Location
Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5NQ

Hours
37 hours per week, working a 7 day rota including weekends and public holidays

Salary
£33,854 per annum

About the Role
This role is based within the East England Forest District, managing more than 35,000 hectares of woodland stretching from Norfolk to Buckinghamshire and across Kent to East Sussex. Wendover Woods is one of Forestry England’s flagship destinations: a 300-hectare ancient woodland site set within the Chilterns National Landscape. Each year, over 400,000 visitors enjoy its landscape, trails, children’s play areas, Wendover Woods Café, Go Ape, and a busy calendar of events.

As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the safe, compliant and efficient management of visitor facilities and services at Wendover Woods and smaller sites across the Chilterns National Landscape. You will lead and manage staff and volunteers, oversee Health and Safety compliance, take ownership of planned and reactive facilities management, manage budgets and contracts, and ensure the effective maintenance and long-term performance of site assets.

Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will drive operational improvements, enhance the visitor experience, and contribute to the commercial and environmental success of the wider business.

Benefits
Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothing, mobile phones, insurance, holidays, gym memberships, household bills, and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are included. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Relevant experience in managing operations, staff, and volunteers within a visitor or outdoor environment is desirable. Experience in facilities management, Health and Safety compliance, budget and contract management is essential.

About you
You are a motivated leader with strong organisational skills and a passion for delivering excellent visitor experiences. You have the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and manage competing priorities effectively. A commitment to environmental sustainability and a proactive approach to problem-solving are important.

Qualifications
There are no specific qualification requirements stated; however, relevant professional experience and a commitment to continuous professional development are expected.