Overview
The Bioasis is a small, growing outdoor company providing transformational educational trips for school groups as well as immersive nature-based retreats and leadership programmes for businesses and executives. This role is for a dynamic Programmes Manager to lead, manage and develop our range of outdoor programmes across education and business sectors, ensuring quality provision and safety for staff and clients.
Contract and working arrangements: Permanent – Full Time. Usual in-season and off-season hours apply as described below. Flexible/home/remote working is encouraged during the off-season, but on-site presence is expected in South Devon for meetings and operations when required. Virtually all work between April and end Sept is on site.
Reporting: Director(s)
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum, depending on experience, with uncapped potential as the company grows. Pension: Company contributes to staff pensions in line with workplace pension obligations. Holiday: 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays.
Other: £500 annual CPD budget; opportunities for outdoor/leadership work on camps for the right candidate; Devon location with access to Dartmoor, beaches, surfing, rivers and more.
Equality, diversity and inclusion: The Bioasis is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants regardless of disability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, family or parental status. See the full EDI policy for details.
About The Bioasis
This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative outdoor company. The Bioasis provides transformational educational trips for school groups as well as immersive nature-based retreats and leadership programmes for businesses and C‑suite executives. Our mission is to build climate and nature-based literacy, organisational and personal resilience, and planet-positive leadership through the professional delivery of residential outdoor experiences.
About our site
We are based on a private 5000 acre estate with wildflower meadows, salt marsh, ancient woodland and rich biodiversity. We have three off-grid basecamps capable of hosting up to 40 students and staff, each with field kitchen, composting toilets, biodiversity monitoring equipment, hot outdoor showers, solar electricity and a fire pit. It is a unique place for outdoor learning and development.
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on Programmes Manager to lead, manage and develop our outdoor programmes across education and business sectors, ensuring quality provision and safety of staff and clients. You will build and lead a high-performing team of outdoor specialists and develop innovative outdoor solutions in collaboration with the sales team to take them to market.
The successful candidate will have broad outdoor leadership and management experience and a commitment to designing and delivering high-quality programmes, training and provision.
Key responsibilities and priorities include the following.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, develop and deliver engaging educational and adventure-based programmes for schools, youth, corporate, community and volunteer groups.
* Directly manage Bioasis camp leaders and continually improve operational delivery of programmes and camps, ensuring safety, quality and enjoyment.
* Maintain and improve risk management systems and paperwork in line with best practice and national standards.
* Conduct regular monitoring, feedback, and review sessions with guests and staff to maintain high standards of delivery.
* Plan, implement and lead staff training, including updating session plans and risk assessments as needed.
* Manage renewal of AALA / BAPA accreditations, in conjunction with the Company Director and Ops Manager where required.
Organisational Leadership & Collaboration
* Work closely with the Company Director, Ops Manager and Business Development Manager to ensure organisational fluency and coherence across the company.
* Develop and implement strategies to support growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement, learning and staff wellbeing through training, mentoring, and check-ins.
* Collaborate with technical advisors to maintain best practices and robust operational systems.
* Lead briefings and debriefings with management and the instructing team.
Community Engagement & Inclusion
* Explore opportunities for local, regional and national initiatives that expand access to nature, improve biodiversity and strengthen community involvement.
* Promote an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for participants and staff.
* Support practices that improve staff wellbeing and morale.
Operational & Administrative Excellence
* Manage budgets for programmes, equipment and training; coordinate instructors, freelancers and external providers to ensure programmes are fully staffed and delivered to high standards.
* Coordinate and book sessions with external providers aligned to programme goals and standards.
* Assist in managing facilities, vehicles and site infrastructure for smooth, safe operations.
* Maintain up-to-date risk assessments, session plans and incident records to ensure compliance with H&S and safeguarding requirements.
* Source, maintain and manage activity equipment to ensure safety, quality and environmental standards.
* Drive estate vehicles (including off-road) to move equipment, supplies and people around the estate.
* Participate in critical incident management, emergency action planning and first aid response; hospital visits if required.
* Undertake manual handling of equipment, food and water as required.
* On-call duty when clients are on site; act as duty contact on a rota basis. Training in crisis response provided. We employ Pharos Response for emergencies.
* Undertake other tasks as reasonably required to meet company needs.
IT and Systems
* Use and maintain digital tools (spreadsheets, shared drives, CRM, booking systems) to monitor programme delivery, budgets and performance.
Safeguarding & Compliance
* Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (or support DSL) and embed safeguarding best practices across activities.
* Keep up-to-date with policy changes, legislation and safeguarding standards.
Other opportunities
The Bioasis offers chances to contribute to wider company areas including marketing content, external partnerships, conferences and exhibitions.
Person Specification
* Recognised National Governing Body qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g., Mountain Leader, Paddlesport Touring Leader, IoL, NCFE Bushcraft, Environmental Education).
* At least 5 years in the outdoor education/leadership sector; at least 2 years in a managerial role.
* Experience in designing and delivering corporate team-building and/or leadership development programmes.
* Proven leadership and people management skills; strong organisational, problem-solving and communication abilities.
* Passion for connecting people to nature and delivering high-quality experiences.
* Experience with risk management and safe working practices in outdoor/educational settings.
* Digital skills for programme delivery, budget monitoring and team management.
* Valid driving licence and enhanced DBS check.
Beneficial
* Interest in regenerative land management, forestry, conservation, sustainability frameworks.
* Experience managing facilities and vehicles safely and efficiently.
* Knowledge of business development, marketing, communications and community engagement strategies.
* Safeguarding Lead experience or similar.
Key Attributes
* Collaborative, adaptable leader with a passion for nature-based environments.
* Proactive problem-solver balancing operational, educational and sustainability goals with empathy and clear communication.
* Commitment to an inclusive, safe, and inspiring learning environment.
* Middle-to-senior management experience in outdoor education or conservation.
* Excellent stakeholder communication and team leadership skills.
* Highly organised with adaptability to solve problems.
* Proactive, hands-on, able to work independently or as part of a team.
Mindset
Enthusiasm, patience, attention to detail, service orientation, team spirit and ambition to help The Bioasis grow.
Training
In-house training on procedures and systems; external training as required; annual CPD budget for staff development.
Contact and application
To apply, send your CV with a covering email outlining suitability to missioncontrol@thebioasis.com or call 01392 984878. Applicants must have UK working rights. DBS required due to work with children; safe recruitment procedures apply.
Closing date: 31 October; applications may be closed early if the right candidate is found.
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