visitor focus, with a passion for delivering memorable experiences.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing operational needs.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong relationships across teams and partners.
- High level of professionalism, integrity and accountability.
Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Salary: From £55,166.65 – £60,283.04 including allowances (inclusive of pay award from 1st April).
Closing Date: 12/04/2026.
Department: Destinations.
Location: Falkirk.
Hours per week: 35.
Operations Manager in Falkirk employer: Scottish Canals
Contact Detail:
Scottish Canals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Falkirk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Falkirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing teams and delivering outstanding visitor experiences, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your organisational and planning skills! We want to see how you’ve successfully managed resources and operational processes in previous roles, so give us some solid examples.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Canals
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the operations of the Falkirk Wheel. Familiarise yourself with its visitor services, daily activities, and any recent changes or improvements. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can enhance the visitor experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams within a busy environment. Think about times when you motivated your team to achieve high performance or resolved conflicts effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and support others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to operational challenges. Practice responding to scenarios where you need to manage competing priorities or ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. This will showcase your problem-solving abilities and proactive mindset.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working with multiple stakeholders, prepare to discuss your experience in collaboration. Share specific instances where you built strong relationships across teams or partners, and how that led to successful outcomes. This will underline your ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.