General Manager / Operations Director – Multi-Site Adventure & Experience Operations

Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition; Manchester; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A prominent adventure and lifestyle company is seeking an Operational General Manager to lead and optimize multi-destination operations in the UAE. This role involves enhancing operational performance across watersports and adventure centres, ensuring standards of safety and quality, and driving growth. The ideal candidate will have 10-15+ years of experience in hospitality or tourism, a strong P&L background, and a proven ability to build high-performing teams. This opportunity includes leading a dynamic operations ecosystem that scales new standards for guest experiences.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years leading complex, multi-site operations in hospitality, tourism, leisure or entertainment.
• Proven track record in scaling operations, building teams and driving transformation.
• International and / or GCC experience is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site operations across watersports, diving and adventure centres.
• Convert strategy into actionable operational plans and stretch targets.
• Oversee financial performance, P&Ls, budgets, revenue growth and cost control.

Skills

Strong P&L ownership

Commercial acumen

Leadership and team building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Sports / Leisure or similar

MBA preferred

Job description

Operational General Manager – Multi-Site Adventure & Experience Operations

Location : United Arab Emirates

Company : Leading Emirates Adventure, Watersports & Entertainment Operator

About the Company

Our client is one of the region’s fastest-growing adventure and lifestyle experience operators, running 20+ watersports, diving, adventure and entertainment centres across the country and other emerging destinations. Partnering with top-tier hotels and resorts, the business is entering its next phase of expansion—scaling operations, elevating guest experience, and setting new standards for world-class adventure tourism in the region.

The Role

We’re seeking a hands-on Operational General Manager to lead and optimise a multi-destination operations ecosystem. You’ll own day-to-day performance, build high-performing site teams, strengthen processes, and drive sustainable growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site operations across watersports, diving and adventure centres.
• Convert strategy into actionable operational plans and stretch targets.
• Build a decentralised, empowered management structure with strong governance.
• Ensure world-class safety, quality, and guest experience standards.
• Drive operational consistency, reporting, SOPs, KPIs, and training frameworks.
• Oversee financial performance, P&Ls, budgets, revenue growth and cost control.
• Identify new commercial opportunities, partnerships and expansion plays.
• Inspire, mentor and develop diverse teams and future leaders.
• Introduce new technologies, operating models and guest experience innovations.
• Represent the organisation with government partners and industry stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Sports / Leisure or similar (MBA preferred).
• 10–15+ years leading complex, multi-site operations in hospitality, tourism, leisure or entertainment.
• Strong P&L ownership and commercial acumen.
• Proven track record in scaling operations, building teams and driving transformation.
• International and / or GCC experience is an advantage.
• A people-first leader: empowering, collaborative, and operationally rigorous.