Head of Operations (Operations Manager)

BUXTON CIVIC ASSOCIATION; Buxton; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a leading visitor attraction in Buxton, where you'll lead operations at Poole’s Cavern. This pivotal role offers the chance to inspire a passionate team, drive commercial success, and create memorable visitor experiences. With ambitious plans for growth, you'll be at the heart of enhancing the region's natural heritage while ensuring sustainability. Enjoy a supportive work environment with a fantastic benefits package, including generous holiday, pension, and training opportunities. Make a lasting impact in a beautiful town known for its charm and community spirit.

Benefits

30 days holiday

Pension

Staff discounts

Free parking

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operations at a busy visitor attraction.
• Demonstrated success in managing and leading multifaceted teams.
• Commitment to heritage and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead teams across custodians, retail, and catering.
• Drive commercial success across all revenue streams.
• Shape strategic plans for audience engagement and conservation.

Skills

Leadership

Team Building

Commercial Acumen

Visitor Experience Management

Strategic Planning

Community Engagement

Job description

Lead the next chapter at Buxton's top visitor attraction!

Head of Operations – Poole’s Cavern | Buxton Civic Association (BCA)

Salary: c.£40,000 | Full-time | Permanent | Based in Buxton, Derbyshire

Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for delivering unforgettable visitor experiences? Do you have the commercial acumen to turn heritage into thriving business opportunities? Then we want to hear from you!

Buxton Civic Association (BCA) is on an exciting journey and we’re looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking Head of Operations to join us at the helm of Poole’s Cavern, our flagship visitor site attracting over 50,000 guests annually.

This is a pivotal leadership role where no two days are the same. You'll drive the operational excellence of our stunning natural showcave and surrounding SSSI-listed woodlands, motivate a team of 30+, and lead a mission of continuous improvement, innovation, and growth.

We’re not just any charity. We also strive toprotect Buxton’s natural and built heritage while delivering exceptional visitor experiences. Now, we’re investing in the future with new branding, major capital redevelopment, and enhanced digital and on-site experiences. And you’ll be central to making it happen.

What You'll Do:

• Inspire, develop, and lead teams across custodians, retail, and catering.
• Create outstanding, memorable visitor experiences that keep people coming back.
• Drive commercial success across all revenue streams: retail, catering, events, and memberships.
• Shape and implement strategic plans for audience engagement, education, and conservation.
• Lead from the front, with high visibility and energy, championing operational excellence.

What You Bring:

• Proven experience leading operations at a busy visitor attraction (footfall over 30,000+).
• Demonstrated success in managing and leading multifaceted teams.
• A flair for leadership, team-building, and motivating others to excel.
• Sharp commercial instincts; comfortable with income targets and business planning.
• A creative mindset with the drive to develop new experiences and initiatives.
• A deep commitment to heritage, conservation, and community engagement.

Why Join Us?

• Be at the heart of one of the UK’s most beautiful towns—Buxton, a Sunday Times Best Places to Live pick.
• Enjoy the opportunity to shape a leading regional attraction with ambitious plans for growth.
• Work with a passionate, supportive team in an organisation where your voice matters.
• Access to a fantastic benefits package including 30 days holiday, pension, staff discounts, free parking, and training opportunities.

This is your chance to make a lasting impact, leading a site of international geological significance while ensuring it thrives commercially and culturally

To Apply

Application details can be found in the recruitment pack below, please ensure you also complete and return ourEquality Monitoring Form with your application.

Recruitment Pack
Equality Monitoring Form