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

Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading adventure and entertainment operator is looking for an Operational General Manager to lead multiple destination operations. The ideal candidate will possess 10-15 years of experience in hospitality or entertainment, with strong P&L ownership and a proven track record in scaling operations. This role involves ensuring high standards of guest experience, financial performance, and team development in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years leading multi-site operations in hospitality, tourism, leisure, or entertainment.
• Strong commercial acumen and track record in transformation.
• International and/or GCC experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations across multiple adventure centres.
• Ensure world-class safety and guest experience standards.
• Oversee financial performance and growth strategies.

Skills

P&L ownership

Team building

Operational excellence

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Sports/Leisure

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.