Operations Manager
Mapperton ) is a well-known country estate in West Dorset, comprising a historic house, award-winning gardens, farms, residential property and woodlands. We have various trading activities, including weddings, events, café, shop, ecotourism, glamping, holiday lets, as well as visitors to the house and gardens. We have also recently launched a rewilding project ) and a popular YouTube channel ).
We are looking for an experienced and energetic Operations Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of our trading activities. You will manage our wonderful team, ensure systems and processes run smoothly, and help us deliver an excellent experience for all our visitors and guests.
Reporting to the owner, the role is full-time (though four days a week may be considered for the right candidate). Some weekends, especially during the season, may be required.
Note that this is a hands-on role with a small team and you will need to roll up your sleeves
Responsibilities include:
* Day-to-day management of all trading activities, including historic house & gardens visitor attraction, weddings, events, café/shop, ecotourism, glamping and holiday lets
* Leading and supporting the team to deliver consistently high standards of customer service
* HR administration including rotas, contracts, training, inductions and performance reviews
* Overseeing budgets and cost control for each activity, and preparing regular operational reports for the owner
* Overseeing trading facilities repairs and maintenance (not wider estate)
* Volunteer recruitment and management
* Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, fire safety, risk assessments, food hygiene, safeguarding, GDPR, licensing and all statutory requirements
* Managing suppliers, contracts and stock control across activities
* Supporting marketing activity, including promotions, signage, pricing, customer feedback
* Defining, tracking and reporting on operational KPIs
* Upholding and promoting our core values (Well-being, Kindness, Sustainability, Community, Regeneration, Interdependence, Learning, Excellence)
Experience and skills:
* At least three years' experience in operations or hospitality/events management
* Strong leadership and team-building skills with a collaborative, positive style
* Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with high level of attention to detail
* Confidence in managing budgets, supplier payments and financial tracking
* Good technical literacy, comfortable using IT and booking platforms
* A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to juggle multiple priorities calmly and effectively
* High level of cheerfulness, resilience and resourcefulness
Terms:
* £40-45k salary per annum, depending on experience
* Discretionary annual bonus
* Workplace pension
* 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays
* Some weekends will be necessary during the season
* Four days a week (salary pro rata) may be considered for the right candidate
Please submit CV and cover letter or email. We look forward to hearing from you
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person