To appy: Please send your CV and a cover letter to
Your covering letter should be no more than two sides of A4 and clearly explain why you are applying for the role of Head of Operations at The Adventure Service. Show how your skills and experience align with our vision, mission, and values, giving real examples of leadership, operational management, and team development. Highlight your knowledge of compliance and quality standards (CQC, Ofsted, AALA, safeguarding), and provide evidence of managing change, service growth, and budgets.
Reflect your personal values—team spirit, communication, integrity, passion, and positive risk taking—and demonstrate how you will bring "Achieving Potential Through Adventure" to life for our staff and Adventurers.
Confirm your flexibility, willingness to travel, and commitment to training and development, and end with a strong statement of enthusiasm and commitment to supporting our growth and success.
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week. Given the operational nature of the role, there is an expectation that the postholder will provide out-of-hours availability, including:
* Acting as the weekend emergency contact for the Short Breaks service on a rota or agreed basis.
* Attending occasional evening meetings or training sessions as required.
Flexibility is essential to ensure the smooth running of services and to support the needs of the organisation.
About The Adventure Service
At The Adventure Service, everything we do is in service of our vision: "Achieving Potential Through Adventure." We believe every individual—regardless of perceived ability—deserves the chance to grow, explore, and thrive. Our mission is to deliver high-quality outdoor learning, promote inclusion, encourage independence, and build self-confidence through safe and adventurous experiences.
Now we're looking for the right person to join our team. If you have the skills, passion, and energy to complement what we offer, this is your chance to make a real difference. Step into a role where your expertise will help others achieve their potential—and where every day brings new challenges, new rewards, and new adventures.
Vision Statement
Achieving Potential Through Adventure
Mission
We aim to be the best in the business at aiding people to grow in confidence by 'Achieving Potential Through Adventure'. We also aim to promote inclusion, encourage independence and build self-confidence through the safe provision of adventurous activities.
Values
- We create team spirit through positivity, support, feedback and fun.
- We actively communicate by listening and sharing information with others.
- We are adventurous by embracing change and challenging the status quo.
- We take responsibility and act with honesty and integrity.
- We are passionate, determined and proud of what we do.
- We promote learning through positive risk taking.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Operations is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at The Adventure Service Ltd.
The postholder will lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation, ensuring services run safely, effectively, and in line with regulatory standards.
This new leadership role will provide strategic operational direction across our Day Service, Short Breaks, and Trailblazers programmes, supporting our growth and commitment to inclusive outdoor learning for adults with additional needs.
The Head of Operations will work collaboratively with the Managing Director and the wider SLT to ensure staff teams are well supported, services meet high standards of care and compliance, and operational systems are efficient, robust, and sustainable.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Leadership
- Act as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of The Adventure Service.
- Work in partnership with the Managing Director and SLT to shape organisational development, business growth, and long-term sustainability.
- Represent the organisation internally and externally, modelling professionalism, inclusion, and values-led leadership.
Operational Leadership
- Lead the daily operations across all services, ensuring smooth delivery and high standards.
- Oversee staff rotas, service scheduling, and property/site management.
- Implement effective systems for monitoring and improving service quality.
Compliance & Quality
- Ensure compliance with County Councils Contracts, CQC, Ofsted, Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and other regulatory frameworks.
- Lead on risk assessments, incident reporting, and quality assurance.
- Prepare for inspections, audits, and contractual monitoring.
People & Team Development
- Line managers service managers and staff teams, providing guidance, supervision, and performance management.
- Support staff recruitment, induction, and training programmes.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional culture across all sites.
Finance & Resources
- Support the Managing Director and Head of Business Functions with budget management, forecasting, and operational cost control.
- Ensure effective use of vehicles, equipment, and sites.
- Monitor occupancy and resource allocation to meet financial targets.
Growth & Development
- Support the Managing Director and SLT in the development of new services, property acquisitions, and expansion projects.
- Lead change management, embedding new systems and processes effectively.
- Collaborate closely with the Senior Leadership Team to further develop business strategy, drive innovation, and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Represent The Adventure Service at external forums, local authority meetings, and sector events as required.
The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the role, in keeping with The Adventure Service's values of inclusion, independence, confidence, and adventure, and as reasonably requested by the line manager.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven leadership experience in operations management
- Experience managing multi-site teams, staff rotas, and operational systems.
- Financial awareness with experience of budget management and resource planning.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build strong working relationships with staff, service users, families, commissioners, and external partners.
- Commitment to the Vision, Mission and Values of The Adventure Service.
- Willingness to undertake further training and development as required by the role.
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel across service sites.
Desirable
* Strong working knowledge of within social care, education, or outdoor/adventure learning. - CQC standards and compliance frameworks (Health & Safety, Safeguarding, GDPR, AALA).
* Outdoor qualifications (e.g., NGB awards) or strong understanding of outdoor/adventure learning.
* Experience working with adults with learning disabilities, autism, or additional needs.
* Experience of leading service growth projects (e.g., new sites, new contracts, property development).
Closing Date: 7th November
Group Interview scheduled: 26th November
Formal Interview: 3rd December
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
Language:
* fluent English (required)
Work Location: In person