Here at Plas y Brenin, we are seeking an experienced operational leader with a passion for the outdoors to join us as our Director of Operations. You’ll bring proven experience managing outdoor centres or similar environments, helping us deliver exceptional experiences in the heart of Snowdonia.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

Salary: Up to £65,000 

Location: Capel Curig, Snowdonia (on-site)  

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time  

Key Purpose: 

In this role, you will inspire and guide our Operational teams to deliver exceptional visitor experiences. You will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of our operations while playing a key role in strategic planning, capital investment, and organisational change. 

As a senior leader, you will oversee cross-departmental coordination and drive performance across key operational areas, including people, finance, safeguarding, and stakeholder relationships. You’ll work closely with the SLT to ensure the delivery of high-quality services, manage budgets and KPIs, and promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

We’re looking for someone with strong experience in people and financial management, gained in the outdoor activity sector or a National Governing Body. You will be an inspiring leader who can bring others with you, helping to embed our values and vision across the organisation and championing a culture where people feel supported and motivated to do their best work. 

You may have previously worked as a Head of Operations, Regional or Centre Manager in the Outdoor Sector, bringing a real passion for the outdoors, a strategic mindset, and the ability to get things done. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership and direction for on-site Operational Managers to ensure smooth and efficient centre operations. 
• Ensure delivery of consistently high standards across catering, housekeeping, maintenance, and guest services. 
• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, safeguarding, and relevant licensing regulations. 
• Lead budget setting, financial forecasting, and cost control across operational departments. 
• Be the point of contact for people-related escalations, supporting the People team and driving positive company culture.  
• Drive a consistent, high-quality guest experience across all services, ensuring alignment with Plas y Brenin's values. 
• Identify and implement commercial opportunities on-site, such as events, retail, or enhanced hospitality packages, to increase revenue and visitor engagement. 
• Lead on operational input into contract negotiations and capital projects. 
• Support the CEO with strategic initiatives, funding bids, and organisational representation. 
• Manage the operational relationship with Sport England, delivering in a timely manner the narrative and commentary on business performance as required. 
• Foster collaboration and communication across all departments, promoting a culture of continuous improvement. 
• Represent Plas y Brenin with external stakeholders and partners to support contract delivery, compliance, and long-term strategic aims. 

Person Specification 

Essential: 

• Proven senior-level leadership in a multi-departmental operations role, preferably in the Outdoor Sector (e.g. outdoor centre or high-volume education facility). 
• Strong track record in leading diverse teams, including finance, HR, facilities, and hospitality. 
• Budgetary and commercial acumen, including cost control and financial planning. 
• Experience with health & safety, safeguarding, and compliance frameworks. 
• Qualified to Safeguarding Lead level, or willing to complete training 
• Effective communicator with the ability to represent the organisation externally. 
• Strong project/change management skills and comfort working in complex or evolving environments. 

Desirable:

• Experience supporting strategic partnerships, working with funding bodies and NGBs. 
• Exposure to startup or scale-up environments. 
• Managerial experience of subcontractors or shared service relationships. 
• Experience in a Managing Director, C-Suite or SLT role.  
• Outdoor Qualifications, this could be in Mountaineering or Paddle, we are keen to hear about your passions 

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or have accessibility needs, please contact us. We are committed to ensuring a fair and supportive experience for all applicants.