Head of Outdoor Services

ST BEDE'S SCHOOL TRUST SUSSEX; Upper Dicker; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday + bank holidays (full‑

Company pension with salary exchange

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail Discounts

Aviva Digital GP app

Free onsite parking

Free gym & pool access

Eye care vouchers

Refer a Friend Scheme

Death in Service benefit

Complimentary lunch

Job summary

ST BEDE'S SCHOOL TRUST SUSSEX is seeking a dynamic Head of Outdoor Services for our Upper Dicker site. This on-site role leads safety, operations, and commercial activity to engage prep, senior, and summer school pupils across programmes.

The ideal candidate balances a safety-first mindset with strong commercial acumen, capable of recruiting and developing a permanent team and a pool of casual instructors. Responsibilities span risk management, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination with school

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing outdoor education operations.
• NGB qualifications (e.g., high ropes, archery, target sports).
• Experience managing casual instructional staff.

Responsibilities

• Operational Setup & Safety: Own health and safety compliance, risk assessments, SOPs and site maintenance.
• Commercial Growth: Drive B2B and residential bookings to meet revenue targets.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, onboard, and train permanent and casual staff using Safer Recruitment.
• Financial Rigour: Manage budgets and CapEx, including equipment procurement and safety checks.
• Relationship Management: Liaise with external partners and internal departments to maximise site use.

Skills

Safety & Compliance

Commercial Acumen

Leadership

Adaptability

Scheduling

Logistics

Education

NGB qualifications

Job description

Head of Outdoor Services

Vacancy Type: Permanent/Full Time

Location: Upper Dicker

School: Senior School

Application Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2026

This is a dynamic, hands‑on leadership position responsible for safely launching and managing operations at a partnered site. You will balance commercial revenue targets with the internal educational enrichment of our prep, senior, and summer school pupils.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Setup & Safety: Take absolute ownership of all instructional Health and Safety compliance, managing Risk Assessments, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and site maintenance.
• Commercial Growth: Drive the booking pipeline to secure visiting prep schools for 3‑day and 5‑day residentials, aiming to meet or exceed ambitious Year 1‑5 revenue targets.
• Team Leadership: Lead the end‑to‑end recruitment, onboarding, and training of a Chief Instructor, Administrator, and a scalable Casual Instructor Pool using Safer Recruitment protocols.
• Financial Rigour: Manage operational and CapEx budgets, including the procurement and safety‑checking of specialist equipment (High Ropes, Archery, Air Rifles).
• Relationship Management: Serve as the primary liaison with the Eastbourne District Scout Council and internal school departments to maximise site utilisation and brand exposure.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an entrepreneurial, highly organised individual who balances a safety‑first mentality with strong commercial acumen. You should possess:

• Safety & Compliance: Meticulous attention to detail regarding risk assessments, NGB standards, and safeguarding.
• Commercial Acumen: A proactive approach to building a sales pipeline, marketing B2B residentials, and generating revenue.
• Leadership Experience: The ability to recruit, train, appraise, and inspire a permanent team and a large casual workforce.
• Adaptability: The capacity to manage complex scheduling and logistical challenges across multiple sites in a fast‑paced outdoor environment.

Requirements

• Essential: Extensive experience managing outdoor education operations; relevant National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications (e.g., high ropes, target sports); experience managing casual instructional staff.
• Desirable: Proven experience managing operational budgets, CapEx procurement, and driving B2B residential bookings within the education sector.

Location: Based at Bede’s Senior School and surrounding areas. This role is entirely on‑site and does not offer remote work.

This is a Full Time, Permanent position, working Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (with flexibility required for weekend/evening residential cover during peak operational seasons).

We will be offering an attractive salary along with a range of staff benefits including:

• A fantastic holiday allowance of 30 days plus bank holidays (full time equivalent)

• A generous company pension with salary exchange options

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Retail Discounts

• Aviva Digital GP app - swift and convenient access to a GP via video consultation

• Free use of School gym & pool facilities/discounted nationwide gym membership

• Eye care vouchers

• Refer a Friend Scheme

• Beneficiary Nominations (Death in Service)

• Complimentary Lunch provided

• Free onsite parking at the Senior School.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [e-mail].

Please note that we are unable to accept CVs; applicants must add their full education and employment history to their application.

Application Closing Date: Monday 12th October 2026 at 8am.

Bede’s Trust is committed to building a truly inclusive school and cultivating a culture of equality, diversity and kindness. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our students and wider society. We are an equal opportunity employer and in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expressions, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.

Bede’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.

Job Profile document