Canal Operations Manager

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; England; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority is seeking a Canal Operations Manager to oversee the operations of the Basingstoke Canal. This role requires strong leadership skills, a degree in a related field, and experience in land management. The position offers a competitive salary and promotes a great work-life balance, with a focus on teamwork and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Proven track record of managing, motivating and developing a team.
• Thorough knowledge of Health & Safety and its application.
• Excellent communication skills with stakeholders.
• Experience of budget management and IT literacy.

Responsibilities

• Plan and ensure safe operation of the Canal.
• Lead and develop operational staff of the BCA.
• Engage with volunteers and voluntary organisations.
• Support on-duty staff in case of emergencies.

Skills

Countryside or environmental management

Civil engineering knowledge

Team management

Health & Safety knowledge

Communication skills

Budget management

IT literacy

Education

Degree in countryside or environmental management, civil engineering, or related

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Job Reference: HCC621730
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

Passionate about managing our precious inland waterways for public access, navigation and conservation? We are looking for a well organised leader for our team managing the operations of the Basingstoke Canal.

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

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and .

Additional Information:

Canal Manager

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

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

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.