Location
High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Thetford Road, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0AF
Occasional national travel with overnight stay may be required.

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£33,854 per annum

About the Role
Forestry England is a passionate team dedicated to growing the nation’s forests for everyone, adapting landscapes for tomorrow, and creating amazing places and experiences today. As the Operations Manager at High Lodge, one of Forestry England’s flagship outdoor recreation destinations receiving over 500,000 visitors annually, you will lead the delivery, management, and development of recreation operations across High Lodge and support recreation management across wider beat areas. Your responsibilities will include ensuring day-to-day operational excellence, facility and asset management, health and safety leadership, contract oversight, budget management, and fostering a positive and inclusive “one-team” culture.

You will play a central role in providing an outstanding visitor experience while contributing to the wider East District recreation strategy, commercial growth targets, and Forestry England’s values of sustainability, safety, access, and wellbeing.

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 for each year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. The STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on everyday shopping, hotel stays, clothing, electronics, insurance, holidays, gym memberships, household bills, and wellbeing apps. Free parking is available at Forestry England sites along with free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury. 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 recreation operations, facility and asset management, health and safety leadership, contract oversight, and budget management is essential. Experience working within a team environment and delivering excellent customer service is highly desirable.

About you
You are a motivated and enthusiastic leader with excellent communication and influencing skills. You demonstrate strong decision-making abilities and a commitment to managing a quality service. You work well collaboratively and foster an inclusive team culture. You are passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to delivering outstanding visitor experiences while supporting sustainability and wellbeing.

Qualifications
Specific qualifications are not detailed; however, candidates should be able to demonstrate relevant skills and experience aligned with the role. Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and government baseline personnel security standard check. The ability to communicate effectively in accurate spoken English is essential.