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

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

Job summary

A major adventure tourism operator is seeking an experienced Operational General Manager to oversee multi-site operations. The role involves leading a diverse team, driving operational excellence, and enhancing guest experience across water sports, diving and adventure centers. Candidates should have a strong background in hospitality or leisure management, extensive P&L responsibility, and a proven track record in scaling operations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of adventure tourism in the region.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site operations across watersports, diving and adventure centres.
• Ensure world-class safety, quality, and guest experience standards.
• Identify new commercial opportunities, partnerships and expansion plays.

Skills

Leadership

P&L Management

Operational Excellence

Team Development

Commercial Acumen

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.