Based between the stunning Lake District and the rolling Yorkshire Dales, we deliver an inspiring range of holidays, journeys and wilderness experiences in the most remote and beautiful regions of England.
We specialise in walking, cycling and e-biking adventures, as well as culture and experiential trips. We are now looking for an enthusiastic team-player to help us coordinate equipments and logistics to make each trip a success for our clients and guides.
Job Purpose & Role Overview
As Operations Coordinator you'll manage stores, equipment, and logistics at our Head Quarters in Kirkby Lonsdale, to ensure smooth trip delivery. Your role includes allocating resources, tracking inventory, procuring consumables, scheduling maintenance, and streamlining processes. You'll also take a hands-on role in preparing trips to deliver a 5-star experience for our guides and clients. Collaboration with sales, trip operations, and guiding teams is key to supporting the needs of the business.
Seasonality
April to October is 'summer season' which involves strict deadlines as the majority of trips depart, along with reacting to any unforeseen issues that may arise. Annual leave is more restricted during this period.
November to March is 'winter season' which involves preparation and planning for the following year, kit repairs, maintenance, review of processes and budgeting, as well as providing support to the wider office team.
Hours of Work
Hours for this role are 35hrs per week, although flexibility is required. Scheduled hours may vary a little each week, pending which trips are operating and this can be managed between your line managers. This role includes scheduled weekend work during the summer season, typically around 10 weekends. Weekend shifts will be planned in advance based on the trip schedule, focusing on 'stores-heavy' departures where guides need support with preparation, packing, and returns.
Indicative working hours would be as follows:
Summer - April to October
* Mon: Off
* Tue: 9-5
* Wed: 9-5
* Thu: 9-5
* Fri: 10-6
* Sat: 7-3
* Sun: Off
Winter - November to March
* Mon: 9-5
* Tue: 9-5
* Wed: 9-5
* Thu: 9-5
* Fri: 9-5
* Sat: Off
* Sun: Off
Key Accountabilities
Supplier Relationship Coordination
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, including vehicle, food, equipment, and maintenance service providers (e.g. Enterprise, Lyon, Trek Bikes, Madison, Ford, Mercedes).
* Coordinate procurement and purchasing, ensuring efficient, high-quality sourcing aligned with seasonal requirements and budgets.
Process & Efficiency Optimisation
* Identify and implement practical efficiencies across equipment coordination, maintenance, and stock levels.
* Streamline preparation and packing processes for all trips, particularly for gear-heavy departures, with a focus on time management and resource planning.
* Act on feedback related to equipment, kit, and logistics processes, making practical adjustments to enhance service quality.
Collaboration with Operations & Guiding Teams
* Coordinate with the wider operations team to support trip logistics, assist with client and vehicle transfers where required, respond to emergencies, and ensure a seamless experience for clients and guides.
* Collaborate with the operations team to develop and implement new procedures as required for ongoing improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment & Logistics
* Manage a small fleet of vehicles and trailers, including servicing and repairs, plus coordinating hire vehicles.
* Schedule maintenance of outdoor equipment and coordinate with the Bike Mechanic to keep the fleet of road, gravel, and e-bikes trip-ready.
* Oversee setup and handover of equipment/resources, supporting guides and the operations team.
* Coordinate shipment of resources to guides for trips across the UK.
Inventory & Stores
* Maintain an organised, clearly labelled store and update processes ahead of each season.
* Track digital inventory to ensure accurate allocation of bikes and equipment for trip planning.
Guide Support & Training
* Provide training on store operations and equipment use (in-person and online).
* Support end-of-trip returns, managing waste and recycling to environmental standards, and ensuring all kit is clean, presentable, and ready for the next trip.
What do we typically look for in successful candidates across all roles?
* A strong and clear commitment to customer service excellence and "extra mile" delivery.
* Good IT skills with experience in cloud-based CRM systems such as Salesforce, Google Drive and Mac applications.
* Strong administration and organisational skills, with the ability to maintain accuracy even when very busy.
* Consistently great attention to detail, even when faced with multiple tasks and deadlines.
* Good interpersonal skills, awareness and emotional intelligence with an ability to develop and sustain internal & external business relationships.
* A genuine interest, knowledge and passion for adventure in the regions where Wilderness operates.
* Is committed to sustainability and is an advocate for wild places and our planet.
* A natural collaborator who enjoys working in teams with a diverse range of individuals.
* A commitment to some weekend work to support with any 'out of hours' operational requirements
Preferred role-specific Skills, Knowledge & Experience
* Practical experience and enthusiasm for Wilderness Scotland/England activities (advantageous).
* Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a hands-on approach (essential).
* Any National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications in activities operated by Wilderness Scotland/England (desirable).
* Interest or experience in maintaining modern road, gravel, and e-bikes (advantageous).
* Clean driving licence, with the ability to drive a van and tow a trailer (essential).
* Experience in equipment safety checks (desirable).
* Creative problem-solving skills and a practical, "fix-it" mindset (essential).
How to Apply
We're really keen to hear from you so please head over to our website to check us out and apply ). Send us your CV and 1 page Cover Letter in PDF format through the online Breathe HR portal detailing the following:
* Which role you are applying for.
* Relevant experience and transferable skills you can bring to this role, including how you manage a varied workload.
* How you will enhance the performance of our Operations Team.
* Can you describe a time you had to solve a last-minute logistical problem.
* How would you approach working with a high-end client who expects a highly personalised travel experience across the UK? Please give an example of how you would balance client desires with practical or logistical realities.
All applications should be submitted through our Breathe HR recruitment system in PDF format and will be auto acknowledged upon receipt before being manually reviewed by the team. Your application must be complete to be fully considered, therefore please prepare your CV and Cover Letter before hitting apply.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Wilderness group of businesses are committed to diversity through inclusive practices. We are looking to improve the diversity of our teams and believe firmly in the value of varied life experiences, backgrounds and cultures in our workplace.
We welcome and encourage diverse applicants for any advertised position and will consider all applicants regardless of age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, health conditions, impairments or other characteristics.
Benefits
* 35 hour working week
* 31 days holiday + earn up to 12 rostered days off per annum
* 14 hours of volunteer leave to make a difference towards causes that are important to you and/or our business
* Flexible / Hybrid working plus up to 2 weeks working from anywhere (in the off-season)
* Company Contributed Pension (after qualifying period)
* Company Health Plan (after the qualifying period)
* Occupational Maternity Pay (after the qualifying period)
* Bike to Work Scheme
* Family and friends discounts
* Training and career development opportunities
* Team activity afternoons (Wilderness Wednesday)
* Industry discounts on outdoor clothing and equipment
* Cake on your birthday
* Unlimited tea and coffee with only the occasional milk shortage emergency
Notes
Please note that we are not in a position to offer sponsorship for this role. As such, a right to work in UK is required in order to apply.
If you have any queries or need support please contact us by email:
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,000.00-£28,125.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Carnforth: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person