Centre Manager - Fife

Outdoor Learning; Dunfermline; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Scout Adventures Fordell Firs in Dunfermline seeks an experienced Centre Manager to lead day-to-day operations, develop the business and inspire staff and volunteers. You will ensure high-quality outdoor programmes, superb customer experiences and safe, compliant delivery.

The role requires strong leadership, commercial acumen, and a commitment to the aims and values of Scouts Scotland. 40 hours per week with flexible evenings and weekends; salary £35,000–£37,000 per annum, depending on

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of best practice in outdoor learning and adventure.
• Experience in an outdoor education centre or Scouting activity centre.
• Proven track record of delivering excellent customer service and achieving business targets.
• Strong commercial awareness, financial literacy and budget management.
• Experience of line managing, developing and motivating staff.
• Ability to build relationships with customers, volunteers and partners.
• Excellent communication, networking, presentation and organisational skills.
• Proactive, adaptable with problem solving and priorities management.
• Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Empathy with and commitment to Scout Scotland aims and values.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the centre, including staff, budgets and resources.
• Lead, develop and inspire staff and volunteers, building a positive culture that reflects Scout Scotland’s values.
• Collaborate with Active Support Volunteer teams and other colleagues across the organisation.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality programmes, activities and customer experiences.
• Develop and implement the centre’s operational plan aligned with organisational priorities.
• Identify opportunities to increase bookings and income from Scouting and non-Scouting customers.
• Develop new programmes, events and activities to meet customer needs and create growth.
• Build relationships with existing customers to encourage repeat visits and referrals.
• Promote the centre through outreach, schools, events and networks.
• Manage budgets and monitor financial performance against targets.
• Contribute to site development and facilities improvements.
• Champion safety, quality and compliance with policies and standards.

Skills

Outdoor leadership

Leadership

Customer service

Budget management

Staff development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Outdoor recreation or leisure management qualification

Job description

Centre Manager at Scout AdventuresFordell Firs

Lead outdoor adventure. Inspire people. Grow our impact.

Are you passionate about outdoor learning and adventure, with the leadership skills and commercial drive to take an outdoor centre to the next level?

Scouts Scotland is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Centre Manager to lead Scout Adventures Fordell Firs. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a much-loved outdoor activity centre, creating exceptional experiences for Scouts and non-Scouts alike.

You’ll lead the day-to-day running of the centre, grow its business, inspire a team of staff and volunteers, and ensure Fordell Firs continues to deliver high-quality programmes and memorable outdoor experiences. You’ll combine a passion for adventure with strong business acumen, a commitment to excellent customer service and the ability to turn strategic plans into meaningful results.

If you’re a confident leader who thrives on developing people, building relationships and creating opportunities for others to learn and grow, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

As Centre Manager, you’ll be responsible for the overall performance, development and success of Scout Adventures Fordell Firs. You’ll balance operational leadership with business development, financial management, customer experience and the continued improvement of our facilities and activities.

Working closely with colleagues across Scouts Scotland, volunteers, customers and external partners, you’ll ensure the centre remains a welcoming, safe and inspiring place for adventure, challenge and learning.

Salary: £35,000–£37,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Location: Scout Adventures Fordell Firs, Dunfermline
Hours: 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as required
Contract: Full-time

What you’ll be doing

Leading people and operations

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the centre, including staff, budgets and resources.
• Lead, develop and inspire staff and volunteers, building a positive culture that reflects Scouts Scotland’s values.
• Work collaboratively with Active Support Volunteer teams, Marquee Hire Service teams and colleagues across the organisation.
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality programmes, activities and customer experiences.
• Develop and implement the centre’s operational plan, supporting wider organisational priorities.

Growing the business

• Identify opportunities to increase bookings and income from both Scouting and non-Scouting customers.
• Develop new programmes, events and activities that meet customer needs and create opportunities for growth.
• Build strong relationships with existing customers, encouraging repeat visits and recommendations.
• Promote the centre through outreach, networking, schools, Scouting events and outdoor industry networks.
• Manage budgets, monitor financial performance and deliver income targets within agreed expenditure limits.

Developing the centre

• Contribute to future site development plans, ensuring our facilities and activities continue to meet the needs of our customers.
• Oversee maintenance, repairs and refurbishment of buildings, accommodation and activity infrastructure.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement across the centre’s offer.
• Maintain strong relationships with the local community and external stakeholders.

Championing safety and quality

• Ensure all activities and operations meet the required health, safety and quality standards.
• Maintain the centre’s AALA accreditation and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, industry standards and Scouts Scotland policies.
• Implement effective systems and procedures to support safe, consistent and high‑quality delivery.
• Monitor performance and provide regular reports to the Head of Outdoors and Adventure.

About you

You’ll be a motivated and commercially minded leader with a genuine passion for outdoor learning and adventure. You’ll understand how to create excellent customer experiences while managing the practical, financial and operational demands of a busy outdoor centre.

You’ll bring experience of leading people, developing business opportunities and working with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll also be comfortable working collaboratively with volunteers and understand the important role volunteering plays in the success of the Scouting movement.

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge of best practice in outdoor learning and adventure.
• Experience working in an outdoor education centre or Scouting activity centre.
• A proven track record of delivering excellent customer service and achieving business targets.
• Strong commercial awareness, financial literacy and experience of budget management.
• Experience of line managing, developing and motivating staff.
• The ability to build effective relationships with customers, volunteers and external partners.
• Excellent communication, networking, presentation and organisational skills.
• A proactive, adaptable approach, with the ability to solve problems and manage competing priorities.
• A commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• An empathy with and commitment to the aims and values of Scouts Scotland.

Experience of project management, working with volunteers, and understanding AALA requirements would also be beneficial. Qualifications in outdoor recreation, business management or leisure management are desirable.

A current driving licence and D1 minibus driving licence are essential for the role.

You’ll also need to be comfortable working flexibly, including evenings, weekends and occasional short periods away from home.

Application deadline: 12 noon, Thursday 26 November 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Interview location: Scout Adventures Fordell Firs, Dunfermline

We want our recruitment and interview process to be as inclusive as possible. If you have any specific requirements or would prefer to submit your application in an alternative format, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

We know that we achieve more when people with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives work together. While we recognise that our workforce does not yet fully reflect the diversity of our Movement and society, we are actively working to change this.

We warmly encourage applications from everyone, irrespective of gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability.

All employees are expected to comply with Scouts Scotland policies, including safeguarding and Yellow Card requirements, GDPR and data protection, health and safety, and equal opportunities.