Centre Manager – Residential Outdoor Education Centre

Overview

Vacancy Salary: circa £38,618 per annum + excellent benefits
Vacancy Location: Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria

The Vacancy

Do you have a track record of inspiring your team to achieve exceptional results?

We’re looking for you to join our Environmental Education Charity as our new Centre Manager.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Your new place of work is in a beautiful location, be surrounded by nature on your breaks.
• Starting salary circa £38,618 per annum
• Plus excellent benefits – including 28 days annual leave + bank holidays, life assurance (5 x your basic annual salary) and a health cash plan, see the full list below.

Love where you work!

Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.

We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.

What you’ll be doing

As our Centre Manager you will have a key operational and leadership role within our charity. You’ll work closely with the Head of Education and Operations to ensure the effective running of your centre, making sure that all activities are in line with the Field Studies Council vision and strategy.

You will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, management and performance of your busy residential learning location. This will involve budgeting and ensuring effective systems are in place to meet customers’ expectations. As well as working with our Sales and Business Development teams to actively retain and develop new business opportunities.

You will be able to successfully lead and manage your team, providing clear direction, motivation, support, and feedback. As well as play an active role in recruiting, inducting, and developing each team member ensuring that they are performing to their highest potential with a strong focus on delivering excellent customer service.

Please refer to the vacancy pack for further information on the full responsibilities of this position.

Where you’ll be based

Blencathra Field Centre is situated 300m up, on the south facing slopes of Blencathra in the Lake District National Park.

It sits just one mile from the village of Threlkeld, with panoramic views of the Lake District fells. This impressive setting has a true sense of space, which many visitors enjoy year after year.

Our award-winning eco-friendly accommodation uses electricity which is generated by the Centre’s own hydro scheme and its heating which is powered by Cumbrian-sourced biomass.

Who we’re looking for

You will have developed strong business management skills from your previous work experience and be confident to deliver the day-to-day operational functions of a busy learning environment.

Previous experience working in a similar centre environment within the leisure, hospitality or education sectors is advantageous.

In addition, you will have:

• Ability to communicate effectively to a diverse range of audiences.
• A proactive approach to personal development. You will be motivated to learn new skills and seek new challenges, as well as be able to inspire others to do the same.
• Demonstrable time management and prioritisation skills.
• Commitment to learning in the outdoor environment.

Sound like the role for you? Come and be part of the team! We look forward to your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Financial – We offer competitive salaries, sick pay, pension schemes, life assurance, 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a further 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service.
• Health and Wellbeing – Eligible employees are automatically provided with a Health Cash Plan which you can use to help pay for routine health appointments as well as give you the ability to seek second opinions from top doctors! We also provide our team members with access to a 24hr Counselling Helpline Service.
• Discounts – When you join the team you are also enrolled into our reward programme which gives you discounts on your favourite brands and opportunities to earn cash back on everyday purchases!
• Additional benefits – We endeavour to offer flexible working options where roles permit and are committed to providing our employees with appropriate quality learning and development opportunities.

If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please call Mike Etherington (Head of Education & Operations) on 07579 814272 or Andy Pratt (Director of Education & Operations) on 07791 498274

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 11 September 2024.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Blencathra in the week commencing 23 September 2024.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

The Company

We want to create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it.

As an Investors in People charity, we realise that to achieve our vision we need diverse teams of staff who have a wide range of skills, a real passion for the work of the charity and pride in their role within it. No matter what role you perform at the FSC, everyone can make a difference and every role is vital to delivering our mission and vision…if this inspires you, we would love to hear from you.

What we offer

• Pension schemes
• Life assurance
• Health cash plan
• Training & development
• Free parking
• Retail discounts
• Family leave
• Flexible working
• Free refreshments

Documents

Criminal Records Form – Download

Centre Manager Vacancy Pack – Download