Operations Director Role: Location: Kington, Herefordshire (On-site) Salary: £45,000- £50,000 per annum (dependent on experience) Contract: Full-Time, Permanent Reporting to: Chairman of the Board Governance: Position on the Board of Directors (Monthly Meetings) Start date: Immediate start preferred Application Deadline: 24th April 2026 5pm The Role Purpose: The Operations Director (OD) will hold total accountability for the day-to-day running of Dunfield House. As a Board member, you will translate the Board’s long-term vision into operational reality. Your mission is to maximise the potential of our 15-acre estate, ensuring exceptional guest experiences across all potential revenue streams, while maintaining the financial health and charitable ethos of the venue. Organisational Structure: You will act as the "hub" of Dunfield House, providing leadership, mentorship, and accountability to a dedicated senior management team. Direct Reports: Sales & Marketing Manager: Driving occupancy and commercial revenue. Admin Assistant: Oversight of HR, budgets, cash flow, and financial reporting. Site Caretaker: Ensuring the 15-acre site, indoor pool, and historic buildings are safe, compliant, and well-maintained. Head of Kitchen: Managing food safety, gross profit (GP), and quality of service. Key Responsibilities: 1. Strategic Leadership & Governance Prepare and present monthly operational reports to the Chairman and the Board. Present Key financial reports in collaboration with the admin assistant. Lead the annual business planning process. In collaboration with the sales and marketing manager, implement the marketing strategy. Act as a guardian of Dunfield’s culture, ensuring the venue remains a "home from home" for all guests. 2. Financial & Commercial Management Work with the admin assistant to optimise margins, particularly focusing on energy efficiency and food costs. Work with the sales & marketing manager to implement dynamic pricing and improve mid-week occupancy. Understands the importance of financial management and has the ability to compile financial reports for Board meetings. 3. Operational Excellence & Compliance Oversee the site caretaker to ensure rigorous health and safety standards, particularly regarding the indoor pool and fire safety in a high-capacity residential setting. Oversee the head of kitchen to ensure 5-star hygiene ratings and efficient volume catering for up to 90 guests. Streamline internal processes (booking systems, staff rotas, guest check-ins) to improve efficiency. Share duty manager responsibilities. 4. People & Culture Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment between the distinct departments. Manage recruitment, appraisals, and professional development for the senior team. Performance Indicators (KPIs): 1. Financial & Efficiency KPIs Primary KPI: Achievement of 103 FHE days. Secondary KPI: 15% conversion rate of OTA guests to direct bookers. Tertiary KPI: Average TRevPAG of £2.00 per guest. 2. Operational & Capacity KPIs Full House Equivalent (FHE) Readiness: While Sales books the days, Operations must ensure the site is "Turnaround Ready." A KPI for "Zero Down-Time" between back-to-back groups. The "Pool Availability" Score: A KPI of 98% uptime (excluding scheduled maintenance). Catering Margin: 70% Gross Profit (GP) on meals by managing waste and seasonal purchasing. 3. Compliance & Duty Management KPIs Health & Safety Audit Score: 100% compliance on monthly internal safety checks (Fire, Water/Legionella, Pool, Safeguarding). Guest "Home from Home" Satisfaction: A score (derived from post-stay surveys) specifically measuring Cleanliness and Facility Functionality. Staff Retention & Training: A target for Staff Turnover The Ideal Candidate: Experience: Senior Management: At least 5 years in a senior operational role within hospitality, residential centres, or large-scale venue management. Board-Level Presence: Comfortable reporting to a Board and communicating complex operational data to stakeholders. Commercial Acumen: Proven track record of improving profit margins without compromising service quality. Team Leadership: Experience managing diverse teams (from maintenance and catering to sales and finance). Skills: Strategic Thinking: The ability to look beyond the day-to-day and plan for the next 3–5 years. Financial Literacy: Ability to interpret P&Ls, balance sheets, and budget variances. Adaptability: Equally comfortable in a boardroom meeting as they are walking the estate with a contractor. Benefits: Board Position: A genuine opportunity to shape the future of a significant regional venue. Autonomy: High degree of freedom to implement operational changes and drive the commercial strategy. Environment: Work in a beautiful 15-acre setting in the Herefordshire countryside. Why Join Us? You will be taking the helm of a financially viable venue at a pivotal moment of transition. You have the opportunity to secure the future of a unique estate that serves as a vital resource for schools, churches, and families alike.