Canal Operations Manager

Hampshire County Council; Aldershot; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Basingstoke Canal Authority seeks a Canal Operations Manager to oversee planning and operations of the canal. This crucial role involves leading the operational team, managing volunteers, and ensuring safety standards while providing a key recreational resource for the community. The candidate must have a degree in relevant fields and extensive management experience.

Qualifications

• Extensive countryside/land management experience and inland waterway knowledge is advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence required.
• Excellent communication skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan and ensure safe operation of the Canal.
• Lead and develop operational staff and volunteers.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the BCA.

Skills

Communication

Team Management

Health & Safety Knowledge

Budget Management

Education

Degree in countryside or environmental management

Degree in civil engineering

Job description

Salary Range: £47,430 - £52,735 per annum
Work Location: The Basingstoke Canal Centre, Aldershot
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 25 July 2025

The Role:

The 32-mile-long Basingstoke Canal is a largely tree lined and tranquil navigable waterway providing an important recreational resource both on the towpath and on the water. Crossing through Hampshire and Surrey, it is a designated SSSI. With 29 Locks and numerous bridges, structures and embankments, the 230-year-old canal demands constant attention.
The Canal is managed by a local authority partnership known as the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA) who carry out day to day operations for the owners; Surrey and Hampshire County Councils.

What you’ll do:

The Canal Operations Manager is a key role in planning and ensuring safe and effective operation of the Canal and will be responsible for the operational work programmes of the BCA. The postholder will lead and develop the operational staff of the BCA and be instrumental in successful engagement with volunteers and voluntary organisations – particularly the Basingstoke Canal Society and Inland Waterways Association.

The post is based at the Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre at Mytchett, near Camberley, Surrey but the post holder is expected to work both in the office and at home in a flexible manner. Travel is expected around the Canal site and to other sites or offices in Surrey and Hampshire as required.
The postholder will generally work office hours, but on occasion will be required to work evenings or weekends including covering out of hours cover and be available to support on-duty staff in the case of an emergency.

What we’re looking for:

• A degree in countryside or environmental management, rural or urban estate management, civil engineering, or other related discipline
• Full UK driving licence with access to own vehicle
• Extensive countryside/land management experience – some inland waterway or civil engineering knowledge is an advantage
• A proven track record of managing, motivating and developing a team
• A thorough knowledge of Health & Safety and how to apply it in practice
• Excellent communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders, especially working with partnerships or volunteers
• Experience of budget management and to be completely IT literate with standard office software

Additional Information:

Canal Manager Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

James Taylor, Strategic Manager – Basingstoke Canal on 0370 779 5594

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